Innovation Specialist (Artificial Intelligence)

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, 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.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Specialist (Artificial Intelligence) reports to the Senior Innovation Officer (Digital Agriculture), who leads the Digital Agriculture Team in OIN, and/or to the OIN Director. S/he works in coordination with the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI), and in close collaboration with other technical staff in the Digital Agriculture Team and across OIN.

Technical Focus

Apply AI tools/solutions, combining research with practical application within OIN projects, and develop/maintain network of external organizations with expertise in the field that can be engaged for collaboration with the office’s initiatives. Successful delivery of technical support focused on AI during the planning, development, and implementation stages of innovation-focused projects, products, and services.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Actively monitor global AI trends and potential hazards relevant to OIN’s mission • Serve as the primary specialist on AI topics within OIN projects, offering insights and guidance where these concepts are applicable. • Identify and assess opportunities for divisions and decentralized offices to engage in projects that can benefit from AI applications. • Facilitate the transfer of innovative AI solutions from research to practical applications within the agricultural sector. • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AI advancements, regulations, and ethical considerations. • Develop and implement mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of AI-related projects. • Participate in FAO and inter-agency missions focused on digital agriculture and AI projects, assessing situations and making recommendations to enhance AI applications for agricultural improvement. • Provide specialist advice and technical support on AI-related issues to projects and programmes within FAO, helping to integrate AI solutions into broader agricultural development efforts. • Collaborate with other divisions at HQ and decentralized offices to develop technical and financial partnerships with international organizations on matters related to AI and digital innovations in agriculture. • Lead initiatives to build AI literacy and skills among FAO staff, partner organizations, and the farming community, ensuring that AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to all stakeholders. • Ensure the development and deployment of AI in agriculture is done ethically, considering data privacy and ensuring that technologies are inclusive and accessible to smallholder farmers. • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in computer science, focused on data science, AI, machine learning, or related studies. • A minimum of three years of relevant and recent experience in the field of AI research or use of AI applications, preferably but not necessarily focused on agrifood systems. • Working knowledge (proficient -level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate -level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrates expertise in the latest AI developments, including applications and trends related to agrifood systems. • Ability to identify, synthesize and communicate impacts and potential consequences from the latest AI trends. • Ability to keep updated with technological advances and future innovations in AI and digital technologies. • Demonstrates an ability to manage a vast network of stakeholders and partners, including fostering strong relationships and promoting inter-organizational collaboration in projects. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. • Familiarity with the Food and Agriculture sector is an asset.

Selection criteria

• Extent of experience applying the latest Artificial Intelligence developments • Good communication skills and demonstrated ability to identify, synthesize and communicate impacts and potential consequences from the latest artificial intelligence trends. • Demonstrated successful involvement in multidisciplinary teams, ideally with expertise in project management. • Work experience in or cultivating/managing partnerships with research institutions, universities, and private sector organizations is desirable.