Audio-Visual Technician

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Governing Bodies Servicing (CSG) provides support to the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports all Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It houses the Multilingualism expertise of the Organization, delivering corporate language goods and services. CSG also provides Protocol and Meetings services to the Organization and sustains liaison and communication with Members.

The position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Meeting Services branch (CSGM) which carries out the scheduling and programming of all physical, virtual and hybrid meetings of the FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies, FAO corporate events, informal meetings and other meetings. It is responsible for overseeing and supporting the planning and provision of logistical and audio-visual facilities for the conduct of such meetings.

Main Purpose

The Audio-Visual Technician ensures effective delivery of day-to-day audiovisual services for in-presence, virtual and hybrid meetings, simultaneous interpretation, web streaming and video conferences.
He/she coordinates and provides a large variety of support duties related to the preparation and execution of international meetings and conferences held at FAO.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Office Assistant reports to the Chief/Head of the Meeting Services and receives guidance from the Audio-Visual Technician (Team Supervisor). He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Working Relationships

The Audio-Visual Technician works closely with colleagues from within its division as well as with meeting organizers across the Organization to provide audiovisual services. He/she liaises with external providers, ensuring identification and timely delivery of goods and services.

Key Functions/Results

•    Set up and operate audiovisual equipment, including microphones, projectors, video conferencing systems with interpretation in multiple languages, and other multimedia tools for meetings, conferences, and special events.
•    Provide on-site technical support to ensure smooth operations of audiovisual systems during meetings and events, addressing any issues promptly.
•    Regularly inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot audiovisual equipment; ensure that all equipments are in good working order, repair or replaced as needed.
•    Work closely with event organizers, Information Technology (IT) staff, and external vendors to coordinate technical aspects of events and meetings.
•    Provide training to staff on basic audiovisual equipment use and troubleshooting.
•    Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and any technical issues encountered.
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Work

The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of meeting services and on the overall output of the work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Three years of relevant experience in audiovisual support, preferably in an international setting and for large events and on different virtual platforms.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of Italian.
IT Skills:
•    Proficiency in operating a wide range of audiovisual equipment (microphones, cameras, projectors, sound systems, video conferencing tools, etc.).
•    Knowledge of AV technologies, video production, and editing software.
•    Extensive knowledge of audio digital transmission systems: DANTE.
•    Extensive knowledge of audio management systems.
•    Extensive knowledge of interpretation system systems.
•    Extensive knowledge of conference systems: BOSCH DICENTIS, TELEVIC CONFERENCE.
•    Extensive knowledge of voting systems and microphones management systems.
•    Extensive knowledge of digital recording systems.
•    Extensive knowledge of corporate virtual platforms: Zoom, Teams and 6Connex.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. \"Commuting distance\" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

•    Extensive knowledge of conference service meeting solutions both from an architectural/design perspective and from a hands-on operational point of view.
•    Awareness of the latest trends and developments in audiovisual technologies. 
•    Expertise in liaising with IT teams and external suppliers in defining solutions and then building robust systems to support the different types of meetings requested.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

•    Practical experience in building solutions on current platforms. 
•    Audio engineering-related certifications.
•    Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues efficiently.
•    Familiarity with remote event tools and virtual meeting platforms.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
•    A customer-focused approach with the ability to anticipate client needs and deliver high-quality support.