Senior Information Technology Officer (Global Infrastructure)

Organizational Context

The Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) manages all Information Technology (IT) activities within the Organization, defining policies, strategy, and architecture. CSI provides digital products and services, comprising the FAO Digital Workplace, supporting personnel globally. This includes managing a secure infrastructure of both cloud-based platforms and on-premise capabilities, accessible via a wide area network connecting all FAO offices. The position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Job Purpose

The Senior Information Technology Officer will lead Digital Workplace teams responsible for FAO's global infrastructure, encompassing both cloud-based and on-premise platforms. This includes managing cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Microsoft office and productivity tools, the wide area network, headquarters digital infrastructure, and data centers. The role also involves providing technical support for corporate events and audio-visual setups at headquarters. A key objective is to lead the transformation of the Rome headquarters infrastructure by replacing legacy equipment and integrating tools to meet the Organization's evolving needs, ensuring effective IT and ICT requirements are met.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will lead specialized CSI activities, prepare work plans, and monitor progress to ensure operational and project output delivery. Responsibilities include managing financial and human resources, developing KPIs, and advising senior management on IT strategies, governance, and standards. The role involves leading the planning and policy setting for an Organization-wide IS/ICT strategy, supervising staff and external providers, and representing the Division in formal meetings. Specific duties include leading Global Infrastructure teams, safeguarding cloud platform availability, overseeing the disaster recovery plan, and transforming global infrastructure into a proactive setup. The officer will ensure the warranty and utility of FAO's global network and Rome HQ LAN, oversee data center operations, monitor service levels, and manage digital aspects for corporate events and audio-visual setups at headquarters.

Work Experience

Candidates must have ten years of relevant experience leading diverse teams supporting complex cloud-based and on-premise infrastructure in an international setting. A working knowledge (C level) of English and limited knowledge (B level) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) are essential.

Skills

Essential skills include experience in multiple work locations, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing cloud platforms (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle). Proficiency in managing Microsoft collaboration and productivity tools (M365, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint) and communication platforms (Zoom) is required. Candidates should have experience designing and implementing complex network topologies, utilizing ITSM methodology (ITIL certification is an asset), managing contracts with vendors, and preparing project proposals and management reports. Experience in corporate environmental responsibility is also an asset.

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