Innovation Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 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 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 the 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 position is located in the Office of Innovation, OIN, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Innovation Officer (Frontier Technologies) reports to the Senior Innovation Officer, who leads the Research, Biotechnology and Extension team and works closely with other staff across OIN.

Technical Focus
Apply frontier technologies (biotechnology and genetics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, etc.) concepts/solutions, combining research with practical application within projects.

Key Results
Implementation of coherent, integrated and effective innovation-related work, combining research with practical application within FAO projects and developing/maintaining networks of external organizations with expertise in the field for engagement with the Office's initiatives.

Key Functions
• Participate in specialized or multidisciplinary teams in support of FAO's innovative spirit, including the innovation of approaches and cooperation models.
• Support with analytical work and collaboration with concerned stakeholders the adoption and implementation of cross-sectoral policies and strategies concerning innovation-related activities.
• Participate in specialized or multidisciplinary teams as well as partnership activities and promote best practices and policy dialogue in support of innovation of approaches and cooperation models.
• Support the analysis of organizational level innovation-related issues.
• Organize and participate in capacity development activities and develop related materials, on-line tools and information kits.
• Identify and assess opportunities for technical Centres/Offices/Divisions including Decentralized Offices to engage in projects related to OIN.
• Perform any other duties as required.

Specific Functions
• Support the work carried out by OIN actively monitoring global frontier technologies trends and potential hazards relevant to OIN's mission.
• Provide support and guidance on frontier technologies topics within OIN.
• Support the transfer of innovative frontier technologies solutions from research to practical applications within the agricultural sector.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of frontier technologies advancements, regulations, and ethical considerations.
• Contribute to the implementation of the technology accelerator of the FAO Strategic Framework.
• Participate in FAO and inter-agency missions, working groups, and meetings focused on frontier technologies projects, assessing situations and making recommendations to enhance frontier technologies applications for agricultural improvement.
• Identify, formulate and support field projects on frontier technologies, responding to requests for assistance from Member States and aiming to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
• Collaborate with other technical Centres/Offices/Divisions at FAO headquarters and regional offices to develop technical and financial partnerships with international organizations on frontier technology innovations in agriculture.
• Review and analyze project proposals and technical documents related to frontier technologies, as per FAO Strategic Framework.
• Develop publications on frontier technologies, synthesizing research findings and field experiences.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in biotechnology and genetic engineering, computer science and engineering, data science and analytics, or related studies.
• Five years of relevant experience in frontier technologies research and applications.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Relevance and extent of experience in supporting policy analysis and advice relating to frontier technologies.
• Relevance and extent of experience supporting stakeholders and partners, including inter-organizational project collaboration.
• Relevance and extent of experience supporting communication strategies to promote the adoption of frontier technologies.
• Relevance and extent of experience in the latest frontier technology developments, including applications and trends related to agrifood systems.
• Ability to keep up-to-date with future innovations in frontier technologies.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: 
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

---