Assistant Representative (Programme) 2025: The FAO has announced a new opportunity for professionals passionate about agricultural development, food security, and rural transformation. The position of Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) is now open in Beirut, Lebanon, under Vacancy Announcement: 2502099. This national-level professional officer role is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension, offering the chance to contribute directly to FAO’s mission of creating more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Applications close on 17 September 2025.
FAO’s Mission and Context in Lebanon
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO plays a critical role in supporting global and national priorities aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Organization’s Strategic Framework focuses on transforming agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The overarching goal is to achieve “better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind.”
In Lebanon, FAO operates under its Country Programming Framework (CPF), implementing projects across agriculture, food systems, natural resource management, and rural development. Lebanon faces unique challenges due to economic instability, climate change impacts, and food insecurity, making FAO’s role particularly vital. To strengthen its operations, FAO Lebanon seeks an experienced professional who can provide leadership and support within its programme unit.
Role Overview
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be based at the FAO Representation in Beirut and will report directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR). The position focuses on programme development, operational support, and coordination. Candidates are expected to bring in-depth knowledge of local institutions, culture, and socio-economic conditions to ensure programmes are relevant and effective.
The key result of this role is to ensure the effective and efficient management of technical and operational support for FAO’s projects and programmes in Lebanon.
Main Responsibilities
The incumbent will play a diverse role that combines technical expertise, programme management, and stakeholder engagement. Key functions include:
- Government and institutional liaison: Coordinating with national authorities, local institutions, and international partners, and representing FAO in inter-agency meetings when required.
- Advocacy and visibility: Promoting FAO’s mandate and activities through communication tools, press releases, publications, and awareness campaigns. Supporting implementation of FAO’s regulatory frameworks, including food safety and sustainable resource management.
- Data management and analysis: Collecting, consolidating, and maintaining country-level data on agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, and external aid to inform policy and programming.
- Policy and strategy development: Contributing to technical and economic studies, the formulation of the Country Programming Framework, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
- Programme and project management: Supporting identification, formulation, and preparation of proposals; monitoring implementation; addressing delays; and recommending corrective measures.
- Team leadership: Supervising and training programme staff, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and accuracy of work.
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Candidate Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a national of Lebanon.
- Hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural development, economics, business administration, or international relations.
- Have at least five years of relevant professional experience in programme planning, technical cooperation, or project implementation in areas related to FAO’s mandate.
- Possess working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and Arabic.
In addition, knowledge of French is considered desirable.
Assistant Representative (Programme) Competencies and Skills
FAO emphasizes both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. The organization expects the selected candidate to demonstrate:
- Results focus and the ability to deliver under pressure.
- Strong skills in teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships.
- Experience in programme and project development and management.
- Ability to conduct policy analysis in food and agriculture.
- Competence in collecting and analyzing agricultural and food security data.
Terms of Appointment
The position is classified at the N-3 level for National Professional Officers. Appointments are on a fixed-term basis of two years, renewable subject to performance and organizational needs. However, total service in this role cannot exceed ten years.
FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, aligned with UN salary scales. Additional benefits include family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive organizational culture built on inclusivity, diversity, and integrity.
It is important to note that staff in this category are recruited locally and paid according to a local salary scale. Appointments are also subject to medical clearance, residency requirements, and security checks.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply online through FAO’s recruitment portal. Applicants are required to complete an online profile that accurately reflects their educational background, professional experience, and language skills. A letter of motivation should also be attached. Only applications submitted via FAO’s portal will be considered.
FAO strongly encourages applicants to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates may also be requested to provide references, past performance evaluations, and background checks as part of the selection process.
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Final Thoughts
This vacancy offers a rare opportunity for Lebanese professionals to work with the world’s leading organization in food and agriculture. The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) position is more than just a job—it is a chance to contribute to building food security, resilience, and sustainable development in Lebanon, while being part of the broader UN family.
The closing date for applications is 17 September 2025. Candidates who meet the qualifications and share FAO’s commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and sustainability are encouraged to apply and take part in shaping a better future for Lebanon’s agrifood systems.
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