FAO Jobs 2026: Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist Opportunity (Apply Before 30 March)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced an exciting international development opportunity for professionals in animal health, public health, and community engagement. The organization is currently recruiting a Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist to support important health and agricultural initiatives in the Philippines.

This position offers professionals the chance to contribute to global efforts aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness, improving animal health systems, and supporting resilient agricultural communities. If you have experience in risk communication, public health, or animal disease prevention, this role could be an excellent step in your international development career.

The position is based in Quezon City, Philippines, and is expected to run for three months, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs and performance.

Below is a complete guide to this FAO job opportunity, including responsibilities, qualifications, and application details.

About FAO and Its Global Mission

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eliminating hunger and improving global food security. Since its establishment, FAO has worked to ensure that people worldwide have regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.

With 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in more than 130 countries, providing technical expertise, policy support, and development programs to improve agricultural systems and rural livelihoods.

The organization contributes to the 2030 global development agenda by promoting agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. These efforts aim to achieve four core outcomes: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

FAO’s work is especially important in countries facing climate challenges, agricultural vulnerability, and emerging health risks related to animals and food systems.

ALSO READ: UNESCO Associate Project Officer (Social & Human Sciences) – 2026 | $89,057 Annual Salary

FAO’s Long-Term Work in the Philippines

For over four decades, FAO has worked closely with the Government of the Philippines, civil society groups, academic institutions, and private sector partners to improve agricultural productivity and rural resilience.

The organization has supported programs across agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors to strengthen food systems and enhance livelihoods.

Some of FAO’s major contributions in the Philippines include:

• Promoting sustainable agricultural production practices
• Supporting post-harvest management and value-adding initiatives
• Advancing mechanization and modernization in farming
• Improving productivity and food supply chains
• Strengthening resilience against climate hazards and natural disasters

Through these programs, FAO continues to help communities adapt to challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and emerging animal and zoonotic diseases.

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

Job Overview

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist will work within FAO’s emergency and health programs, particularly focusing on animal disease preparedness and pandemic resilience.

The role forms part of the Resilient Philippines Project, which supports national efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to health threats linked to animals and agriculture.

The selected candidate will work closely with national government agencies, partner organizations, and FAO project teams to implement communication strategies and community engagement activities.

The position falls under Non-staff opportunities as National Project Personnel and is open only to nationals of the Philippines.

Reporting Structure

The specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Philippines.

Operational supervision will be provided by the National Program Coordinator of the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the Philippines.

The role will also involve close coordination with:

• FAO regional offices in Bangkok
• Pandemic Fund coordination teams
• Regional project coordinators
• Government partners and stakeholders

This collaborative structure ensures that communication strategies are aligned with both national priorities and global FAO standards.

Key Areas of Technical Focus

The position focuses on several important technical areas related to animal and public health. These include:

• Animal health systems
• Zoonotic disease prevention
• Transboundary animal diseases
• Workforce development
• Risk communication
• Community engagement strategies

By strengthening communication systems around animal health risks, the role helps communities understand and respond effectively to disease threats that could impact both livestock and human health.

Main Responsibilities

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist will carry out a variety of strategic and operational tasks.

One of the primary responsibilities is leading initiatives that strengthen community-centered pandemic preparedness, particularly within the animal health sector.

The specialist will help develop several important communication strategies, including:

• An Animal Industry Communications Plan
• A Zoonotic Disease Communications Plan for the animal health sector
• Research studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to animal diseases

Another key responsibility involves organizing training programs to improve emergency communication capabilities among health and agriculture professionals.

These trainings may cover topics such as:

• Infodemic management
• Social listening techniques
• Rapid dissemination of emergency information

The specialist will also create targeted communication materials and messages designed for stakeholders, communities, and government partners.

Additionally, the role involves supporting conferences, workshops, and national events that highlight One Health initiatives, which emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Other responsibilities include assisting with project reporting, preparing concept notes, overseeing administrative processes, and ensuring that project outputs are delivered on schedule.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet several academic and professional requirements.

Applicants should hold a university degree in animal health, public health, or a related field.

Professional experience is also required. Candidates must have:

• At least five years of experience in areas such as animal health, risk communication, or community engagement.

However, candidates who hold an advanced degree or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) may qualify with three years of relevant experience.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate working knowledge of English.

Because this position is classified as national project personnel, applicants must also be citizens of the Philippines.

Core Skills and Competencies

FAO seeks candidates who demonstrate strong professional competencies aligned with the organization’s values.

These competencies include:

• Results-oriented work ethic
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Effective communication abilities
• Relationship-building capabilities
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous learning

Candidates should also have experience with project management, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Proficiency in standard office software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is also expected.

FAO Workplace Standards and Integrity

As a United Nations specialized agency, FAO maintains strict professional and ethical standards.

All staff and consultants must adhere to principles of integrity, professionalism, and respect.

The organization enforces a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and exploitation.

All successful candidates undergo thorough reference checks and background screening before final appointment.

FAO also promotes workplace diversity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and under-represented groups.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application through the FAO recruitment portal.

Applicants should create a detailed online profile including:

• Employment history
• Academic qualifications
• Language skills

A motivation letter should also be attached to the application.

FAO only considers applications submitted through its official recruitment system, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

The application deadline is 30 March 2026.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This FAO position provides a meaningful opportunity to work on critical global challenges at the intersection of agriculture, public health, and community resilience.

Professionals selected for the role will contribute to strengthening pandemic preparedness, protecting livestock industries, and supporting rural communities.

By improving communication and engagement strategies, the project helps ensure that communities can respond effectively to emerging health risks.

For professionals passionate about global health, agriculture, and sustainable development, this FAO opportunity represents an impactful and rewarding career experience.