Social Protection Specialist

Support social protection initiatives addressing rural livelihoods and gender equality.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline in 20 days: Tuesday 1 Sep 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Support social protection initiatives addressing rural livelihoods and gender equality.

You have:

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.
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.

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Details

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.

The Social 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.

Reporting Lines

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.

Technical Focus

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

Minimum Requirements

• 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

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • 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.

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with social protection systems in rural contexts?	This question assesses your professional background in social protection, particularly in rural settings.	Provide specific examples of projects or roles you've held that involved social protection policies for rural communities.
How have you contributed to gender equality initiatives in your previous roles?	The interviewer wants to understand your commitment and contributions to gender-related projects.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies have you used to engage stakeholders in social protection programs?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a challenging project you've worked on related to social policy. What was your approach?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure that social protection initiatives are inclusive and equitable?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you’ve used data to influence social protection policies?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you think climate adaptation plays in social protection programs?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated on trends and developments in social protection?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.