Procurement Officer (Service Contracts)

Job Description – Procurement Officer (Service Contracts) )

Job Posted: 30 Apr 2026

Closure Date: 22 May 2026, 9:59 PM

Organizational Unit: CSL

Job Type: Staff position (Professional requisition)

Primary Location: Italy – Rome

Duration: Fixed‑term, one year with possibility of extension

Post Number:

CCOG Code: 1A09

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The closure date and time shown above are based on the date and time settings of your personal device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

• 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 persons 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any activity or office of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Procurement Service (CSLP) of the Logistics Services Division (CSL) provides policy and operational support to ensure the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles. The Procurement Officer performs procurement activities related to the preparation of tender documents, drafting and finalisation of contracts or purchase orders for goods, works and services for FAO Decentralised Offices (DOs).

The position is located in the Procurement Service (CSLP) of the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Procurement Officer (Service Contracts) reports to a higher‑graded Procurement Officer.

Technical Focus

Procurement of goods and services in compliance with FAO's rules and regulations.

Key Results

Ensure that procurement activities comply with FAO's established policies and procedures and reflect best practice for public procurement.

Key Functions

• Supports monitoring through analysis of reports, identifies variances and/or compliance issues, and makes recommendations.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods and procedures.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of training workshops/seminars.
• Participates on special project or work teams.
• Drafts tender documents, contracts, purchase orders and general correspondence.
• Reviews the technical and financial offers; participates in meetings with stakeholders as necessary.
• Responds to requests for assistance during the tendering process from managers and staff at HQ and the Decentralised Offices, makes recommendation on best course of action and approves obligations as per delegated level of authority.
• Supports corporate initiatives in accordance with the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability.
• Participates in market and supplier research.
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Reviews and analyses procurement requests for completeness and conformity with established FAO rules, procedures and practices, liaises with requesters as necessary, and recommends to supervisor an appropriate strategy or approach.
• Assists in preparing evaluation criteria for more complex procurement actions, and prepares or guides tender documents and contracts.
• Prepares documents in FAO's ERP system and other office applications related to assigned procurement actions, issuance of tenders and purchase orders, evaluation of bids, follows up with suppliers including order follow‑up to ensure timely delivery.
• Performs the commercial evaluation and proposes recommendation of awards for procurement activities relating to the purchase of goods or services/works.
• Provides advice and guidance to colleagues on the use of IT applications, including e‑tendering tools used in the Procurement Service and produces relevant reports to support contract monitoring.
• Reviews invoices and inspection reports if applicable, coordinates with the technical team to determine the application of liquidated damages, and facilitates timely payment to vendors if necessary.
• Maintains an appropriate procurement filing system for audit trail.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Candidate Assessment Criteria

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in procurement‑related activities; OR a first‑level degree in the same fields plus five years of procurement experience and completion of a professional qualification from an internationally recognised body such as CIPS Level 2/3/4, MCIPS, FCIPS or another UN‑wide recognised certification.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Key Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of Corporate Environmental Responsibility.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in procurement and contract‑related issues, including reviewing, preparing and drafting contractual instruments.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting technical documents and reports in English is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in public procurement is desirable.

FAO Values

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO values of commitment to FAO, respect for all, and integrity and transparency.

General Information

• Extension of fixed‑term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds.
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointments will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, visit

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. This includes family‑friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct.