Information Management 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: 
•     advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•     provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•      assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•     position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•     ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Islamabad.

The following position is at SB4 SC9 level.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of Assistant FAOR (Programme) and in close coordination with the Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning and Knowledge Management (MEAL/ KM), project managers, and technical teams across all FAO projects, the incumbent will provide information management and data system support to ensure high-quality reporting, data visualization, and digital transformation across programmes.

Technical Focus

•     Lead paperless initiatives in FAO Pakistan through automation and digital solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual processes
•     Administer and manage KOBO Toolbox forms, data, and users on cloud-based servers. Improve existing KoBo Collect interfaces and applications for smooth and easy data collection.
•     Support provincial and district teams in data management and resolve any technical issues faced during database or mobile application use, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
•     Manage data backup, recovery procedures, and system maintenance plans.
•     Develop and maintain real-time dashboards to support the MEAL and programme teams with timely data visualization and quick decision-making.
•     Ensure data quality, protection, and compliance with FAO’s data protection policies.
•     Provide capacity building and training to project teams on data collection tools, IT systems, and dashboards.
•     Support programme planning, management, setup and maintenance of digital platforms

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Knowledge Management & Reporting Systems – Establish and maintain a centralized knowledge management and reporting system to consolidate project reports, lessons learned, and best practices from all programme managers and projects, enabling evidence-based decision-making and institutional learning.
•     KOBO Management - Maintenance and management of FAO KOBO Application on cloud-based data server along with form development, trainings, users and data management and quality assurance.
•     Data Management, Visualisation & Quality Assurance - Collect, compile, collate, verify and analyse data from various sources (program, MEAL, 5Ws, assessments, Govt etc.), ensuring accuracy and completeness. Review of data, cleaning and quality checks/protocols to identify and correct errors, inconsistencies, and duplicates to ensure its integrity and consistency. 
•     Prepare different visualization products (infographics, interactive dashboards etc.) by using advanced Power Point, Adobe Illustrator, and Power BI/ Tableau. 
•     Databases & API Integrations - Assess stakeholder’s database infrastructure and integration needs, providing tailored recommendations and solutions. Provide ongoing support and maintenance to optimize database performance and troubleshoot integration issues.
•     Data Security & Protection - Ensure compliance with data privacy and security policies and procedures of FAO (FAO Data Protection Policy) to safeguard sensitive information and implement necessary steps to protect data.
•     IT support - Support the setup and maintenance of information management systems, databases and digital repositories by using different IT technologies/software, including support to Agricultural Climate and Water (ACWA) portal, Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System (PAITS), Food Security and Nutrition Information System (FSNIS), Farmers field school (Effs Application), and GCF project Management Information System (MIS)
•     Web Content Management - Regular update on different web based humanitarian platform (www.humanitarianresponse.info, www.fscluster.org/pakistan) 
•     FSAWG support – Collect provincial, national and global level data for 5W data collection, analysis and preparation of different IM products (dashboards, infographics, gap analysis, and partner’s presence newsletters, Sitrep etc.).
•     Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
 
•     Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or Information Management.
•     Advanced expertise in data management, analysis, and visualization, with proficiency in Power BI, Tableau, and KoBo.
•     Minimum 8 years of professional experience in information management, data systems, and analytics.
•     Pakistani national

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Certification in different database and software technologies will be added advantage
•     Proficient in data collection, management tools such as KoBo, CommCare, REDCap, MDS, Excel, and SQL Server
•     Strong expertise in Power BI for real-time dashboards, analytics, and data visualization to support quick decision-making.
•     Knowledge of programming languages including .NET Framework, Angular, Python, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
•     Proficient in development tools such as GitHub and Visual Studio Code.
•     Skilled in predictive and forecasting modeling using Python, R, and Power BI to generate actionable insights.
•     Experienced in Office 365 and SharePoint for knowledge management and collaboration.
•     Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in field and system operations.
•     Skilled in training teams on data collection tools and IT system use.
•     Advance Computer skills in Office Applications Including Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point
•     Good analytical and writing skills.
•     Ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds and strong communication skills and strong spirit of teamwork.
•     Strong command over spoken and written English

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION