Digital Information Specialists

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports sustainable agrifood systems globally. The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) strengthens strategic partnerships with UN agencies and non-state actors, leading FAO's engagement in UN development system repositioning and advocating for the Strategic Framework and SDGs. PSU manages e-learning programs and knowledge platforms like AGRIS and AGROVOC, promoting knowledge sharing on food security and nutrition. This call aims to build a roster of specialists to support FAO in developing and applying digital solutions, information systems, data-driven tools, and semantic technologies for global, regional, or country-level assignments.

Job Purpose

This role seeks to establish a roster of Digital Information Specialists to support FAO in developing and implementing digital solutions, information systems, data-driven tools, and semantic technologies. Assignments may cover various profiles: Information Technology (IT) Specialists focusing on enterprise applications, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity; Information Management Specialists concentrating on knowledge management strategies, content management, metadata standards, and collaboration tools; Semantics Specialists developing controlled vocabularies, ontologies, knowledge graphs, and semantic interoperability; and Data Analysts performing data collection, statistical analysis, visualization, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. These specialists will contribute to FAO's digital transformation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary by specialization. IT Specialists will contribute to the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of web applications and digital platforms, support AGRIS and AGROVOC systems, develop integrations and APIs, manage databases and cloud infrastructure, and ensure adherence to software engineering best practices. Information Management Specialists will develop and improve information management policies and standards, support the organization and dissemination of agricultural resources, develop metadata standards, manage information quality, coordinate information exchange, and provide training. Semantics Specialists will develop and maintain knowledge organization systems like AGROVOC, design ontologies and taxonomies, support semantic interoperability, manage linked data, and conduct semantic modelling. Data Analysts will collect, process, and analyze data, develop analytical datasets and reporting workflows, conduct data quality assessments, design visualizations, support program monitoring, and perform statistical and predictive analyses. All specialists will collaborate with relevant teams, prepare documentation, and perform other related duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as information technology, information management, semantic technologies, data analytics, or digital solutions. For Consultant roles, a bachelor's degree necessitates two additional years of experience beyond the minimum requirement. Experience in developing and applying digital solutions, information systems, data-driven tools, or semantic technologies is crucial for this roster.

Skills

Key skills include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Technical skills depend on the specialization and may include experience with search and indexing technologies, databases, cloud computing, APIs, semantic web standards (RDF, SKOS, SPARQL), metadata standards, data analysis tools (Python, R, Power BI, Tableau), knowledge graph development, and web analytics platforms. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of other FAO languages is an asset. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are essential for working in multicultural environments.

Explore related opportunities