Senior Capacity Development Officer (E-Learning And Agricultural Information)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which 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 has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food security, and it collaborates with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve nutrition worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Senior Capacity Development Officer will play a pivotal role in leading the FAO e-learning Academy and managing agricultural information systems and services. This position is crucial for developing and strengthening capacity development policies and activities within the organization. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of e-learning programs, managing capacity development activities, and conducting assessments to improve methodologies for capacity development and e-learning. The role requires a strategic approach to enhance learning and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, ensuring that FAO's initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The officer will also be tasked with building partnerships with educational institutions and managing extra-budgetary projects to further develop the e-learning Academy and related systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Capacity Development Officer include leading and monitoring the delivery of e-learning programs, managing capacity development activities undertaken by FAO technical units and external partners, and conducting assessments to improve capacity development models. The officer will provide expert advice on emerging technologies for e-learning and knowledge sharing, develop policies to enhance commitment to learning, and establish partnerships with key stakeholders. Additionally, the officer will undertake results-based monitoring and evaluation of capacity development activities, lead the FAO e-learning Academy team in designing and delivering specialized e-learning courses, and manage the learning management system (LMS) for FAO's learning resources. The role also involves providing timely reporting and outreach presentations to support the e-learning Academy and other information systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as education, information technology, communication, agricultural sciences, or social sciences related to FAO's mandate. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in capacity development, including e-learning and ICT for development, is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, leadership, communication, partnering, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in areas pertinent to the role such as education, information technology, communication, agricultural sciences, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of capacity development and e-learning within the context of FAO's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant fields such as capacity development, e-learning, and ICT for development. Candidates should have experience working in various locations or areas, particularly in field positions, which is essential for understanding the diverse contexts in which FAO operates. Experience in program/project formulation and fundraising activities is also important for building partnerships and securing resources.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Proficiency in additional FAO languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements. The position may involve international collaboration and outreach, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel as part of their responsibilities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.