Management Information Systems Specialist

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines

The Management Information Systems Specialist reports to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme.

Technical Focus

To assess the advancement of farm mechanization in the country and its contribution to the growth of the agricultural sector, it is important to establish an indicator that captures the physical, technical, cultural and operational efficiencies in an area. Such indicator should be periodically monitored to determine the appropriate mechanization technologies to be acquired. It can thus be used by policy makers and planners to rationalize the acquisition, distribution, and utilization of mechanization technologies for better use of resources.

Presently, the level of mechanization with an index of hp/ha is considered as the standard parameter. The protocol in the calculation of which however varies and has not yet been standardized. A project proposal is therefore being submitted to standardize the procedure, which will be used to determine the level of mechanization at the national, regional, and local levels. Note that such data can be very useful at the local level considering the greater role of the Local Government Units in the implementation of devolved mechanization initiatives.

Notwithstanding the need to establish a uniform procedure of determining the level of mechanization, a management information system has been developed to serve as repository of mechanization interventions. It also houses the on-going census of machinery, which covers both public and private-led procurement and will be used to facilitate the determination of the level of mechanization. It is expected that the analysis of such inventory can provide insights on the needs and future direction of mechanization in the country. Relatedly, building capacities at the regional and local levels to adopt the harmonized mechanization index (HMI) methodology will help in better understanding the current context and situation, including the gaps.

This will then support the DA, through the FAO project team, in formulating and implementing policies that will improve the planning and programming of needed investments that would lead to an improvement in the level of mechanization in the country.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Management Information Systems Specialist shall perform the following responsibilities:

• Design and develop a comprehensive management information system for mechanization interventions and harmonized agricultural mechanization index calculator, including data collection forms, databases, and reporting mechanisms • Coordinate with stakeholders to identify information needs, system requirements, and data collection protocols • Ensure the efficient and accurate collection, entry, and storage of data in the management information system • Develop data analysis tools and reports to provide insights on the current state of mechanization and support decision-making processes • Conduct regular data quality assessments and implement corrective measures as needed • Provide technical support including the development of user manual and conduct of training to system users, including field staff, data collectors, and stakeholders • Collaborate with IT personnel and vendors to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the management information system. • Develop and implement data security protocols to protect sensitive information • Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

Minimum Requirements

• At least Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, or any related field • With at least three (3) years of work experience in in the design, development, and implementation of management information systems • Working knowledge of English and Tagalog • A national of Philippines or a legal resident in the country

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of database management systems and data analysis tools. • Proficiency in programming languages and software development frameworks • Experience in data collection, validation, cleaning, and analysis • Familiarity with agricultural mechanization concepts and data requirements • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment • Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities • Project management skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision