Digital Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT