International Specialist on Digital Innovation

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa 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. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

The International Specialist on Digital Innovation reports to RNE Senior Economist.

Technical Focus

Supporting the implementation of the TCP RAB 3902 project Promoting Food Safety Innovation Hub through South- South and Triangular Cooperation.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the establishment of Research Network and Food Safety Innovation Hub (RNFSIH) through development and documenting methodologies, innovative business models and continuously updates any changes; • Collect and analyse data on digital innovation in food safety and food quality trends, policies and strategies, challenges for rural and urban areas, understanding the knowledge and digital gap; as well as assist in monitoring indicators on digital innovation and other information in support of RNFSIH work; • Appraise capacity development needs report relating to digital innovation on food safety and food quality standards in NENA region, including assessment of relevant national policies and strategies, identification of innovation and digital skills gaps, etc.; • Plan, organize and conduct digital innovation needs assessment and digital innovation capacity development trainings/workshops (online and offline), acting as workshop/training facilitator and trainer; • Support formulation and coordinate implementation of the LoA or PO by service providers as established in the project document; • Organize and coordinate innovation challenges/hackathons at the national or regional level on innovation for green/smart cities solutions focusing on agriculture and retail chains; • Support the identification, development and scaling-up of food safety digital innovation solutions and deployment (experimenting) at the national or regional level; • Collaborate and coordinate, in conjunction with the PTF, Regional coordinator and local government focal points the design and implementations of the RNFSIH and its workplan activities. • Support the development of the progress report (and other needed reports) on the status of RNFSIH implementations. • Support the development and documenting of outputs of the TCP/RAB/3902 project such as slides, articles, publications according to established FAO policies.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture (economics, agribusiness, digital agriculture, agriculture innovation systems), development studies, social science, innovation, computer science and engineering or related studies or any other relevant degree. • At least three years of relevant professional working experience in similar environment. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages: Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese or Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge of English (for PSA).

FAO Core 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 • Extent and relevance of experience in conducting agricultural sector analysis and/or supporting the planning, design, implementation of agricultural and IT projects, setting digital standards and frameworks and knowledge dissemination • Extent and relevance of experience in facilitation of sprint programmes such as hackathons, incubators and/or accelerators • Extent and relevance of experience working with agri-tech start-ups and scaling innovation with focus on food safety • Awareness of the global, regional and country-level digital initiatives • Familiarity with the ecosystem surrounding digital agriculture and the capabilities and services required by FAO • Demonstrated organization, research, presentation and writing skills • Excellent organizational, time management and planning skills with demonstrated capacity to work in a fast-pace, high pressure environment • Limited knowledge of Arabic and French is an asset