The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting
    
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is committed to supporting Member Countries and Partners in preparing for and responding to disasters and crises that threaten agriculture, food and nutrition security or food safety. FAO’s work in emergencies focuses on reducing people’s vulnerability to these hazards, including animal and plant diseases, before, during and after disasters through good emergency management practices, including risk assessment, risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response, and rehabilitation.

FAO's Logistics Services Division (CSL) provides corporate logistics and supply chain strategies, policies, tools, and guidance to FAO Headquarter and Decentralized Offices. CSL supports FAO operations by strengthening logistics and supply chain systems to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely delivery of assistance in support of FAO’s mandate.

The Logistics Services Division (CSL) works to secure a safe operating environment and to achieve greater efficiency, effectiveness, and synergy in operational and administrative practices, with a strong focus on timely, reliable service delivery in support of FAO programmes and operations.

FAO invites qualified senior professionals to express interest for inclusion in a roster, to support complex, high-visibility assignments related to the expansion, transformation, and orchestration of FAO supply chains at global level.

This Call for Expressions of Interest is for roster inclusion only and does not guarantee immediate selection or assignment.
Successful candidates may be considered for short-term or long-term assignments at FAO Headquarters, Regional Offices, Sub-regional Offices, or Country Offices, subject to operational needs and funding availability.
FAO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages qualified women and nationals of under-represented countries to apply.

Reporting Lines

For Headquarters-based assignments, the Supply Chain Specialist reports administratively, operationally, and technically to the designated Head of Supply Chain Orchestration team (CSLO).  

Technical Focus

Strategic supply chain orchestration and transformation, including the design, coordination, governance, and optimization of end-to-end supply chain models supporting FAO programmes, emergency responses, and corporate initiatives.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•     Provide technical leadership on end-to-end supply chain orchestration and transformation across HQ, regions, and country operations.
•     Lead the design, expansion, redesign, and/or scaling of FAO supply chain operating models, including governance, decision rights, accountability (RACI), service standards, and escalation mechanisms.
•     Lead or contribute to complex analytical work, strategic assessments, and concept development related to supply chain design, governance, performance management, and integration across functions.
•     Define and steer integrated planning approaches that connect programme delivery plans, procurement cycles, logistics capacity, and seasonal timelines, ensuring feasibility and readiness.
•     Provide technical advice and analytical inputs to support senior management decision-making on supply chain matters, including trade-offs, risks, and mitigation measures, involving significant operational, financial, or reputational implications.
•     Facilitate and coordinate cross-divisional and cross-functional engagement, aligning programme, procurement, logistics, IT, and partner perspectives into coherent supply chain solutions.
•     Contribute to the development and refinement of policies, frameworks, SOPs, and guidance related to supply chain orchestration, process standardization, and operating models.
•     Drive process transformation and change management initiatives by providing technical advice, facilitating stakeholder engagement, contributing to transition planning, and developing adoption support tools.
•     Support the representation of FAO in high level technical discussions with partners, donors, UN agencies, and inter-agency mechanisms where supply chain strategy and coordination are in scope, as required.
•     Contribute to organizational learning by documenting lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, business administration, economics, or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least 10 years of advanced, senior level professional experience in supply chain management, logistics, operations, or related areas, including leadership of complex initiatives and advisory functions, preferably within the UN.
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English.  

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Deep end to end supply chain expertise spanning planning, sourcing, logistics, inventory, distribution, and enabling capabilities (systems, data, governance).
•     Proven ability to design, lead, and oversee complex supply chain initiatives, including operating model development, process transformation, and orchestration across multiple functions and stakeholders.
•     Strong experience in analytical and advisory work, including the development of strategic assessments, performance frameworks, and evidence-based recommendations for senior management.
•     Strong performance management capability, including KPI definition, pipeline visibility, exception management, and translating insights into corrective action.
•     Advanced capability in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and coordination, including interaction with senior counterparts, partners, and inter-agency mechanisms.
•     Demonstrated experience in leading teams or providing technical oversight to consultants, project resources, or partners.
•     Strong understanding of the humanitarian architecture and FAO’s mandate, role, and operating context is highly desirable.
•     Knowledge of other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is preferred.

Selection Criteria

•     Demonstrated experience leading large scale or high complexity supply chain transformation in humanitarian, development, or public sector contexts (multi-country or global exposure strongly preferred).
•     Proven record delivering complex analysis, senior decision support, and actionable recommendations with full technical independence.
•     Experience in organizational change, operating model design, and capacity development.
•     Strong drafting and communication skills, including the ability to produce clear frameworks, SOPs, guidance, and executive-ready products.
•     Advanced facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder management, including influence at senior levels and across functions.
•     Experience working with, or alongside, UN agencies or comparable international organizations is an asset.