National Data Systems Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) develops, promotes and implements programmes and projects that support sustainable agrifood systems and rural development across the Pacific.
Under the European Union-funded Accelerating Food Systems Transformation through a Scalable Success Model (SSM) project, FAO is supporting the Government of Fiji to strengthen evidence-based decision-making for food systems transformation. As part of this support, FAO seeks a National Data Systems Specialist (PSA National Specialist) to provide technical expertise for the conceptual design of the National Food Systems and Climate Data Platform.

Reporting Lines

The National Data Systems Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Policy Officer. The Specialist will work in close technical collaboration with the FAO International Statistician Specialist and provide technical services in consultation with the supervising officer.

Technical Focus

Provide technical expertise for the conceptual design of Fiji's National Food Systems and Climate Data Platform, including assessment of existing data systems, preparation of a conceptual platform framework, recommendations on data governance arrangements, interoperability considerations, development of a harmonized indicator framework, preparation of an implementation roadmap and an investment brief.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Prepare an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan and approach for implementation of the assignment.
• Undertake a technical assessment of existing food systems, climate, agriculture, nutrition and related data systems.
• Review and document existing datasets, reporting systems, governance arrangements and information flows across relevant institutions.
• Analyse data gaps, overlaps, inconsistencies and opportunities to strengthen interoperability and cross-sector data integration.
• Prepare the conceptual design package for the National Food Systems and Climate Data Platform, including the conceptual platform framework and high-level functional requirements.
• Prepare recommendations on data governance, institutional arrangements, data stewardship and data-sharing protocols.
• Develop a harmonized cross-sector indicator framework aligned with the Convergence Action Blueprint (CAB), Fiji Policy for Food and Nutrition Security (FPFNS), Horizon 2030 and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
• Prepare a draft implementation roadmap outlining institutional roles, interoperability considerations, resource requirements and sustainability measures.
• Provide technical inputs to FAO on planning and preparation for stakeholder consultations and technical validation processes.
• Prepare a draft investment and costing brief identifying implementation priorities, indicative resource requirements and potential financing opportunities.
• Prepare the final consultancy report, incorporating comments received from FAO.
• Perform other related technical duties as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Monitoring and Evaluation, Agricultural Economics, Development Planning, Public Policy or another relevant discipline.
• Minimum three years of relevant experience in data systems, digital platforms, information management, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, data analytics or related fields.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Fiji.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in conceptual design or architecting data platforms / information systems, including data modelling and technical specification.
• Experience in establishing data-governance frameworks, stewardship roles and inter-agency data-sharing agreements (incl. privacy/legal aspects).
• Experience working knowledge of data/metadata and interoperability standards (e.g. SDMX, DDI, APIs, master/reference data).
• Experience designing results/indicator frameworks and aligning indicators to national and SDG frameworks (definitions, metadata, disaggregation).
• Experience translating technical design into a phased roadmap with institutional responsibilities and resource/sustainability planning.
• Experience providing technical inputs to multi-stakeholder consultation and validation processes.
• Strong analytical, technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Knowledge of agriculture, food systems, climate change, nutrition or sustainable development programmes is desirable.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners or United Nations agencies is desirable.
• Experience working in Fiji or the Pacific region would be an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of statistical software, such as R, Python, or equivalent tools

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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