Overview
The role involves leading and managing the digital agriculture programme of work in the region, contributing to the implementation of FAO's Strategic Framework related to technology and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the digital agriculture programme of work and project portfolio, including technical supervision, reporting, and monitoring.
- Develop and oversee analytical frameworks, methodologies, and diagnostic tools to assess digital agriculture readiness and innovation systems.
- Oversee and technically supervise the digital agriculture programme across the region and lead the implementation of the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI) and Hand-in-Hand initiative (HiH).
- Lead the embedding of digitalization of agriculture in regional priority programmes and Country Programme Frameworks.
- Support the implementation of the Science and Innovation strategy by mainstreaming innovation and technology.
- Provide senior-level technical expertise as Lead Technical Officer in multiple FAO projects.
- Lead strategic partnerships on digital transformation with organizations and scope opportunities with the private sector.
- Lead outreach, dissemination, and capacity development events on digital agriculture.
- Strategically allocate programme resources, ensuring optimal utilization of personnel, budget, and technological assets.
- Lead opportunities for resource mobilization to grow the regional digitalization, innovation, and HiH investment portfolio.
- Provide expert technical inputs and/or supervise REU publications related to digital agriculture in English and Russian.
- Lead the preparation of technical background documents and organize panels for governing body meetings.
- Manage the REU Digital Agriculture Team and identify gaps of expertise, initializing mentoring and coaching of staff.
- Scale the FAO AgriTech Observatory as a platform for data-driven insights and knowledge dissemination.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Required Experience
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in digital agriculture, Information Technology (IT), project management, innovation, research and analysis, or related fields.
- Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Science, Economics, Computer Science or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
- Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
