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- 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 Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e., to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas, ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.
The purpose of this call is to build a roster of Innovation Specialists (Open Innovation) to support FAO’s work at global, regional and country levels. Assignments may be home based with travel as required.
Reporting Lines
The Innovation Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Senior Innovation Officer (Acceleration and Scaling) in OIN.
Technical Focus
Provision of innovation methodologies, tools and strategic support related to:
• Design, management, and implementation of innovation challenges, hackathons, and prize competitions.
• Open innovation frameworks and ecosystem engagement strategies to source external solutions for agrifood system transformation.
• Scouting and mapping of startups, social entrepreneurs, and innovative technologies.
• Methodologies for problem framing, solution validation, and acceleration of high-potential innovations.
Tasks and responsibilities
Depending on the specific profile, the incumbent will:
• Lead or Participate in the design and implementation of innovation challenges and open innovation calls to address specific technical bottlenecks in agrifood systems.
• Coordinate or Support scouting processes to identify and source innovative solutions from startups, research institutions, and the private sector.
• Develop problem statements and challenge briefs in collaboration with technical units and country offices.
• Manage or support the management of innovation challenge platforms and digital tools used for application intake, judging, and community engagement.
• Design and facilitate selection processes, including the coordination of expert jury panels and technical evaluations.
• Provide support to "winners" or selected innovators through acceleration activities, mentoring, and connection to FAO technical expertise.
• Develop training materials and delivery capacity development activities for FAO staff and partners on how to run effective innovation competitions.
• Prepare analytical reports, impact assessments, and case studies on the outcomes of innovation challenges.
• Contribute to building and maintaining partnerships with accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs globally.
• Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For Consultants: Advanced University degree/University degree in business administration, innovation management, international development, entrepreneurship, engineering, or another relevant field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in the above-mentioned fields.
• At least 1 year for Category C, or 5 years for Category B of relevant experience in managing innovation challenges, open innovation programmes, accelerators, or startup scouting initiatives.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English(Level C).
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in designing and executing innovation competitions activities (e.g., hackathons, grand challenges, or startup calls).
• Demonstrated ability to frame complex technical problems into clear, actionable innovation briefs.
• Proficiency in using innovation management software and open innovation platforms.
• Experience in ecosystem mapping and building networks with non-traditional partners (startups, tech hubs, social enterprises).
• Experience working with government institutions, civil society, academia and/or international organizations.
• Relevance of experience in different geographical and cultural contexts.
• Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset;
Selection Criteria
• Candidates will be assessed on their demonstrated experience in managing the full lifecycle of an innovation challenge, from problem definition to solution selection.
• Proven capacity to engage with the global startup and innovation ecosystem will be a key consideration.
• Candidates will also be requested to submit a portfolio or summary of previous challenges/competitions they have designed or managed, highlighting key metrics and outcomes.
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
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