Innovation Officer (Science, Technology And Innovation)

Organizational Context

The Office of Innovation (OIN) is a key FAO entity providing strategic direction to drive and coordinate innovation across the Organization. It aims to consolidate and strengthen FAO's innovative spirit, including new approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports Programme Priority Areas by mainstreaming innovation, facilitating cross-collaboration among FAO units, and forging transformative partnerships. This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Job Purpose

The role involves applying science, technology, and innovation (STI) concepts and tools, including digital platforms and AI-enabled knowledge systems, to enhance the FAO STI portal. This includes integrating the portal into the global innovation ecosystem for sustainable agrifood systems, focusing on user-centered design, knowledge integration, and data-driven insights. The position will implement effective innovation-related work, combining research with practical application in FAO projects, and develop networks with external organizations for engagement with OIN initiatives. The officer will support the adoption of cross-sectoral innovation policies and strategies, organize capacity development activities, and identify opportunities for FAO units to engage in innovation projects.

Responsibilities

Serve as project manager for the STI portal, ensuring alignment with FAO IT and communication procedures. Continuously monitor and enhance AI integration within the portal. Proactively identify and incorporate similar initiatives from within and outside FAO. Ensure the portal's relevance to diverse stakeholders, including the private sector. Guide STI portal development based on user needs, innovative approaches, and new cooperation models. Organize and participate in capacity development activities, creating materials and tools for the portal. Facilitate the integration of technical centers, offices, and divisions into the STI portal. Promote the use of digital public goods and explore open-source large language models. Maintain engagement with FAO members and partners, defining the portal's role within broader FAO initiatives. Monitor global STI trends relevant to OIN's mission for portal integration. Participate in FAO and inter-agency missions focused on STI, providing recommendations for portal enhancement. Collaborate with FAO units and international organizations to develop technical and financial partnerships in agricultural STI. Review project proposals and technical documents related to STI, and develop publications synthesizing research findings and field experiences.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, preferably with public or private sector institutions or international organizations. Experience should emphasize content management, artificial intelligence, and community development, with a preference for work in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills

Experience in multiple work locations, especially field positions, is desirable. Proficiency in Agile approaches and Lean Startup principles is needed. Skills in data management, data governance, AI management, and AI governance are essential. Experience with AI prompt engineering, AI agents, and vibe coding is beneficial. Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture, IT architecture, and federated architecture is required. Familiarity with taxonomies, vocabularies, and data standards (e.g., FAIR, DIAL, IATI, Agrovoc) is important. Experience supporting policy analysis and advice related to STI, stakeholder engagement, inter-organizational collaboration, and communication strategies for STI adoption is necessary. A strong understanding of the latest STI developments and trends in agrifood systems, with the ability to anticipate future trends, is crucial.

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