The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) has issued a Call for Expressions of Interest for the position of Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist. This consultancy opportunity is part of FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), based in Budapest, and is offered as a home-based assignment for up to 11 months.
The application deadline is 12 May 2026.
Organizational Context
The FAO operates under the United Nations system with a mandate to transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Its strategic vision is aligned with the 2030 Agenda, focusing on improving production, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods while ensuring no one is left behind.
Within this framework, the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia leads FAO’s regional initiatives in agriculture, food security, and rural development. A specialized Digital Agriculture team, established in 2020, drives innovation and technological transformation across the region.
Key regional initiatives include:
- Digital Villages Initiative (DVI)
- Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH)
- AgriTech Observatory
Role Overview
The Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist will play a strategic leadership role in advancing digital transformation in agriculture across Europe and Central Asia. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Regional Programme Leader and contribute directly to FAO’s innovation and technology agenda.
The position focuses on integrating digital solutions into agricultural systems, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and supporting sustainable rural development through data-driven approaches.
Core Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for leading and coordinating multiple high-impact programmes and technical initiatives across the region.
Programme Leadership and Coordination
- Lead the regional digital agriculture portfolio and oversee project implementation
- Supervise monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of ongoing initiatives
- Ensure successful execution of major programmes such as DVI and HiH
- Integrate digital agriculture into national and regional development frameworks
Technical Expertise and Innovation
- Develop analytical tools and frameworks for assessing digital readiness
- Provide policy recommendations based on evidence and research
- Support implementation of FAO’s Science and Innovation Strategy
- Contribute technical expertise to large-scale agricultural transformation projects
Strategic Partnerships and Representation
- Build partnerships with international organizations such as:
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Tourism Organization
- Engage with private sector stakeholders in digital agriculture innovation
- Represent FAO at high-level regional and international forums
Resource Mobilization and Programme Growth
- Identify funding opportunities and lead resource mobilization efforts
- Expand investment portfolios in digital agriculture and innovation
- Support strategic allocation of programme budgets and personnel
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Lead training, outreach, and dissemination activities
- Support capacity development programmes for stakeholders and farmers
- Promote knowledge sharing through publications and events
- Scale the AgriTech Observatory as a regional knowledge platform
Required Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
Education
- Advanced university degree in Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field
- A bachelor’s degree is accepted only with additional relevant experience
Experience
- At least 10 years of professional experience in digital agriculture, ICT, innovation, research, or related fields
- Demonstrated experience in project management and policy-oriented work
Language Requirements
- Working knowledge of English (Level C)
- Intermediate knowledge of a second FAO language
Core Competencies
The role requires strong alignment with FAO’s institutional values and competencies, including:
- Results-focused performance
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
Technical and Functional Skills
The position requires advanced technical expertise in the following areas:
- Digital agriculture systems and technologies
- Agricultural data analysis and assessment methodologies
- Development of national digital agriculture strategies
- Stakeholder engagement with rural communities and farmers
- Project coordination in complex international environments
- People and team management
Additional expectations include:
- Strong proficiency in MS Office tools
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently
- High attention to detail and organizational discipline
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Depth of experience in digital agriculture and innovation
- Technical expertise and applied knowledge
- Strong project and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to design and implement strategies
- Communication and coordination capabilities
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment
Ethical Standards and Compliance
FAO maintains strict standards of integrity, transparency, and professional conduct. All selected candidates are required to adhere to FAO values and policies, including zero tolerance for misconduct, discrimination, or abuse of authority.
Applicants must also comply with verification processes, including background checks, academic validation, and reference screening.
Contract Duration and Working Arrangement
The consultancy is offered for up to 11 months and is fully home-based. However, the role requires active engagement with regional teams, stakeholders, and international partners.
Key expectations include:
- Availability for meetings across time zones
- Strong internet connectivity
- Active participation in regional programmes and events
- Possible travel depending on project requirements
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal and submit a complete online profile, including:
- Academic qualifications
- Employment history
- Language skills
- Motivation letter
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only submissions through the official system will be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline of 12 May 2026.
Strategic Importance of the Role
This consultancy represents a high-level opportunity to shape the future of digital agriculture across Europe and Central Asia. The role contributes directly to FAO’s global mission of transforming agrifood systems through innovation, technology, and sustainable development practices.
The Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist will play a central role in bridging technology, policy, and rural development, ensuring that digital transformation benefits farmers, communities, and national economies.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
