Social Protection Specialist , Various Locations

## Social Protection Specialist, Various Locations - Organization:FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:2601722 Social Protection Specialist Job Posting: 11/Aug/2026 Closure Date: 01/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : ESPDD - Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division Job Type: Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Primary Location: Various Locations Duration : Up to 11 months - 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 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its global mandate and goals and though its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. The Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) coordinates FAO's work on social protection, gender equality, decent rural employment, rural institutions and people's empowerment, and the right to food. It is responsible for working with member countries and other partners to reduce rural poverty through strengthening social protection systems, diversifying rural employment opportunities, reducing gender gaps and other social inequalities in agriculture, strengthening producer organizations, improving the rural poor's access to productive resources and rural services, and achieving the overall goal of realizing the human right to adequate food for all. The Division structures its work around three core objectives: 1) Build sustainable and resilient livelihoods for vulnerable people in agrifood systems; 2) Achieve gender equality, women's empowerment and inclusion in agrifood systems; and 3) Promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable climate action and natural resource management. TheSocial Protection Team (SOCPRO)in the ESP Division is calling for expressions of interest to join the divisional roster of technical social protection specialists, with expertise and experience across diverse thematics and technical areas related to the Division's three core objectives. Successful applicants will be included within the divisional roster, where they may be called upon to conduct work related to their area of expertise. Selected incumbents will work under the overall technical supervision of the SOCPRO Team Leader and/or the Social Policy Officer, as appropriate. FAO SOCPRO is seeking to populate the roster with diverse technical expertise relevant to FAO's work on strengthening social protection systems, the resilience of rural populations and promoting inclusive climate action and disaster risk management. Profiles with the following expertise are particularly encouraged to apply: - Social protection as it relates to jobs, labour market interventions and related areas of work - Social protection management information systems, including farmer registries and related data systems - Social protection and its role in inclusive climate action (adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, just transitions and mobilising international climate financing for social protection and the integration of social protection in national climate strategies) - Resource mobilisation and donor engagement on social protection, including proposal development, project formulation and related tasks - Quantitative research techniques on social protection and social policy related topics Tasks and responsibilities The responsibilities will include the following depending on the role and the profile of the specialist: - Developing analytical and guidance products - Providing technical and operational support in the design and delivery of social protection policies, programmes as well as the development of information systems - Designing and delivering training on social protection - Representing FAO in relevant external forums and coordination platforms, as well as at specific workshops and conferences as required - Contributing and/or leading the writing of research, report and knowledge products - Developing proposals and other partnership and resource mobilization material - Supporting the technical review and quality assurance of various project and programme related material including proposals, project formulation documents and related products - Any other tasks as required. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING - Relevant technical university degree or certificate (for PSAs) or advanced university degree (for Consultants) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in political science, social policy, development studies, disaster management, economics, institutional development, or other relevant social sciences. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. - At least one (1) year for Category C, five (5) years for Category B, ten (10) years for Category A of relevant experience in social protection, socio-economic analysis, policy assistance, and capacity building in relation to social protection. - Working knowledge of English (level C). Knowledge of a second FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset. FAO Core Competencies - Building Effective Relationships - Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills - Extent and relevance of country-based experience in strengthening national social protection systems for rural populations and their integration with agricultural and/or climate policies and programmes. - Extent and relevance of experience supporting the development of knowledge products to inform and influence the design and reform of social protection systems the country level. - Experience in working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team. - Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. 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. - To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. W