FAO Is Hiring a Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist (Home-Based) – Exciting Global Opportunity, Apply Before 14/Feb/2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for an exciting international opportunity as a Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist. This role offers a unique platform to contribute directly to global efforts aimed at eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and transforming food systems to be more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, this position places successful candidates at the center of global policy dialogue and technical innovation in nutrition and food systems.
About FAO
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition while promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. Operating in more than 130 countries, FAO works closely with governments, development partners, civil society, and communities to improve food security and livelihoods worldwide.
FAO’s work is guided by its Strategic Framework, which focuses on achieving Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life for all. Nutrition is a core pillar of this strategy, recognizing that sustainable food systems must deliver healthy, affordable, and diverse diets for everyone.
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Position Overview
The Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist role supports FAO’s technical and policy work at the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and food systems. The position is aligned with FAO’s Nutrition and Food Systems Division and contributes to strengthening nutrition-sensitive approaches across the entire food value chain, from production and processing to consumption.
This consultancy or personal services agreement role is designed for professionals with strong technical expertise and a passion for evidence-based policy support. The specialist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across FAO divisions and regional offices to ensure nutrition considerations are integrated into food systems programming at global, regional, and national levels.
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Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing FAO’s nutrition agenda through a range of technical and analytical responsibilities, including:
- Providing expert technical input on nutrition and food systems to support policy development, programme design, and implementation at country and global levels
- Supporting the integration of nutrition-sensitive approaches into agricultural, food security, and food systems initiatives
- Contributing to the development of global guidance, tools, frameworks, and methodologies related to nutrition and healthy diets
- Compiling evidence, best practices, and lessons learned to inform FAO knowledge products and policy recommendations
- Supporting capacity development initiatives through technical briefs, workshops, training materials, and advisory services
- Collaborating across sectors to ensure coherence between nutrition, agriculture, climate, and social protection interventions
- Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities to assess the impact of nutrition-sensitive food systems interventions
Through these responsibilities, the specialist will help strengthen the evidence base for nutrition action and support member countries in improving diet quality and nutrition outcomes.
Required Qualifications
FAO is seeking candidates with a strong academic background and relevant professional experience in nutrition and food systems. Typical requirements include:
- An advanced university degree in nutrition, public health, food systems, agricultural economics, or a closely related field
- Relevant professional experience in nutrition, food security, or food systems analysis, with the required years depending on the level of appointment
- Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, technical advisory work, or programme support related to nutrition and food systems
- Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate technical evidence into practical policy guidance
- Working knowledge of English, French, or Spanish, with additional FAO languages considered an asset
Candidates with experience working in international or multicultural environments, particularly within the United Nations system or development organizations, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why This Role Matters
Global food systems are undergoing rapid transformation, yet millions of people still lack access to healthy and nutritious diets. This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including malnutrition, food insecurity, and diet-related diseases.
By supporting nutrition-sensitive food systems policies and programmes, the Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist helps ensure that agricultural development translates into improved health and well-being. The role also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being.
Working at FAO
FAO offers a dynamic and mission-driven working environment where professionals from around the world collaborate to deliver real impact. Staff and consultants benefit from exposure to global policy processes, engagement with diverse stakeholders, and opportunities for professional growth.
Working at FAO means contributing to solutions that influence national policies, strengthen institutions, and improve lives across regions and generations. It is an opportunity to apply technical expertise where it truly matters.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO careers portal by completing an online profile and submitting the required application materials before the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their applications to highlight relevant experience and expertise aligned with nutrition and food systems.
