CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT\:

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

  • 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 person 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.


Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities.

In response to the growing demand for seizing the opportunities brought by digital technologies, FAO REU established its specialised team for Digital Agriculture in 2020. With a mission to act as a catalyzer for the digital transformation of agriculture across Europe and Central Asia, the team provides critical capabilities to country offices, technical units, and Members, while leading the implementation of key corporate initiatives, such as the FAO Digital Villages (DVI) and has launched its AgriTech Observatory. In 2023, the team was awarded as FAO Team of the Year.

The AgriTech Observatory is the first virtual space to navigate digital agriculture developments in Europe and Central Asia. This knowledge platform serves as a tool to monitor the rapidly evolving landscape of digital agriculture in the region, identify innovative solutions to regional challenges, and scale up best practices. Released in February 2024, it is now moving from pilot to scaleup to expand its database and technology stack.


The preferred location for the assignment is Budapest, Hungary, with hybrid presence at the office. However, home-base in suitable time zone could be considered. The preferred duty station is Budapest, Hungary, with a hybrid working arrangement. However, home-based candidates in a suitable time zone may also be considered.
This position offers a consultancy contract for an initial 6-month trial period, with the possibility of extension to 11 months contingent upon the incumbent's satisfactory performance. A break from duty of at least 30 consecutive days is mandatory within any twelve-month period after which the contract is renewable upon satisfactory performance and funds availability.


Reporting Lines

The Digital Specialist (AgriTech Observatory) will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader and the direct supervision of the Head of Digital Agriculture.


Technical Focus

The incumbent will contribute to the implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework linked mainly to Digital Agriculture (BP5)\: “Provision of analytical and technical support for conducting research and assessments, studies, formulating strategies, programmes, and supporting projects for the digitalization of food and agriculture and rural areas.”

Specifically, the incumbent will contribute to research and analysis, and the overall management and scaleup of the AgriTech Observatory.


Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on digital solutions, policies, projects and regional initiatives for inclusion in the Observatory, in line with its methodology and quality standards;
• Coordinate the collection, validation and curation of the Observatory database, ensuring accuracy, consistency and regular updates of the Observatory database;
• Develop high-quality knowledge products and analytical outputs (e.g. AgriTech Observer series, technical articles, infographics, country insights) based on Observatory data and evidence;
• Promote the Observatory and its outputs through digital channels, events and targeted outreach activities to expand visibility, engagement and uptake;
• Act as business owner of the Observatory platform, working closely with the Technical Product Manager and development team to guide improvements, enhance functionalities and optimize user experience in line with user needs;
• Review external submissions, maintain and update the dataset to ensure that all content in the platform is up-to-date and accurate, as well as data integrity and usability, and continuously enhance the taxonomy and its definitions;
• Oversee the platform’s daily operations to ensure timely achievement of targets;
• Liaise with stakeholders and partners and represent the AgriTech Observatory in meetings, workshops, conferences, and other relevant events to promote and disseminate the platform’s insights;
• Facilitate resource mobilization by writing concept notes and project proposals, by cultivating relationships with donors and by maintaining and establishing partnerships with academic institutions and other sector leaders;
• Provide support to other digital agriculture initiatives and projects;
• Any other relevant duties relevant for the assignment.


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

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in information management, digital agriculture, agriculture projects, research, data analysis, or related fields.
• Working knowledge (Proficient, Level C) of English.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in digital agriculture and agriculture projects.
• Extent and relevance of experience in research and data analysis. Experience with databases and data visualisation tools is desirable.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in digital agriculture, such as precision agriculture, remote sensing, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in Excel for data management and analysis, Word for research and writing. Experience with Power Automate and SharePoint Workflows is a strong asset.


Selection Criteria

• PhD is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in Russian is a very strong asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
  • Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For more information, visit the FAO employment website
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.


• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.