Digital Specialist

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

The position is located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Digital Specialist report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus 

A well-designed digital solution developed by a Digital Specialist could contribute to the improvement of farmers and fishers' livelihoods while supporting environmental and economic sustainability. By leveraging best practices from successful digital solutions (e.g., Abalobi in South Africa, ISDApp in the Philippines), a mobile application has the potential to transform the lives of farmers and fishers — enhancing their incomes, safety, and resilience while promoting sustainable fisheries management. By connecting these traditionally marginalized communities, a well-designed digital tool would also serve as a lever to reinforce local social structures and the efficiency of cooperatives.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Working with the service provider, prepare a draft design of the digital application based on the consultations done with stakeholders;
•    Develop the digital application with complete systems documentation based on the consultations conducted;
•    Conduct pilot testing of the digital application;
•    Engage in iterative design and user testing of prototypes to ensure they meet the needs of rural users, specifically farmers.
•    Support the drafting of technical and functional specifications to guide the development of the new digital services, ensuring alignment with user needs and project goals.
•    Assist in conducting surveys with farmers to gain insights into their current use and needs for digital services
•    Lead in the conduct of trainings of target users of the application as well as on other technical support such as System Utilization and System Management and Administration among others
•    Assist in coordinating with relevant stakeholders for Non-Disclosure Agreement and compliance with ICT Security Requirements (i.e. Captcha, Encryption, Audit trail, CSRF and other related security features) as necessary
•    Ensure compliance to Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012), Warranty and Efficient Service support of the application to be developed;
•    Ensure completion of System Documentation which includes the following: System Design (Wireframe, use case), Technical System Documentation, Installation Guide and system administration manual, Troubleshooting Guide, User Guide/Manual 
•    Support the preparation of project reports, relevant briefers, highlights of meeting; and other project-related documents;   
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO, and; 
•    Submit a final report and documentation of the project activities and outputs conducted

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or any related degree
•    At least 5 years of relevant practical experience in application design and development
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Selection Criteria

•    Experience with legal issues related to veterinary, laboratory, food, agriculture, environment and health sectors would be an asset.
•    Experience in drafting legal instruments and implementing national projects would also be an asset.