Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•     advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

In 2026, FAO will support and co-organize two high-level regional conferences designed to advance strategic dialogue and action on agri-food systems transformation and sustainable agricultural mechanization in Asia and the Pacific. These events will bring together senior policymakers, technical experts, development partners, civil society, and private sector representatives and will require meticulous planning, coordination, and execution to ensure compliance with FAO standards and alignment with organizational priorities.

•     Food Systems Transformation Forum 2026 (with the Asian Development Bank or ADB)
The ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector Office will convene the Food Systems Transformation Forum 2026 in Manila from 16 to 19 March 2026. ADB and FAO are exploring the organization of joint sessions on priority themes, including (but not limited to) agri-food systems transformation, innovation, and river basin dialogue. Close FAO coordination is required to ensure substantive inputs, coherent messaging, and smooth operational arrangements.

•     Asia–Pacific Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (with the Department of Agriculture)
The Asia-Pacific Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) Conference, scheduled from November 23-26 in Manila, will serve as a regional multi-stakeholder platform to strengthen collaboration, advance South–South knowledge sharing, promote sustainable mechanization solutions, and accelerate the transition of Asia-Pacific agrifood systems toward greater sustainability, productivity, and resilience. FAO will co-organize the event with the Department of Agriculture and other regional partners.

Given the scope and strategic significance of these events, FAO seeks a Project Events Coordinator to provide dedicated planning, coordination, and operational support. He/she will provide end-to-end support for the planning, organization, and delivery of both conferences. The incumbent will ensure effective coordination with co-organizers and partners; timely implementation of activities; adherence to FAO administrative, procurement, and communications standards; and high-quality execution of all event-related tasks.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Project Events Coordinator will directly report to the Assistant FAOR for Programme.

Technical Focus

The technical focus is on advancing regional policy dialogue and knowledge exchange on agri-food systems transformation and sustainable agricultural mechanization in Asia and the Pacific, ensuring FAO’s technical priorities, sustainability standards, and strategic positioning are embedded in high-level conferences.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Develop and monitor detailed implementation plans (including agenda outline, timelines, activity matrices, and budgets), and support the coordination with co-organizers, FAO teams, ADB, government counterparts, and partners to ensure coherent and timely delivery.
•     Plan and support all logistical arrangements, including venue, room setup, audiovisual and interpretation services, catering, protocol, visibility materials, and travel, transport and accommodation for FAO staff and VIPs, speakers, and participants.
•     Integrate and promote environmentally sustainable practices in all aspects of event planning and delivery, including waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and carbon footprint mitigation, in line with FAO’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility
•     Prepare TORs, support event-related service providers, monitor deliverables, and ensure quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
•     Assist in coordinating with development partners, regional bodies, and participants; manage invitations, registration systems, and communications; and serve as the main focal point for inquiries.
•     Support the development of agendas, session concepts, speaker lists, background materials, communication, and briefing notes.
•     Implement processes for capturing knowledge, lessons learned, and good practices before, during, and after the events (e.g., through session recordings, summary reports, and feedback surveys), including advising FAO management on strategic positioning, messaging, and engagement approaches to maximize the impact and visibility of FAO’s contributions at both conferences.
•     Ensure adherence to FAO rules and administrative procedures; prepare progress updates, meeting minutes, and consolidated final reports.
•     Identify and mitigate operational, logistical, safety, and reputational risks, support coordination with FAO and UNDSS security and venue management, and support contingency and scenario planning.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•     Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. 
•     All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: 
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en    
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en   
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en    
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm    
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en       
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
•     Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in the field of agriculture, agribusiness, development studies, international relations, event management, or a related field.
•     At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating large-scale national or international events, conferences, or workshops, preferably within UN agencies, IFIs, government, or development organizations.
•     Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English.
•     National of the Philippines or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•     Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•     Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•     General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)