Organizational Setting
The Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics (CSI) is responsible for all IT activities within the Organization. CSI performs on behalf of the Organization the following critical roles: defining FAO IT policies and providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards, governance, policy and operational matters while monitoring organizational compliance; defining the mechanisms for managing FAO's information and data; protecting FAO's information assets and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability; ensuring provision of IT services that are core for the Organization's global operations and supporting the information and business processes; coordinating organization-wide IT activities to reduce duplication and fragmentation and to increase integration of information data, systems and platforms, mobilizing IT resources from across the Organization.
The Agro-informatics unit combines information technology with agricultural data management, analysis, and application to fight poverty and hunger through better production, better nutrients, a better environment, and better livelihood.
Reporting Lines
Depending on the role assigned, the incumbent will report to the Information Technology Officer, Competency Centre Lead or Project Lead.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will participate in an agile software development team or technical competency centre, building high-quality and effective software products and services that deliver solutions to help FAO accomplish its mission.
They will contribute to application development with a focus on creating solutions using cutting-edge technologies and mainstreaming their adoption, serving in one of the following roles:
• UX/UI Designer
• Web/Mobile/web/Frontend Developer
• Backend Developer
• Data Visualization Specialist
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Software Engineer
• Cloud DevSecOps Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• GIS Specialist
• IT Product Owner
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Github Administrator
• Programme Support Specialist
• IT Technical Author
Tasks and responsibilities
UX/UI Designer
● Conduct user research to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
● Design wireframes, prototypes, and final UI elements, ensuring a seamless user experience.
● Collaborate with developers for implementation and iterate based on feedback.
Web/Mobile/web/Frontend Developer
● Develop responsive and user-friendly applications using front-end frameworks.
● Collaborate closely with backend developers and designers to ensure web or mobile applications work smoothly across different devices and platforms.
Backend Developer
● Database management and API integration to ensure the functionality of applications.
● Ensure efficient and secure data processing. Includes Geospatial backend development
Data Visualisation Specialist
● Transform complex data sets into clear, actionable visual formats such as charts, graphs, and dashboards utilizing tools like Tableau, or Power BI.
Data Engineer
● Design, build, and maintain the data collection, storage, and processing infrastructure.
● Ensure data pipelines are efficient, scalable, and reliable, preparing data for analytical and machine learning purposes. Includes Geospatial data engineering
Data Scientist
● Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets from various sources.
● Develop and implement statistical models and machine learning algorithms.
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and solve business problems.
Software Engineer
● Design, develop, and maintain software solutions across the full development lifecycle.
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into functional applications.
● Ensure code quality, performance, and scalability through testing, code reviews, and adherence to best practices. Includes Geospatial software Engineering
Cloud DevSecOps Engineer
● Automate cloud infrastructure and integrate security into DevOps processes.
● Manage cloud deployments, monitor performance, and ensure systems are secure by implementing continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines and security protocols.
Artificial Intelligence Specialist
● Design, develop and implement AI models and algorithms to solve complex issues.
● Analyze large datasets, train models, and optimise machine learning processes.
GIS Specialist
● Use GIS to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data.
● Create maps and spatial analyses for various applications, ensuring data accuracy and relevance.
IT Product Owner
● Define the vision and roadmap for IT products in alignment with organizational goals.
● Prioritize features, manage the product backlog, and coordinate with development teams to ensure timely delivery of high-impact solutions.
● Act as the main point of contact for stakeholders.
Quality Assurance Analyst
● Design and execute test plans to ensure the quality and functionality of applications.
● Identify bugs and inconsistencies, and work with developers to resolve issues.
● Support automated and manual testing processes to maintain high software standards.
Github Administrator
● Manage and configure GitHub repositories, access permissions, and workflows.
● Ensure secure and efficient source code management practices.
● Provide support and training to development teams on version control and GitHub best practices.
Programme Support Specialist
● Provide operational and administrative support across programme activities.
● Assist in planning, reporting, procurement, and coordination tasks.
● Ensure smooth communication between technical teams and stakeholders, and help monitor project progress.
IT Technical Author
● Create and maintain clear, accurate documentation for technical systems, processes, and user guides.
● Collaborate with developers, analysts, and support teams to ensure documentation reflects current practices and is accessible to various audiences.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
For Consultants:
● Advanced or Bachelor’s University degree from an institution recognized by the Internation Association of Universities (IAU/UNESCO) in Computer Science, IT Engineering, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, GIS, Development area, UX/UI, Data Science, Economics, Web/Mobile Development or related fields
● Consultants with advanced degree need at least 1 year of relevant experience in Computer Science, IT Engineering, Data Engineering, Software Engineering or GIS
Consultants with bachelor's degree need at least 3 years of experience of relevant professional experience
● Working knowledge (Level C) of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian
For PSAs:
● University Degree or equivalent technical degree in Computer Science, IT Engineering, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, GIS, Development area, UX/UI, Data Science, Web/Mobile Development or related field
● At least 1 year of professional experience in Computer Science, IT Engineering, Data Engineering, Software Engineering or GIS
● Working knowledge (Level C) of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian
FAO Core Competencies
● Results Focus
● Teamwork
● Communication
● Building Effective Relationships
● Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Candidates will have concrete experience and passion for one or more of the following specialisations and/or technologies
• UX/UI Specialist – Design, business models, success KPIs, human-centred design, storyboarding and customer journeys, internationalisation and multi-cultural interfaces, material-design.
• Mobile/Web/Front End AppDev – Flutter & Dart, Angular, React, PWA, Android Native, Tailwind CSS.
• Backend AppDev – Serverless Firebase, Cloud Functions, Cloud APIs, Java/Spring, Python, Flask, Django, NodeJS, RoR, Java
• Full Stack Developer – Frontend Development (React, Angular), bachkend development and GraphQL API desing, database management (SQL, PostgreSQL, My SQL) version control (Github) responsive web design (Javascript) cloud development. Desirable knowledge of Ruby on Rails, Java (Spring).
• Data Visualization – R Shiny, Tableau, PowerBI, Looker Studio.
• Data Engineering – Realtime, Internet of Things, BigData, Geospatial, Talend, Data Flow and Integration, Analytics, Predication Modelling and Machine Learning. Jupyter Notebooks, Python Pandas, Airflow/DataFlow, BigQuery, Cloud Composer, GEE, CKAN, Tableau Prep. Desirable knowledge of Apache Airflow, ETL, ELT, DAG.
• Cloud DevSecOps Engineer – SDLC, Continuous Integration and Delivery (Pipelines) - GCP Infrastructure as a Code, Terraform, SaaS solutions - InfoSec - Monitoring and Analytics of Performance, Stackdriver, Crashlytics, Analytics and Usage.
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist - Artificial Intelligence models, cognitive services, Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models, Computer Vision. Desirable Knowledge of Google AI, Microsoft Azure AI, BigqueryML, Amazon AI Services, LLM Frameworks, LLM model registries, LLM APIs, RAG Technologies, Vector Databases, Geospatial/Remote Sensing AI.
• GIS Specialist - Proficiency in GIS software, including ArcGIS, QGIS, or other platforms. Remote sensing, cartography, spatial programming and visualisation. Desirable knowledge of GEE, Geoserter, OGC standards and tools.
• IT Product Owner – Agile methodologies, product roadmapping, backlog management (Jira, Trello, Azure DevOps), stakeholder engagement, user story creation, value proposition design, release planning, requirements gathering, MVP scoping, business analysis.
• Quality Assurance Analyst – Test planning and execution, automated testing (Selenium, Cypress), manual testing, bug tracking (Jira, TestRail), regression testing, performance testing, security testing, continuous testing in CI/CD pipelines, usability and accessibility testing.
• GitHub Administrator – Repository management, Git workflows, branch protection rules, GitHub Actions, code review practices, permissions and access control, CI/CD integrations, GitHub Enterprise management, audit logs, security and compliance settings.
• Programme Support Specialist – Project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, budget tracking and reporting, procurement processes (), stakeholder communication, documentation and reporting, scheduling and logistics, administrative support, dashboard maintenance (Excel, Trello, PowerPoint)
• IT Technical Author – Technical writing, document version control, user manuals, API documentation (Swagger/OpenAPI), developer guides, SOPs, Markdown/HTML formatting, Confluence/Wiki management, information architecture, plain language standards.
• Data Scientist – Data preprocessing (Python, R, SQL) statistical modeling, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, cloud based ML services. Desirable knowledge in Jupyter Notebook and Google Colab.
Additional desirable knowledge of:
• Cloud platforms:
o Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
o Amazon Web Services (AWS)
o Terraform for IaC
• Data storage processing:
o Big Query
o Elastic Search
o Neo4j
Selection Criteria
● Self-learner and independent
● Ability to work in a team, including agile development.
● Demonstrable ability to implement solutions to complex problems on the front end, back end, and mobile platforms.
● Experience in the profiles of software developer, project lead or project support.
● Deep knowledge and skill in programming techniques, technologies and frameworks
● Experience in designing mobile & cloud first architectures
● Familiarity with defensive and secure programming techniques
● Knowledge of internet and web protocols and standards.
● Desirable knowledge of software development best practices including version and release management, continuous test, integration and delivery.