Overview
The Innovation Officer (Science, Technology And Innovation) role supports the development and enhancement of the FAO STI portal and its integration within the global innovation ecosystem for sustainable agrifood systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as project manager for the STI portal project.
- Aligns with FAO IT and communication procedures and guidance.
- Continuously monitors and enhances AI integration within the portal.
- Proactively identifies, relates, and incorporates similar initiatives from both within and outside FAO.
- Ensures the portal's relevance to a wide variety of stakeholders including from the private sector.
- Guides the STI portal development based on key user personas needs, innovation of approaches and new cooperation models.
- Organizes and participates in capacity development activities and develop related materials, on-line tools and information kits to be federated in the STI portal.
- Identifies and assesses opportunities for technical Centres/Offices/Divisions including Decentralized Offices to engage in the STI portal.
- Ensures the federation of the ATIO Knowledge Base in the STI Portal
- Promotes the use of digital public goods within the portal ecosystem.
- Encourages the adoption of open-source large language models and explore the use of small language models.
- Maintains active engagement with FAO members and key FAO partners.
- Defines a clear role for the portal in relation to the ATIO and Agrifood Innovation Systems (AIS) initiatives.
- Supports the work carried out by OIN actively monitoring global science, technology and innovation trends relevant to OIN's mission, to be integrated into the STI portal.
- Participates in FAO and inter-agency missions, working groups, and meetings focused on science, technology and innovation, assessing situations and making recommendations to enhance the STI portal.
- Collaborates with other technical Centres/Offices/Divisions at FAO headquarters and regional offices to develop technical and financial partnerships with international organizations on STI in agriculture.
- Reviews and analyses project proposals and technical documents related to STI, as per FAO Strategic Framework.
- Develops publications on STI, synthesizing research findings and field experiences.
Required Experience
Five years of relevant experience with public or private sector institutions, international organizations, with an emphasis on content management, artificial intelligence, community development, preferably with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in information management, computer science and engineering, knowledge management, innovation, business administration, data science and analytics, agriculture or related studies.
