Closing Date: 17 April 2026
FAO is recruiting for a Digital Specialist (AgriTech Observatory): Apply Now
Organizational Setting
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) 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.
In response to the growing demand for seizing the opportunities brought by digital technologies, FAO REU established its specialised team for Digital Agriculture in 2020. With a mission to act as a catalyzer for the digital transformation of agriculture across Europe and Central Asia, the team provides critical capabilities to country offices, technical units, and Members, while leading the implementation of key corporate initiatives, such as the FAO Digital Villages (DVI) and has launched its AgriTech Observatory. In 2023, the team was awarded as FAO Team of the Year.
The AgriTech Observatory is the first virtual space to navigate digital agriculture developments in Europe and Central Asia. This knowledge platform serves as a tool to monitor the rapidly evolving landscape of digital agriculture in the region, identify innovative solutions to regional challenges, and scale up best practices. Released in February 2024, it is now moving from pilot to scaleup to expand its database and technology stack.
The preferred duty station is Budapest, Hungary, with a hybrid working arrangement. However, home-based candidates in a suitable time zone may also be considered. This position offers a consultancy contract for an initial 6-month trial period, with the possibility of extension to 11 months contingent upon the incumbent’s satisfactory performance.
Reporting Lines
The Digital Specialist (AgriTech Observatory) will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader and the direct supervision of the Head of Digital Agriculture.
Technical Focus
The Digital Specialist will contribute to the implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework linked mainly to Digital Agriculture (BP5): “Provision of analytical and technical support for conducting research and assessments, studies, formulating strategies, programmes, and supporting projects for the digitalization of food and agriculture and rural areas.”
Specifically, the incumbent will contribute to research and analysis, and the overall management and scaleup of the AgriTech Observatory.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis on digital solutions, policies, projects and regional initiatives for inclusion in the Observatory, in line with its methodology and quality standards;
- Coordinate the collection, validation and curation of the Observatory database, ensuring accuracy, consistency and regular updates of the Observatory database;
- Develop high-quality knowledge products and analytical outputs (e.g. AgriTech Observer series, technical articles, infographics, country insights) based on Observatory data and evidence;
- Promote the Observatory and its outputs through digital channels, events and targeted outreach activities to expand visibility, engagement and uptake;
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in information management, digital agriculture, agriculture projects, research, data analysis, or related fields.
- Working knowledge (Proficient, Level C) of English.
Technical/Functional Skills
- Extent and relevance of experience in digital agriculture and agriculture projects.
- Extent and relevance of experience in research and data analysis. Experience with databases and data visualisation tools is desirable.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies in digital agriculture, such as precision agriculture, remote sensing, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, etc.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in Excel for data management and analysis, Word for research and writing. Experience with Power Automate and SharePoint Workflows is a strong asset.
Selection Criteria
- PhD is considered a strong asset.
- Proficiency in Russian is a very strong asset.
Click Here To Apply
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