The Mission promotes and safeguards Norway’s interests and policies within the UN agencies based in Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Program (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).
The Mission pursues a wide range of Norway’s international objectives regarding food security and the fight against hunger. Main responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the work of UN agencies and reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
- Promoting Norway’s views and provide strategic input to UN agencies.
- Advocate for efficient, transparent and accountable UN agencies through active participation in governing bodies.
- Promote rapid and effective responses to humanitarian disasters.
We are currently seeking to fill two positions: one Adviser and one substitute Adviser (maternity leave cover). We are looking for candidates with expertise, commitment, and experience in international cooperation, development, or humanitarian policy.
Application Deadline: March 18, 2026
Starting Date: As soon as possible after May 1, 2026
Responsibilities
The two Advisors will be integrated into the Mission’s professional and administrative structure, reporting to the UN Ambassador on substantive matters. The focus is to advance Norwegian policy through board meetings, consultations, and strategic engagement, specifically regarding:
- Global food security and development policy.
- Climate, food systems, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
- Humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
Primary duties include:
- Analyse priority policy areas and assessments of UN agency performance.
- Prepare and report from meetings, draft memos and talking points.
- Maintain ongoing dialogue with Norwegian authorities.
- Coordinate events, visitor programs, and other administrative tasks.
- Both positions report to the Head of Station on administrative matters.
Qualifications
- Education: Higher education (master’s preferred) in international relations, development studies, humanitarian work, or a related field.
- Experience: Relevant experience from international cooperation, the UN, or NGOs within development policy.
- Languages: Excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in standard ICT tools and social media management.
Personal Characteristics
- A team player who thrives in a collaborative environment, while also being capable of working independently and delivering results.
- Strong communication skills and a solution- focused mindset.
- Perform well under pressure
We Offer
- Engaging tasks with significant responsibility in a small, dynamic team.
- A modern work environment in central Rome.
- Contract (Advisor): Fixed-term temporary position, with the possibility of extension.
- Substitute Adviser (Maternity leave cover): One-year contract
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week.
- Salary: Based on agreement/local scales.
- Vacation:30 days per year.
How to Apply
Applicants must hold a valid residence and work permit for Italy. Local employees are subject to terms and conditions in accordance with Italian law.
Please send your application to mission.rome@mfa.no Mark the subject line: "Application for the position of UN Adviser» and/or “Application for the position of UN Adviser Substitute”.
The application must include:
- Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your suitability and motivation.
- CV (max. 2 pages).
- Two references with contact information.
- Copies of relevant diplomas and references (scanned into the same file).
Note: Please combine all documents into a single PDF file. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.