Organizational Setting
The Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) is responsible for all Information Technology (IT) activities within the Organization. CSI defines FAO Information Technology (IT) policies, strategy, IT architecture and standards and is responsible for the provision of digital products and services utilized to deliver the mandate of the Organization and support its operations worldwide.
The post is located in the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Information Technology Officer reports to the Director and Chief Information Officer, Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI).
Technical Focus
The Senior Information Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence) is responsible for leading, coordinating and facilitating adoption, implementation and mainstreaming of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the Organization under CSI mandate and guidance from CIO. The role includes collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to develop and execute strategies that maximize the benefits of AI, ensure its effective adoption across different divisions, offices and streams, and ensuring that they meet the Organization's priorities and principles for responsible and ethical use of AI. The incumbent will:
Formulate a clear and actionable AI adoption strategy aligning with the Organization's goals and objectives.
Lead AI Conduct comprehensive analysis of the Organization's needs, opportunities, and challenges related to AI adoption.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of AI technologies implementation.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for the AI adoption strategy.
Research and evaluate AI technologies, tools, platforms, and frameworks suitable for the Organization's requirements.
Assess the feasibility, scalability, and compatibility of AI solutions within the existing technology infrastructure.
Conduct cost-benefit analysis and provide recommendations on the selection of AI technologies.
Foster collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across different departments to promote AI adoption.
Provide guidance and support to teams in understanding the benefits and implications of AI technologies.
Conduct training sessions, workshops, and awareness programmes to educate stakeholders about AI adoption best practices.
Ensure compliance with data protection, privacy, and security regulations while implementing AI solutions.
Establish guidelines and policies for responsible and ethical use of AI technologies within the Organization.
Key Results
Leading strategies and provision of advice as well as IT projects and activities to ensure that the Organization's requirements for Information Systems (IS) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are effectively met.
Key Functions
Leads specialized activities carried out by the CSI.
Prepares work plans and monitors progress to ensure delivery of Operations and/or Projects outputs as per Organizational needs and agreed priorities.
Manages the financial and human resources assigned.
Develops, monitors and reports on key performance indicators of the assigned functions.
Advises senior management on IT matters including the implications of various functional and technological alternatives and on IS/ICT strategies, governance and standards including their impact on the Organization's ability to deliver its programmes.
Leads the planning, coordination and setting of policies for the development and implementation of an organization wide IS/ICT strategy and for the development of supporting standards, procedures and practices according to the agreed work plans.
Leads special projects and supervises staff, including external service providers and consultants.
Represents the Organization and the Division in formal meetings, negotiations, and/or mediation/problem resolution meetings to reach agreement on various IT issues and/or to resolve difficult or contentious problems.
Promotes initiatives under the Organization's work on the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy, to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability into the Organization's daily operations.
Specific Functions
Leads the CSI AI focus area and chairs the FAO AI Coordination team.
Conducts comprehensive analysis of the Organization's needs, opportunities, and challenges related to AI
adoption in various business domains.
Identifies key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of AI technologies pilots and implementations.
Collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment of guidelines for the adoption and use of generative AI by the workforce.
Fosters collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across different offices and divisions to elicit use cases, opportunities and streamline AI adoption.
Leads and contributes to relevant AI COPs, training sessions, workshops, and awareness programmes to educate and build capacity of AI stakeholders, across FAO and the UN network
Ensures compliance with ethical considerations, data protection, privacy, and legal regulations while reviewing new AI opportunities.
Establishes and reviews guidelines, principles and governance processes for impactful, yet responsible and ethical, use of AI technologies within the Organization.
Leads various technical teams in expanding AI capabilities across multiple FAO domains.
Performs other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics, or related field
Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency- level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Ten years of relevant experience in the fields of IT portfolio management, Enterprise Architecture, Solutions Design, Governance and Development, in positions of progressive levels of responsibilities. At least three years of such experience must have been acquired in an international setting.
Competencies
Results Focus
Leading, Engaging and Empowering
Communication
Partnering and Advocating
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
Extent and relevance of experience in the field of Corporate Environmental Responsibility is an asset.
Extent and relevance of experience with providing services to clients.
Extent and relevance of experience in leading diverse teams, in diverse domains, including research, within international and multicultural settings.
Extent and relevance of experience in managing IT solutions preferably in a public sector or international organization.
Demonstrated experience in procurement and contracts negotiations and management.
Proven experience in project management, preferably in the field of AI or technology adoption.
Knowledge of AI technologies and machine learning.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess technologies and make informed decisions.
Proven communication and interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders in an international working environment.
Understanding of ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and privacy regulations surrounding AI and Cloud technologies.
Ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape and stay updated with industry trends.
Demonstrated experience in drafting reports and documents in the required languages.
Relevant experiences in coordinating AI and Cloud adoption projects, risk assessment processes, mainstreaming and governance activities in an international context.
Professional experience and/or certifications in the following areas: IT Management (e.g. ITIL), IT Governance (e.g. COBIT), Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2), Enterprise Architecture (e.g. TOGAF), Digital and IT Strategy.
