FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job 2026–2027 | International Opportunity

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the Research and Publications Analyst position (Vacancy No. 2602248). This opportunity is suitable for qualified professionals with experience in research, evidence synthesis, data analysis, communications, food security, nutrition, and international development.

The FAO Research and Publications Analyst will support the preparation, coordination, and dissemination of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, contributing to outreach activities for the 2026 edition and analytical groundwork for the 2027 edition.

The assignment is offered under a Consultant or Personal Services Agreement (PSA), with a contract duration of up to 11 months, renewable. The position is advertised under FAO’s Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA), with the primary location listed as various locations.

Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal before the stated deadline.

ALSO READ: UNDP Programme Analyst Job 2026 in Ethiopia | AFSIT Programme, P2 Grade

FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job 2026–2027: Overview

• Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Job Title: Research and Publications Analyst
• Vacancy Number: 2602248
• Job Category: Non-staff opportunities
• Contract Type: Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA)
• Organizational Unit: Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA)
• Location: Various locations
• Contract Duration: Up to 11 months, renewable
• Job Posting Date: 30 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 14 November 2026 at 12:59 a.m. (as displayed on the vacancy page)
• Required Education: Advanced university degree for consultants, with an alternative experience requirement for bachelor’s degree holders; university or technical qualification for PSAs
• Required Experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience
• Working Language: English, Level C
• Salary: Not specified in the vacancy announcement
• Official Application Portal: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602248

Important: FAO has not specified a salary amount in the supplied vacancy announcement. Applicants should review the official advertisement for any additional contractual and remuneration details.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations working to improve food security, nutrition, agricultural productivity, and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.

Through research, technical assistance, policy advice, and international partnerships, FAO supports efforts to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. Its work covers agricultural policies, agribusiness, value chains, rural transformation, poverty reduction, food security, nutrition, resilience, bioeconomy, and climate-smart agriculture.

The division also leads the production of two major FAO publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).

The Research and Publications Analyst will contribute to this work by supporting research, evidence synthesis, data management, coordination, and communication activities related to the SOFI report.

What Is the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job About?

The FAO Research and Publications Analyst job focuses on research and publication support for international food security and nutrition policy.

The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the SOFI Technical Lead and the overall supervision of the ESA Director.

The main objective is to support the dissemination of the SOFI 2026 report while contributing to the research and analytical preparation of the SOFI 2027 edition.

This position combines research, data analysis, scientific and policy writing, communication, and project coordination. It is therefore relevant to professionals who can interpret research evidence, organize information, prepare analytical materials, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities of the FAO Research and Publications Analyst

1. Conduct Research and Literature Reviews

The Research and Publications Analyst will conduct systematic and targeted literature reviews related to the SOFI 2027 theme and analytical framework.

Research topics may include:

• Food security and nutrition.
• Healthy diets and food affordability.
• Agrifood systems and agricultural development.
• Food prices and market-related challenges.
• Resilience and related policy issues.

The analyst will prepare annotated bibliographies, literature summaries, and evidence-synthesis notes. The work will also help identify research gaps, emerging policy issues, and potential analytical approaches for the SOFI 2027 report.

2. Support Publications and Communication Activities

The successful candidate will assist with outreach and dissemination activities for the SOFI 2026 report.

Responsibilities include preparing:

• Presentations and briefing notes.
• Factsheets and talking points.
• Website content and social media materials.
• Communication resources for different audiences.

All communication materials must follow FAO’s editorial, branding, terminology, and clearance requirements.

3. Assist With Stakeholder Engagement

The analyst will help compile feedback, media coverage, and stakeholder-engagement information following the launch of the SOFI 2026 report.

The role also involves supporting coordination with FAO communication teams and partner agencies to ensure consistent messaging and effective dissemination of research findings.

4. Support Meetings and Inter-Agency Coordination

The Research and Publications Analyst will assist the SOFI Steering Committee and inter-agency coordination processes.

Tasks include preparing meeting agendas, background notes, minutes, and action trackers, as well as following up on deadlines and deliverables.

The selected candidate may also help organize virtual and in-person coordination meetings.

5. Manage Food Security and Nutrition Data

Another important responsibility is supporting the compilation, cleaning, validation, and management of datasets related to food security and nutrition indicators.

The work may involve:

• Conducting basic statistical processing.
• Performing data-quality checks.
• Preparing tables and figures.
• Organizing metadata and supporting analytical materials.
• Maintaining organized and reproducible data repositories.

Candidates with quantitative skills and experience managing research datasets may find this aspect of the position particularly relevant.

Minimum Qualifications for the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job

Applicants must meet the applicable minimum requirements for the contract category under which they apply.

Educational Requirements

For consultant applicants:

An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO in one of the following fields or a related discipline:

• International relations.
• Public policy.
• Communication.
• Other relevant fields.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree may be considered under the stated alternative requirement if they have two additional years of relevant professional experience.

For Personal Services Agreement (PSA) applicants:

A university degree or technical degree/certificate from an institution recognized by IAU/UNESCO in international relations, public policy, communication, or a related field.

Applicants should carefully check the official vacancy announcement to confirm which contractual category applies to their qualifications and experience.

Professional Experience

Candidates must have at least one year of relevant professional experience in research, evidence synthesis, data analysis, communications, or related work relevant to food security and nutrition.

Experience in international development, agrifood systems, nutrition, policy research, or related areas is desirable.

Language Requirements

Working knowledge of English at Level C is required.

Knowledge of another FAO official language is an asset. These languages are Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.

Technical Skills Required for the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Position

To be competitive for the FAO Research and Publications Analyst job, candidates should demonstrate the following abilities:

Research and evidence synthesis: Ability to conduct structured literature reviews and summarize scientific and policy evidence accurately.

Data analysis and management: Demonstrated ability to clean, validate, document, and organize datasets, conduct quality checks, and prepare tables and figures.

Writing and communication: Strong drafting skills and the ability to present technical findings clearly to both specialist and general audiences.

Project coordination: Ability to organize workflows, monitor deliverables, track deadlines, and support coordination across teams and partner institutions.

Subject knowledge: Familiarity with food security, nutrition, agrifood systems, or international development is desirable.

Applicants should use their CV and motivation letter to demonstrate these competencies with relevant examples from their professional or academic experience.

FAO Core Competencies

Candidates will also be assessed against FAO’s core competencies:

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

Applicants should demonstrate these competencies through examples of completed research projects, teamwork, communication products, data-management assignments, or coordination responsibilities.

Benefits of the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Opportunity

Although the vacancy announcement does not specify a salary or a comprehensive benefits package, the position offers several potential professional advantages.

1. Experience With a United Nations Specialized Agency

Working with FAO can provide valuable exposure to international development operations, research processes, and global policy initiatives.

2. Research and Publication Experience

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to the preparation and dissemination of a major international report on food security and nutrition.

3. Development of Data and Analytical Skills

The assignment involves research synthesis, data validation, statistical processing, and the preparation of analytical materials.

4. International Policy Exposure

The analyst will support coordination involving FAO teams, partner agencies, and stakeholders working on food security and nutrition.

5. Professional Writing and Communication Experience

The position involves producing research summaries, briefing notes, factsheets, presentations, and digital communication materials.

Contract note: These are potential professional development advantages, not a guarantee of additional financial benefits. Salary, insurance, travel support, relocation assistance, and other contractual entitlements are not specified in the supplied announcement.

Who Should Apply for the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job?

This opportunity may be suitable for professionals who have relevant academic qualifications and experience in research, policy analysis, communications, data management, or food security and nutrition.

Potentially relevant candidate profiles include:

• Research analysts and research assistants.
• Public policy and international relations professionals.
• Communications and publications specialists.
• Food security and nutrition researchers.
• Agrifood systems and international development professionals.
• Data analysts with relevant development-sector experience.
• Evidence-synthesis and knowledge-management specialists.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Candidates should demonstrate a clear connection between their qualifications, experience, technical skills, and the responsibilities of the assignment.

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

How to Prepare a Strong Application

A well-prepared application should clearly demonstrate how the candidate meets the vacancy requirements.

Update Your CV

Include relevant employment history, research assignments, educational qualifications, technical skills, and language proficiency.

Highlight experience in literature reviews, evidence synthesis, data analysis, scientific writing, communication, and project coordination where applicable.

Prepare a Targeted Motivation Letter

FAO requests a letter of motivation as part of the application process.

Your letter should explain why you are interested in the Research and Publications Analyst position and how your qualifications and experience match its requirements.

Where relevant, provide examples of research reports, publications, data-management projects, policy briefs, or communication materials you have helped prepare.

Demonstrate Relevant Technical Skills

Describe your experience with structured research, dataset management, data-quality checks, preparation of tables and figures, and communication of research findings.

Avoid simply listing skills without explaining how you have applied them.

Check Your Academic Credentials

FAO states that academic qualifications must be obtained from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by IAU/UNESCO.

Applicants can consult the database at https://www.whed.net/home.php.

Complete the Online Application Carefully

Ensure that all required information is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be accepted.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants interested in the FAO Research and Publications Analyst job should avoid the following mistakes:

1. Submitting a generic CV that does not highlight relevant research or analytical experience.
2. Failing to attach the requested motivation letter.
3. Overlooking the different educational requirements for consultants and PSA applicants.
4. Providing incomplete employment records, academic qualifications, or language information.
5. Failing to demonstrate relevant food security, nutrition, research, or communications experience.
6. Waiting until the last minute to submit the application.
7. Applying through unofficial websites instead of the FAO recruitment portal.

FAO also states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process. Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for an application, interview, or appointment.

Career Opportunities After a Research and Publications Analyst Assignment

Experience in a research and publications role can support future applications for positions in research, international development, policy analysis, data management, and communications.

Depending on their qualifications and professional experience, candidates may pursue career paths such as:

• Research Analyst.
• Food Security Analyst.
• Nutrition Policy Researcher.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst.
• Knowledge Management Specialist.
• Publications and Communications Officer.
• Agrifood Policy Analyst.
• International Development Consultant.

These are possible career pathways rather than guaranteed outcomes of the assignment.

How to Apply for the FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job 2026–2027

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official FAO recruitment system.

Application procedure:

1. Visit the official vacancy page using the link below.
2. Review the complete job description and applicable contract requirements.
3. Create or update your FAO online profile.
4. Enter your employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills accurately.
5. Attach your motivation letter.
6. Submit your application through the recruitment portal.
7. Keep a record of your submission and monitor any communication from FAO.

Official Application Link

Apply here: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602248

Application deadline: 14 November 2026 at 12:59 a.m., according to the vacancy page. Check the official portal for the deadline displayed in your local time zone and submit your application well in advance.

For application assistance, FAO provides a client support portal at https://fao.service-now.com/csp.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Research and Publications Analyst Job 2026–2027 is an opportunity for qualified professionals interested in research, publications, food security, nutrition, policy analysis, and international development.

The assignment combines literature reviews, evidence synthesis, data management, communication, and coordination in support of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report.

Candidates with relevant academic qualifications, at least one year of applicable professional experience, strong English skills, and the ability to communicate research findings clearly should review the official requirements and prepare a targeted application.

If your professional background aligns with the advertised responsibilities, consider applying before the 14 November 2026 deadline.

Always rely on the official FAO vacancy announcement for the final requirements, contractual conditions, and application instructions.