Data and Information Systems Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and works towards the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Data and Information Systems Specialist position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria and is integral to supporting the strengthening of agriculture-related data systems, information management, reporting systems, and evidence-based decision-making processes. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), to enhance data management practices and develop agricultural databases and dashboards. The specialist will be responsible for conducting data analysis, providing technical support and training, and ensuring data quality assurance and standardization. This position is crucial for facilitating informed decision-making and improving agricultural practices in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Data and Information Systems Specialist include:

• Supporting the mapping and assessment of existing data systems to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Developing data management and information-sharing protocols to enhance collaboration and data accessibility.
• Establishing reporting and tracking systems to monitor agricultural performance and outcomes.
• Conducting data analysis and visualization to present findings in a clear and actionable manner.
• Providing technical support and training on data systems to relevant stakeholders, including FAO national staff and MoA personnel.
• Developing agriculture databases and dashboards that include core agricultural statistics such as crop yield, livestock census, and market prices.
• Collaborating with the FAO FSAU and MoA to contribute to the development of the Syrian Agricultural Investment Map (SAIM) and related platforms.
• Creating data collection and reporting templates to standardize data gathering processes.
• Ensuring data quality assurance and standardization across all systems and reports. 1
• Facilitating linkages with research institutions and data providers to enhance data sharing and collaboration. 1
• Conducting analysis of sector performance indicators to inform policy and investment decisions. 1
• Supporting the production of analytical and statistical reports to communicate findings effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in information systems, statistics, agricultural economics, GIS, data science, or related fields. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in data management and information systems is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English, and proficiency in Arabic is considered an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to information systems, statistics, agricultural economics, GIS, data science, or similar disciplines. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, a total of 7 years of relevant professional experience is necessary to qualify for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in data management and information systems. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with statistical and data visualization tools, as well as experience in developing dashboards and reporting systems. Familiarity with GIS and statistical software is desirable, and prior working experience with UN Agencies is preferable.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a working knowledge required. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and is part of the FAO Country Office operations. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders and requires a commitment to the organization's mission of achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in capacity-building activities and technical support initiatives.