Digital Forensics Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) within FAO plays a crucial role in providing oversight through internal audits and investigations, ensuring accountability and integrity within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Digital Forensics Officer position is integral to the Investigations Branch (OIGI) of the Office of the Inspector-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role focuses on providing digital forensic support to investigations concerning allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and third parties. The officer will be responsible for identifying, collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence, ensuring that all activities adhere to applicable standards and protocols. The position requires a strong understanding of digital forensic techniques and tools, as well as the ability to prepare detailed forensic analysis reports. The Digital Forensics Officer will also assist in the training of OIG personnel on digital forensic investigations and maintain proficiency with the latest forensic tools and trends. This role is critical in enhancing the integrity policies of the organization and ensuring that investigations are thorough and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Digital Forensics Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing digital forensic investigative support to OIG investigations; identifying, collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence; performing digital forensic analysis using validated techniques; preparing clear and concise forensic analysis reports; ensuring that investigation activities are relevant to the specific case; supporting investigative personnel with data visualization; organizing and following up on interviews related to electronic evidence; providing support for policy-related initiatives concerning digital forensics; maintaining proficiency with digital forensic tools; delivering tailored training sessions for OIG personnel; and maintaining records related to investigations in accordance with internal procedures. The officer will also perform other duties as required, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the OIG.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in digital forensics, computer science, information technology, criminal and forensic sciences, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Relevant professional certification in computer forensics is required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in digital forensics, investigations, evidence handling, e-discovery processes, and data analysis is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the latest digital forensic techniques, tools, methodologies, and protocols. Strong English writing skills are necessary for preparing technical outputs and documents.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Digital Forensics Officer position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as digital forensics, computer science, information technology, or criminal and forensic sciences. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. Relevant professional certifications in the field of computer forensics are also required, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in digital forensics, investigations, and evidence handling. Candidates should have experience with e-discovery processes and data analysis, demonstrating a solid understanding of digital forensic techniques and tools. Experience in internal administrative investigations, particularly in areas such as fraud, corruption, and sexual misconduct, is desirable, especially if gained in an international setting. The ability to analyze complex and conflicting evidence is crucial, as is experience in developing and executing scripts using programming languages such as PowerShell or Python.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, and knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset. For PSA.SBS positions, a working knowledge of English is sufficient, but proficiency in additional languages can enhance a candidate's qualifications and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The Digital Forensics Officer position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and involves working closely with the Investigations Branch of the Office of the Inspector-General. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve international collaboration and the need to adapt to various investigative contexts. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and the specific terms of employment.