Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for RNE is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall leadership of the Assistant Director-General / Regional Representative, and the direct supervision of the Senior Economist / Regional Programme Leader (OIC), or the relevant Regional Priority Manager, the consultant will work in guidance and close coordination with the four Regional Priorities Managers (RP1 on Rural Transformation, RP2 on Healthy Diet for All, RP3 on Greening Agriculture, and RP4 on Building Resilience) and specialized HQ Divisions.

Technical Focus 

To address the prominent challenges and trends in the Near East and North Africa (NENA), the FAO Regional Office for the NENA region aims to integrate modern agricultural innovations into regional development programs to improve food security, boost productivity, and promote sustainability.
To achieve this, the Regional Office is seeking an International Consultant on Agriculture Development specializing in science, technology, and innovation (STI). The ideal candidate will possess the technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative skills needed to support the Regional Programme Leader and ensure that the adoption of technology aligns with regional development objectives. This will ultimately benefit local communities and contribute to the broader global goals of food security and sustainable agriculture.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant’s role will primarily focus on strategic program implementation, knowledge management, investment, and policy development at both the regional and national levels. He/she will be responsible for the following key tasks and duties:

Strategic program implementation
•    Provide technical support to the Regional Program Leader, and RPs managers to mainstream and design regional agricultural and rural development programs that incorporate technology, innovation and digital transformation.
•    Advise on and/or contribute to the formulation of regional strategies and action plans for agricultural and rural development to ensure alignment with global FAO goals and priorities, including the Science and Innovation Strategy, Climate Change Strategy, Digital Village Initiative, and identifying entry points for accelerating innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies and scientific solutions where applicable.
•    Lead and/or participate in scoping studies and/or situation analysis on innovation initiatives and digital agriculture solutions developed and implemented in countries of the region to derive lessons and guidance, and to inform policies and strategies for accelerating inclusive transformation.
•    Assess the digital readiness, technological needs and/or capacity gaps of the region or specific countries in close collaboration with RNE technical officers and HQ specialized divisions (OIN, CSI, CFI) and recommend actions and scalable, context-appropriate solutions to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
•    Provide technical support to regional and country projects in relation to innovation, technologies and digital transformation, and document experiences, good practices and lessons learned for accelerating innovation and digital transformation, with due attention to inclusivity and gender equality.
•    Ensure that agricultural technology initiatives address gender equality, empowering women farmers and ensuring equitable access to technology, training, and resources.
•    Work to ensure that technology adoption benefits all stakeholders, including marginalized groups, smallholder farmers, and rural communities, reducing inequalities in access to agricultural innovations.
•    Support in attracting investments into agricultural technology initiatives by developing compelling business cases for public and private sector funding.
•    Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in agriculture (economics, agriculture, agribusiness, digital agriculture, agriculture innovation systems), development studies, social science, innovation, computer science and engineering or related studies field.
•    At least five years (for category B) or three years (for category C) of relevant professional working experience in similar environment.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English (for consultants and PSA).

FAO Core 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
•    Extent and relevance of experience in conducting agricultural sector analysis and/or supporting the planning, design, implementation of agricultural and IT projects, setting digital standards and frameworks and knowledge dissemination
•    Familiarity with the ecosystem surrounding digital agriculture and digital transformation in the rural and agrifood systems context.
•    Awareness of the global, regional and country-level digital initiatives and applications in agriculture, agricultural technologies, agricultural innovation systems and digital advisory services.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in facilitation of sprint programmes such as hackathons, incubators and/or accelerators
•    Extent and relevance of experience working with agri-tech start-ups and scaling innovation
•    Demonstrated analytical, research, technical writing and presentation skills
•    Excellent organizational, time management and planning skills with demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic environment while maintaining a collaborative spirit and delivering high-quality results.
•    Limited knowledge of Arabic and French is an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements