Senior Information Technology Officer (Global Infrastructure)

Job Posting Organization:
The Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) is a crucial part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), responsible for overseeing all Information Technology (IT) activities within the organization. Established to enhance the operational efficiency of FAO, CSI plays a pivotal role in defining IT policies, strategies, and standards. The division manages a comprehensive suite of digital products and services that facilitate the organization's global operations, ensuring that personnel can access vital resources securely, regardless of their location. With a focus on both cloud-based and on-premise solutions, CSI supports a wide area network that connects FAO offices worldwide, thereby enabling seamless communication and collaboration across various time zones. The division is committed to leveraging technology to fulfill FAO's mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Senior Information Technology Officer (Global Infrastructure) is a leadership role within the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is responsible for managing the Digital Workplace teams that oversee the organization's global digital infrastructure, which includes both cloud-based platforms and on-premise systems. The officer will lead initiatives to enhance the digital workplace, ensuring that the IT infrastructure meets the evolving needs of the organization. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and the management of IT projects that align with FAO's objectives. The successful candidate will be expected to provide technical support for corporate events and audio-visual setups, ensuring that all digital capabilities are operational and effective during such events. Furthermore, the officer will play a key role in transforming the headquarters infrastructure by replacing outdated equipment and integrating new tools to improve efficiency and responsiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Information Technology Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including leading specialized activities within CSI, preparing and monitoring work plans to ensure operational delivery, managing financial and human resources, and developing key performance indicators for assigned functions. The officer will advise senior management on IT matters, including the implications of various technological alternatives and IS/ICT strategies. Additionally, the officer will lead the planning and implementation of an organization-wide IS/ICT strategy, supervise staff and external consultants, and represent the organization in formal meetings to resolve IT-related issues. Specific functions include overseeing the availability of cloud platforms, managing the disaster recovery plan, ensuring the operation of data centers, and providing digital support for corporate events. The officer will also ensure the functionality of audio-visual setups in meeting rooms and perform other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Electric or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in leading diverse teams that support complex infrastructures in an international context is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and a working knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate level (level B) are also mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, among others.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Electric or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills to effectively manage and lead IT initiatives within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant roles. Candidates should have experience leading diverse teams that support both cloud-based and on-premise infrastructures in an international setting. This experience should encompass a variety of IT functions, including project management, team leadership, and strategic planning, particularly in environments that require collaboration across multiple locations and cultures.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required level of C. Additionally, candidates must have a limited knowledge of another official FAO language, which can include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, at an intermediate proficiency level (B). This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the organization and with its international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to be aware of the competitive nature of such roles and to apply as soon as possible. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed on their ability to work in a dynamic and diverse environment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect a comprehensive package typical of international organizations.