- Job Title: Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Job Location: Home-Based
- Contract Type: Consultant
- Duration: Up to 11 Months
- Closing Date: 12 May 2026, 11:59 PM
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Role Overview
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is seeking an experienced and innovative professional to join its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) as a Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist. This home-based consultancy role offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital agriculture initiatives across the region while contributing to sustainable agrifood systems and innovation-driven rural development.
The selected consultant will support the implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework and drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance food security, agricultural sustainability, and rural livelihoods across Europe and Central Asia.
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works toward achieving the 2030 Agenda through the transformation of agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
FAO is committed to diversity, inclusion, integrity, transparency, and environmental sustainability. Applications are strongly encouraged from qualified women, nationals of underrepresented member countries, and persons with disabilities.
Organizational Setting
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads FAO’s response to regional priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. Since 2020, REU’s Digital Agriculture Team has played a leading role in advancing digital transformation across the region.
The team supports key regional initiatives including:
- Digital Villages Initiative (DVI)
- Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH)
- AgriTech Observatory
In recognition of its impact, the Digital Agriculture Team received the “One FAO Team Award” in 2023.
Reporting Line
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader.
Technical Focus
The Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist will contribute to the implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework, specifically in the areas of:
- Technology and Innovation Accelerators
- Digital Agriculture
- Innovation for Sustainable Agricultural Production
- Hand-in-Hand Programme Priority Areas
Key Responsibilities
Digital Agriculture Programme Leadership
- Lead and manage the regional digital agriculture programme and project portfolio
- Supervise technical implementation, reporting, and monitoring of projects
- Oversee regional implementation of the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI) and Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH)
- Integrate digital agriculture into regional priority programmes and Country Programme Frameworks (CPFs)
Innovation and Strategy Development
- Develop analytical frameworks, methodologies, and diagnostic tools for assessing digital agriculture readiness
- Provide evidence-based technical and policy recommendations to member countries
- Support implementation of FAO’s Science and Innovation Strategy
- Lead the digitalization and innovation agenda across the region
Project and Technical Management
- Serve as Lead Technical Officer for multiple FAO projects
- Provide senior-level technical expertise to large-scale multi-partner projects in Albania, Serbia, and across the region
- Supervise publications and technical outputs related to digital agriculture in English and Russian
- Scale the FAO AgriTech Observatory as a knowledge-sharing and data-driven insights platform
Partnerships and Representation
- Lead strategic partnerships with organizations including:
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Tourism Organization
- Represent FAO at regional and international forums on digital transformation
- Promote FAO’s digital agriculture and innovation work through outreach and communication activities
Team Leadership and Resource Mobilization
- Manage and mentor the REU Digital Agriculture Team
- Identify capacity gaps and support staff coaching and development
- Supervise consultants and national specialists in country offices
- Lead resource mobilization efforts to expand the regional innovation and digitalization portfolio
- Ensure optimal use of programme resources, budgets, personnel, and technological assets
Governance and Coordination
- Prepare technical background papers for governing body meetings
- Organize technical panels for major regional conferences and commissions
- Ensure compliance with FAO communication standards, branding, and editorial guidelines
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Education
- Advanced university degree in:
- Agricultural Science
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Or another discipline relevant to FAO’s work
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must possess two additional years of relevant experience.
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in:
- Digital agriculture
- Information technology
- Innovation management
- Research and analysis
- Project management
- Related technical fields
Languages
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of a second FAO language
FAO Core Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical and Functional Skills
Candidates should possess:
- Strong knowledge of digital technologies and agricultural innovation systems
- Experience conducting digital agriculture assessments and research
- Expertise in drafting national digital agriculture strategies and action plans
- Ability to engage with farmers and rural communities to design practical solutions
- Experience coordinating digital agriculture projects
- Strong people management and leadership capabilities
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
FAO Values
All candidates are expected to uphold FAO’s core values:
- Commitment to FAO
- Respect for All
- Integrity and Transparency
FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Abuse of authority
- Discrimination
Additional Information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- Only qualifications from accredited institutions recognized by IAU/UNESCO will be accepted
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, security checks, and applicable visa or residency requirements
- All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality
- FAO is a non-smoking environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Applicants are advised to:
- Complete an accurate and updated online profile
- Include employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a motivation letter
- Submit the application before the closing date
For technical support or application assistance, applicants may contact FAO’s client support team through the official support portal.
Important Application Reminder
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates may also be required to provide:
- Performance evaluations
- Employment verification documents
- Background and reference checks
- Educational verification records
Early applications are strongly encouraged.
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