The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is launching its Junior
Professional Programme (JPP) and seeks candidates with experience in one or more of the
following fields: economics, animal science, agricultural economics, plant and soil science,
rural sociology, fisheries, forestry, land tenure, emergency coordination, human resource
management, administration, finance, information technology, or another area related to
FAO’s work.
Designed for exceptionally qualified and motivated candidates, the Junior Professional
Programme provides fifteen Junior Professionals under the age of 32 an opportunity to gain
valuable experience in the United Nations System. Each Junior Professional will also be
assigned a mentor, a senior FAO staff member who will provide guidance and informal
feedback throughout their assignment.
FAO is committed to geographic and gender balance; nationals from http/non-represented
or under-represented countries in FAO http://www.fao.org/VA/non_rep_en.htm ,
preferably from developing countries, and women are encouraged to apply. The status of a
Member State is determined at the date of the call for applications.
Selection process:
The Human Resources Management Division (CSH) reviews applications, ensuring that all
eligibility requirements are met. The strongest candidates with experience in FAO's priority
areas/sectors are contacted for interviews. The final selection is made by a panel
comprising a cross-section of professional staff from host areas (FAO locations where
Junior Professionals may be assigned) that will establish a merit list of suitable candidates.
General conditions of employment:
Successful applicants will be employed within the framework of the JPP for an initial
period of two years, subject to a one-year probationary period. This term may be renewed
for a period of up to two additional years. The decision to renew a Junior Professional’s
appointment will be based on individual performance, the needs of the Organization, and
available budget.
Participants selected for the JPP are treated as staff members who may apply and be
selected to fill a regular staff position. If not selected for a regular staff position, the Junior
Professional appointment will expire automatically on the expiration date specified in the
letter of appointment.
Junior Professionals can be assigned at FAO Headquarters or in decentralized offices
(Regional or Sub-regional Offices, Liaison Offices, or FAO Representations). Participants
will be assigned to one primary host area for the duration of the programme. For a period
of at least three months, they will also be required to undertake a temporary mobility
assignment in a different office or function of FAO to advance personal and professional
development and gain an appreciation of the breadth of FAO’s work.
Junior Professionals are eligible for training activities, including the Organization's
orientation programme, language, IT, and technical training.
A senior staff member from the host area will be assigned to each Junior Professional to act
as a mentor and provide guidance and informal feedback on performance.
To apply for the Junior Professional Programme:
• Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as at 31 December 2010.
• Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent) in
a field relevant to the work of FAO.
• Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of experience in a field
relevant to the work of FAO.
• Candidates must possess a working knowledge of one of FAO’s official languages
(English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) and a limited knowledge of
another.
• Applicants must not bear any of the following relationships to staff members of the
Organization: son, daughter, brother, or sister.
• Applicants are subject to the Organization’s spouse employment policy.
Interested candidates should submit their application to JPP-Applications@fao.org
comprising a: completed http//Personal History Form (PPF)
http://www.fao.org/VA/adm11e.dot, Curriculum Vitae (C.V.); and, short statement of
interest (maximum two pages) outlining their skills and experience relevant to the work of
FAO. Deadline for applications: 31 August 2010.
Thank you for your interest in the Junior Professional Programme! For queries or feedback,
please contact: JPP-Queries@fao.org.
