Innovation Facilitation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">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 employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The Office of Innovation (OIN) within FAO plays a crucial role in driving and coordinating innovation across the organization, ensuring that innovative approaches are integrated into FAO's programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Innovation Facilitation Specialist is a pivotal role within the Office of Innovation at FAO, responsible for designing and delivering facilitation services that enhance innovation processes across the organization. This position focuses on utilizing participatory methodologies to foster collaboration, co-creation, and problem-solving among FAO teams. The incumbent will work closely with the Innovation Officer and other technical staff to support the Acceleration Zone (AZ), a dedicated space for innovative facilitation services. The role involves applying various innovation and participatory approaches, such as human-centered design and MG Taylor, to help teams address challenges related to their projects and programs. The specialist will also contribute to the continuous improvement of facilitation services through documentation and feedback, ensuring that FAO's innovative spirit is consolidated and strengthened.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Innovation Facilitation Specialist include supporting the design and delivery of facilitation sessions tailored to users' needs, employing empathy mapping and various innovation methodologies. The specialist will assist in all stages of the innovation process, from sourcing and design to implementation and scaling, utilizing tools like MG Taylor and design thinking. They will collect user feedback to enhance facilitation sessions and document innovation initiatives, ensuring that best practices are shared across teams. Additionally, the specialist will participate in multi-disciplinary teams, support the planning of workshops and conferences, and assist in field missions related to innovative solutions. For PSAs, responsibilities include preparing session materials, documenting outputs, and organizing training sessions on innovation methodologies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the position. For Consultants, an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as communication science, social science, political science, agricultural sciences, or innovation systems is required. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSA.SBS positions, a university degree or minimal technical qualifications in related fields is necessary. All candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in facilitating collaborative processes and innovation initiatives, with a strong understanding of methodologies like MG Taylor and human-centered design. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and familiarity with other languages is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Innovation Facilitation Specialist position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields related to communication, social sciences, agricultural sciences, or innovation systems. For those applying as PSAs, a university degree or relevant technical qualifications are acceptable. The emphasis is on candidates who possess a strong academic foundation that supports their ability to facilitate innovation processes effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of one year of relevant experience in facilitating collaborative processes and designing innovation initiatives. This experience should include practical application of methodologies such as MG Taylor and human-centered design. Additionally, experience in both virtual and in-person settings is preferred, as well as familiarity with the agrifood sector and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. Experience in national and international settings, particularly in field positions, is desirable to enable the use of innovative communication techniques and behavior change approaches.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. While English proficiency is essential, knowledge of additional languages can be beneficial, particularly in enhancing communication and collaboration within diverse teams and international contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve various contract durations and could be classified as either full-time or part-time. The FAO is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, providing a competitive package for successful candidates. The role emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration, making it suitable for individuals passionate about driving change in the agrifood sector.