Job Description
Position(s): Non-Staff Consultation
Organization: FAO
Deadline: Ongoing
In a world where meaningful work is increasingly sought after, opportunities that allow professionals to contribute to sustainable development, global food security, and the eradication of hunger are both inspiring and impactful. For those who are passionate about making a difference in international development and agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is currently offering a unique gateway into the field through non-staff consultation roles.
As of early 2025, FAO is hiring for 82 non-staff positions across various departments and geographical locations. These roles span technical assistance, field operations, policy development, communication, project support, and more. While the specific job titles vary, the key thread is that they are structured as non-staff consultation opportunities, which provide flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to work at the forefront of global change.
Let’s explore what these non-staff consultation roles mean, why they’re essential, and how you can position yourself to become part of the FAO’s global mission.
🌍 Understanding Non-Staff Consultation at FAO
The term non-staff consultation may be unfamiliar to some, but within the UN and international development landscape, it refers to contractual roles offered to individuals on a temporary basis. These individuals are brought on board as consultants, service providers, or individual contractors—not as full-time, permanent employees.
Non-staff consultations at FAO are typically:
- Time-bound, often aligned with specific project timelines or funding cycles.
- Task-specific, focusing on clear deliverables or short-to-medium term objectives.
- Flexible, with opportunities for remote work or assignments in regional and field offices.
- Diverse, spanning everything from technical agriculture expertise to communications, climate change, finance, gender development, and capacity building.
These roles allow FAO to scale expertise quickly in response to emerging crises, evolving project needs, and new strategic priorities. For professionals, it’s a compelling way to gain hands-on experience in international development, contribute to critical global challenges, and build a UN-aligned portfolio.
🔑 Why FAO’s Non-Staff Consultation Roles Matter
FAO plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, eliminating hunger, and improving food systems worldwide. With projects active in more than 130 countries, its mandate spans food security, climate-smart agriculture, forestry, fisheries, nutrition, water management, and rural development.
To tackle these multifaceted issues, FAO increasingly relies on expert consultants and contractors who can offer specialized knowledge and support across its strategic domains.
Some of the reasons why FAO’s non-staff consultation roles are significant include:
1. Rapid Response to Global Challenges
FAO’s work often intersects with urgent humanitarian needs—natural disasters, droughts, pest outbreaks, or conflict-driven food insecurity. Non-staff consultants allow FAO to mobilize expertise quickly, deploying professionals with specific skills to regions where they are most needed.
2. Support for Innovation and Research
FAO is actively involved in digital agriculture, AI in food systems, sustainable land use technologies, and more. Non-staff consultations bring in researchers, data analysts, and tech specialists who contribute to FAO’s growing body of innovation-driven projects.
3. Capacity Building
From rural farming communities to national policy ministries, FAO consultants help design and deliver training, policy advice, and institutional support that builds long-term capacity in host countries.
📌 Who Should Apply for Non-Staff Opportunities at FAO?
FAO’s non-staff roles are open to a wide range of professionals, not just those with agricultural backgrounds. The organization seeks individuals with strong academic credentials, international work experience, and a commitment to development goals.
Here’s what makes a strong candidate:
- Academic background in agriculture, environmental sciences, economics, social sciences, data science, public health, or international relations.
- Relevant work experience in development projects, policy consulting, field operations, or research.
- Multilingual capabilities, particularly in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
- Adaptability and willingness to work in multicultural environments or under challenging field conditions.
While previous UN experience is an asset, it is not a strict requirement. FAO frequently recruits young professionals, mid-career specialists, and even retired experts looking to contribute their knowledge on a contractual basis.
🌐 Global Locations, Global Impact
These non-staff consultation opportunities are distributed across FAO’s headquarters in Rome, regional offices (such as in Accra, Cairo, Bangkok, and Santiago), sub-regional hubs, and field offices in developing nations. This geographical diversity offers applicants the chance to work both remotely and on-site, depending on the specific needs of the role.
Working with FAO offers unparalleled exposure to:
- Multi-country projects
- Policy influence at national and international levels
- Collaborative work with governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies
- Cross-disciplinary teamwork with global experts
Whether you are interested in digital farming technologies in Southeast Asia, food security resilience in West Africa, or biodiversity projects in Latin America, there’s a place where your skills can make a difference.
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💡 Benefits of Working in Non-Staff Roles
Choosing a non-staff consultation role over a traditional employment path comes with several advantages:
✅ Professional Flexibility
Consultants can often choose specific projects, define deliverables, and negotiate timelines that align with their career goals.
🌱 Meaningful Impact
You contribute to projects that directly impact the lives of smallholder farmers, vulnerable populations, and future generations facing climate challenges.
🌍 International Exposure
Consultants often work on multi-regional assignments, enhancing their professional networks and understanding of global development systems.
📈 Career Advancement
Many professionals use FAO consultancy roles as a launchpad to long-term UN careers or to deepen expertise in international project management.
🔍 How to Find and Apply for FAO Non-Staff Consultation Roles
If you’re searching for non-staff consultation opportunities with FAO, the best place to start is the FAO Careers Portal. The site allows you to filter positions by contract type, location, and area of expertise.
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Tips for a strong application:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasize experience relevant to FAO’s mandate.
- Highlight project-based work, international exposure, and outcomes you’ve achieved.
- Use the keywords “non-staff consultation” in your application to align with the posting terminology.
- Submit early—FAO positions often close quickly, especially for field-based consultancies.
📣 Final Thoughts: FAO’s Call to Global Talent
At a time when food systems are under strain from climate change, war, and economic instability, the work of organizations like FAO is more critical than ever. By hiring 82 non-staff consultants, FAO is not just filling vacancies—it’s building a coalition of experts ready to confront the most urgent challenges of our time.
For skilled professionals eager to step into a dynamic, purpose-driven role, these non-staff consultation opportunities represent a chance to leave a global footprint. Whether you’re a seasoned specialist or a rising star in your field, there is a place for you at the table of global food security and sustainable development.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to join the UN system and contribute your knowledge to causes that matter—this is it.
