Information Technology Developer (various profiles)

Organizational Setting

The Digital FAO and Agro-informatics (CSI) is responsible for all IT activities within the Organization. CSI performs on behalf of the Organization the following critical roles: defining FAO IT policies and providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards, governance, policy and operational matters while monitoring organizational compliance; defining the mechanisms for managing FAO's information and data; protecting FAO's information assets and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability; ensuring provision of IT services that are core for the Organization's global operations and supporting the information and business processes; coordinating organization-wide IT activities to reduce duplication and fragmentation and to increase integration of information data, systems and platforms, mobilizing IT resources from across the Organization.  

The Agro-informatics unit combines information technology with agricultural data management, analysis, and application to fight poverty and hunger through better production, better nutrients, a better environment, and better livelihood.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the Information Technology Officer, Competency Centre Lead or Project Lead.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will participate in an agile software development team or technical competency centre, building high-quality and effective software products and services that deliver solutions to help FAO accomplish its mission. 
They will contribute to application development with a focus on creating solutions using cutting-edge technologies and mainstreaming their adoption, serving in one of the following roles:

• Web/Mobile Developer
• Data Engineer / AI engineer
• Software Engineer
• Data Visualization Specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

Web/ Mobile Developer

• Develop responsive and user-friendly applications using front-end frameworks.
• Collaborate closely with backend developers and designers to ensure web or mobile applications work smoothly across different devices and platforms.

Data Engineer / AI Engineer

• Design, build, and maintain the data collection, storage, and processing infrastructure.
• Ensure data pipelines are efficient, scalable, and reliable, preparing data for analytical and machine learning purposes.
• Design, develop and implement AI models and algorithms to solve complex issues.

Software Engineer 

• Design, develop, and maintain software solutions across the full development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into functional applications.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and scalability through testing, code reviews, and adherence to best practices. Includes Geospatial software Engineering

Data Visualization Specialist 
•     Transform complex data sets into clear, actionable visual formats such as charts, graphs, and dashboards utilizing tools like Tableau, or Power BI. 

Programming Languages/Platforms

• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• HTML
• CSS
• Dart
• Kotlin
• Swift
• Java
• Python
• SQL
• Scala
• R
• C#
• C
• Go
• PowerShell
• React
• NodeJS
• Apache Spark
• Apache Parquet - Apache Iceberg
• AWS technologies, including AWS Glue, Amazon S3, Amazon Athena (Serveless query service), Amazon EMR (on-demand Spark clusters).
• Docker
• Tableau
• Power BI
• Shiny
• Tableau Prep
• BigQuery
• SCSS/Tailwind
• Web mapping libraries such as Leaflet, Cesium, DeckGL.
• Web map service, web map tile service, Cloud optimized geotiff (COG), protomaps.
• Git and Github

Databases

• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants: 

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in computer science, data science, software engineering, or related fields. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant experience. 
• At least one (1) year of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: information technology, data engineering, software engineering or related disciplines.
• Working knowledge of English (C1). Limited knowledge of one of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Russian is desirable.

For PSA: 

• University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in computer science, data science, software engineering or related fields.
• At least one (1) year of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: information technology, data engineering, software engineering or related disciplines.
• Working knowledge of English (C1)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Self-learner and independent
• Ability to work in a team, including agile development.
• Demonstrable ability to implement solutions to complex problems on the front end, back end, and mobile platforms.
• Experience in the profiles of software developer, project lead or project support.
• Deep knowledge and skill in programming techniques, technologies and frameworks
• Experience in designing mobile & cloud first architectures
• Familiarity with defensive and secure programming techniques
• Knowledge of internet and web protocols and standards.
• Desirable knowledge of software development best practices including version and release management, continuous test, integration and delivery.