Innovation Specialist

Job Description - Innovation Specialist (Agrifood Systems, Science, Technologies and Innovations) (2500695)

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2500695

Innovation Specialist (Agrifood Systems, Science, Technologies and Innovations)

Job Posting

Date: 06/Mar/2025

Closure Date

27/Mar/2025, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: OIN - Office of Innovation

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: Consultant

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration: Up to 11 months

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 persons 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 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.

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.

In this context, OIN's Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Unit is responsible for leading the ATIO initiative and carrying out foresight and horizon scanning studies to identify and support pathways for the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems.

The incumbent will provide support to the ATIO initiative as well as the STI portal by providing technical, administrative, and coordination support.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Specialist (Agrifood Systems, Science, Technologies and Innovations) reports to the Technical or Senior Innovation Officer.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the Agrifood Technologies and Innovations Specialist role is to provide support for the development, coordination, and dissemination of the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) initiative.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Support the conceptualization and coordination of the development of the high-profile ATIO reports and related publications.
2. Provide overall support to the ATIO initiative, including developing, implementing, and monitoring formal partnerships and contracts with service providers.
3. Contribute to the review and publication process of ATIO and related technical papers/background studies.
4. Contribute to communications products, events, and activities to promote the ATIO initiative.
5. Support partner mobilization activities to engage networks of research institutes, universities, producers’ organizations, and private sector actors.
6. Support the ATIO team in coordinating the activities and meetings of the ATIO Technical Advisory Committee.
7. Assist the ATIO team in designing and organizing innovative modalities of scientific content development.
8. Support the development of the ATIO Knowledge Base (KB).
9. Support developing ATIO innovation catalogues using the KB.
10. Assist in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with international organizations.
11. Support in designing and implementing resource mobilization strategies and plans.
12. Help identifying AI-based data and information management tools.
13. Support the engagement with stakeholders through the Community of Practice (CoP) of the STI portal.
14. Support the organization of webinars, documentation, or workshops related to the STI portal.
15. Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

- Advanced university degree in Data and Information Management, Evaluation and Learning, International Development, Agriculture and/or Food Economics, Political Science, Innovation Systems, or related studies.
- At least 1 year (Category C) or 5 years (Category B) of relevant professional working experience.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

Technical/Functional Skills

- Excellent research skills with data and information analytics.
- Proven experience in managing complex projects and communications.
- Substantive experience in developing analytical instruments and tools.
- Good understanding of international development challenges.
- Demonstrated good command of organization, research, presentation, and writing skills.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and planning skills.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) will be an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from recognized institutions.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment.

HOW TO APPLY

1. To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile.
2. Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
3. Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
4. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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