Organizational Setting

The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e., to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including 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 purpose of this call is to build a roster of Innovation Specialists (Open Innovation) to support FAO’s work at global, regional and country levels. Assignments may be home based with travel as required.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Senior Innovation Officer (Acceleration and Scaling) in OIN.

Technical Focus

Provision of innovation methodologies, tools and strategic support related to:
•     Design, management, and implementation of innovation challenges, hackathons, and prize competitions.
•     Open innovation frameworks and ecosystem engagement strategies to source external solutions for agrifood system transformation.
•     Scouting and mapping of startups, social entrepreneurs, and innovative technologies.
•     Methodologies for problem framing, solution validation, and acceleration of high-potential innovations.

Tasks and responsibilities

Depending on the specific profile, the incumbent will:

•     Lead or Participate in the design and implementation of innovation challenges and open innovation calls to address specific technical bottlenecks in agrifood systems.
•     Coordinate or Support scouting processes to identify and source innovative solutions from startups, research institutions, and the private sector.
•     Develop problem statements and challenge briefs in collaboration with technical units and country offices.
•     Manage or support the management of innovation challenge platforms and digital tools used for application intake, judging, and community engagement.
•     Design and facilitate selection processes, including the coordination of expert jury panels and technical evaluations.
•     Provide support to "winners" or selected innovators through acceleration activities, mentoring, and connection to FAO technical expertise.
•     Develop training materials and delivery capacity development activities for FAO staff and partners on how to run effective innovation competitions.
•     Prepare analytical reports, impact assessments, and case studies on the outcomes of innovation challenges.
•     Contribute to building and maintaining partnerships with accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs globally.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced University degree/University degree in business administration, innovation management, international development, entrepreneurship, engineering, or another relevant field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in the above-mentioned fields.
•     At least 1 year for Category C, or 5 years for Category B of relevant experience in managing innovation challenges, open innovation programmes, accelerators, or startup scouting initiatives.
•     Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English(Level C).

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience in designing and executing innovation competitions activities (e.g., hackathons, grand challenges, or startup calls).
•     Demonstrated ability to frame complex technical problems into clear, actionable innovation briefs.
•     Proficiency in using innovation management software and open innovation platforms.
•     Experience in ecosystem mapping and building networks with non-traditional partners (startups, tech hubs, social enterprises).
•     Experience working with government institutions, civil society, academia and/or international organizations.
•     Relevance of experience in different geographical and cultural contexts.
•     Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset;

Selection Criteria

•     Candidates will be assessed on their demonstrated experience in managing the full lifecycle of an innovation challenge, from problem definition to solution selection.
•     Proven capacity to engage with the global startup and innovation ecosystem will be a key consideration.
•     Candidates will also be requested to submit a portfolio or summary of previous challenges/competitions they have designed or managed, highlighting key metrics and outcomes.