Innovation Officer

Rome

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Rome
  • Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Innovations for Sustainable Development
  • Closing Date: 2025-10-14

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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• 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 persons 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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.


Organizational Setting

The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO that provides strategic direction and helps drive and coordinate innovation across the Organization's work. Its goal is to consolidate and strengthen FAO's innovative spirit, including the innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas, ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.

The position is located in OIN at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Officer reports to a OIN Senior Innovation Officer and works closely with other staff across OIN.

Technical Focus

Apply fit-for-purpose innovation methods and tools relevant to project management, facilitation of experiential learning and stakeholder collaboration, to support promising innovations moving into a portfolio of solutions and kick-starting innovation journeys.

Key Results

Implementation of coherent, integrated and effective innovation-related work, combining research with practical application within FAO projects, supporting sprint programmes and developing/maintaining networks of external organizations with expertise in the field for engagement with the Office's initiatives.

Key Functions

  • Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services relating to policy and governance.

  • Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.

  • Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.

  • Updates databases and web pages.

  • Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams and missions.

  • Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.

  • Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, international cooperation for development, development economics, business administration, marketing or a related field.

  • Three years of relevant experience applying innovation-related methodologies and tools to support formulation, implementation, or upscaling of projects and initiatives, preferably in international cooperation for development, including in or with the private sector.

  • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

  • Results Focus

  • Teamwork

  • Communication

  • Building effective relationships

  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

  • Extent and relevance of experience in applying frameworks, methodologies and tools, such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile development to guide teams through the innovation process.

  • Relevance and extent of experience on Sprint Programmes within innovation or technology-driven sectors, including for private sector organizations.

  • Relevance and extent of experience supporting stakeholders and partners, including inter-organizational project collaboration.

  • Extent and relevance of experience in engaging with various stakeholders, leaders and external groups with sophistication and sensitivity.

  • Extent and relevance of experience in creating superior written content, including visually engaging PowerPoint presentations and textual documents, to articulate the mission and vision of OIN to various audiences.


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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
  • Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
  • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link\: https\://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include\:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes\:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
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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
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
• 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

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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