Digital Agriculture Expert

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities.  

In response to the growing demand for seizing the opportunities brought by digital technologies, FAO REU established its specialized team for Digital Agriculture in 2020. With a mission to act as a catalyzer for the digital transformation of agriculture across Europe and Central Asia, the team provides critical capabilities to country offices, technical units, and Members, while leading the implementation of key initiatives, such as the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI), the Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH) and the AgriTech Observatory. In 2023, the team was recognized with the “One FAO Team Award”.

This vacancy announcement aims to identify and endorse qualified individuals for inclusion in a roster of approved experts. Selected candidates may be engaged under a Personal Service Agreement/Consultancy contract for assignments ranging from two weeks to 11 months, depending on organizational needs.

Endorsed experts may perform their duties remotely, at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, or on mission assignments, as required. 

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader. 

Technical Focus 

The incumbent(s) will contribute to the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework linked mainly to Digital Agriculture (BP5): “Provision of analytical and technical support for conducting research and assessments, studies, formulating strategies, programmes, and supporting projects for the digitalization of food and agriculture and rural areas.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Conduct (for assignments level C and B) or oversee (for assignments level A) regional and country research and assessments related to the digital transformation of agriculture and rural areas.
•    Develop analytical frameworks, methodologies and tools for evaluating digital agriculture readiness, digitalization initiatives, and for providing technical recommendations to government stakeholders.
•    Provide technical expertise to country offices and member states to support the design, implementation, and scaling of digital agriculture programmes, projects or solutions, including those related to the FAO Digital Villages Initiative (DVI)
•    Assist in (for assignments level C) or lead the formulation (for assignments level B and A) of national and regional strategies and action plans for digital agriculture, in alignment with country priorities, the FAO Strategic Framework, and the SDG Agenda.
•    Support the implementation (for assignments level C and B) or oversee (level A) the implementation of digital agriculture projects, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and achievement of objectives, coordinating with country offices, technical units, and external partners to ensure effective project execution.
•    Contribute to (for assignments level C), lead (level B) or oversee (level A) the preparation of project proposals, concept notes, and funding requests to mobilize resources for digitalization efforts.
•    Facilitate knowledge exchange by documenting best practices, success stories, digital solutions and lessons learned from digital agriculture initiatives, including through the FAO AgriTech Observatory. 
•    Design and deliver capacity-development workshops, training sessions, and technical guidance materials intended for various audiences, such as government officials, farmers, students, etc.
•    Foster partnerships with private sector, research institutions, and international organizations to promote and to leverage funding for the digital transformation of agriculture.
•    Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Agricultural Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Data Science, Computer Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
•    At least 2 years (for level C), 5 years (for level B) and 10 years (for level A) of relevant experience in digital agriculture, Information Technology (IT), project management, business development, research and analysis, or related fields.
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong knowledge of digital technologies, tools, and platforms relevant to agriculture, rural development, and food systems.
•    Ability to conduct digital agriculture assessments, as well as research and analysis related to digital agriculture.
•    Strong skills in drafting national strategies and action plans related to the digitalization of agriculture.
•    Ability to work with farmers and rural communities to identify their needs and challenges and design solutions and training programmes to meet those needs.
•    Ability to coordinate technical digital agriculture projects.
•    People management (for assignments level A).

Selection criteria

•    Experience in the technical and functional skills related to the position
•    Working knowledge (Proficient, Level C) of English. 
•    Proficiency in using MS Office suite, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
•    Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
•    Strong problem-solving skills. Strong time-management skills. 
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and external stakeholders.
•    Strong attention to detail.
•    Ability to work independently.