Project Management Expert

Fao; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

FAO is seeking a Project Management Expert to support the Project Support Division (PSS) in coordinating project implementation across multiple locations. The role focuses on budget control, risk management and timely delivery in line with donor agreements and FAO procedures.

The consultant/ PSA will lead day-to-day activities, manage partners, prepare reports and ensure project closure documentation, with governance and reporting obligations well defined. This is a 6-month non-staff opportunity.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field.
• At least ten years of relevant project/programme management experience.
• Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, supervising affiliate personnel when possible.
• Prepare, monitor and update project plans, budgets and work plans according to rules.
• Ensure the LFM is complete and data is collected for regular monitoring of results.
• Manage affiliate personnel, goods, services and partners; oversee service providers.
• Liaise with stakeholders and governance bodies; provide reports and receive guidance.
• Identify, mitigate and manage risks; escalate issues as needed.
• Ensure communications and visibility in line with project plans; prepare deliverables and reports.
• Support project closure activities and ensure documentation is in order.

Skills

Project management

English language

Multilingual capabilities

Education

Master's degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics or related field

Job description

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT**:** 2601615
Project Management Expert

Job Posting

29/Jul/2026

Closure Date

: 09/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: PSS

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Various Locations-Various Locations
Duration: 6 months
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO’s efforts towards fulfilment of the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via its projects and field programme. The Director, PSS, leads the Organization’s work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence research and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.

The Project Cycle Team within PSS, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, is responsible for developing and keeping up-to-date FAO’s corporate policies, approaches, tools and procedures related to project management. As part of this effort, the Project Cycle Team is also managing a roster of Project Management Specialists that can be deployed to serve the implementation of any kind of projects operated by HQ and/or decentralized offices, according to need.

Reporting Lines

The Project Management Expert reports to the Budget Holder, or any other staff delegated specific supervisory functions by the Budget Holder. He/she collaborates closely with the Lead Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

Supports the Budget Holder and is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and management of the project implementation. He/she ensures effective utilization of resources, timely delivery of the work plan, adherence to budgets, management of risks, and problem solving for achievement of project results, within delegated authority and in accordance with project/donor agreements and FAO rules and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, including guidance and supervision of project personnel (only affiliate personnel and when possible).
• Ensure the preparation, monitoring and updating of project plans, with particular emphasis on budget management (in accordance with existing rules and regulations) and work plan as well as application of corporate recommended tools.
• Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of project results.
• Manage affiliate personnel, goods and services, overseeing the work of implementing partners and service providers.
• Liaise, and maintain positive working relations with stakeholders, through the agreed office channels.
• Liaise with, provide reports to and receive guidance from, governance mechanisms.
• Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalated issues when necessary.
• Ensure communications and visibility, in line with project plans.
• Ensure reports are prepared and submitted.
• Ensure all deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or any another discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in Project and Programme Management. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience at international level in project implementation and managing operations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in managing projects through external partners and with relevant modalities such as FAO's Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) or the UN's Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) is considered an asset.
• Ability to develop and manage plans for project implementation and coordination of operations.
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT