Data and Information Systems Specialist

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Data and Information Systems Specialist will report directly to the Senior Policy Officer. The Data and Information Systems Specialist will also work closely with the Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU), Assistant FAOR (Programmes), BLRS Chief Technical Advisor, BLRS Project Officer and Information Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

Support the strengthening of agriculture-related data systems, information management, reporting systems, and evidence-based decision-making processes.

Tasks and responsibilities

• • Support the mapping and assessment of existing data systems.
• • Develop data management and information-sharing protocols.
• • Support the establishment of reporting and tracking systems.
• • Conduct data analysis and visualization.
• • Provide technical support and training on data systems.
• • Support the development of agriculture databases and dashboards, including on core agricultural statistics e.g., crop yield, livestock census, market prices and others, including providing related capacity building to relevant FAO national staff and MoA on agriculture data bases and dashboards developed. 
• • Work closely with the FAO FSAU and MoA, contribute to the development of the Syrian Agricultural Investment Map (SAIM), interactive Investor Platform and Investment Guide including providing related capacity building on data and info-systems management. 
• • Develop data collection and reporting templates.
• • Ensure data quality assurance and standardization.
• • Facilitate linkages with research institutions and data providers.
• • Conduct analysis of sector performance indicators.
• • Support the production of analytical and statistical reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• • 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; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in data management and information systems.
• • Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

• • Results Focus
• • Teamwork
• • Communication
• • Building Effective Relationships
• • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• • Experience with statistical and data visualization tools.
• • Ability to speak in Arabic will be an added advantage.
• • Strong data analysis and database management skills.
• • Experience in dashboards and reporting systems.
• • Knowledge of GIS and statistical software is desirable.
• • Ability to develop data protocols and templates.
• • Good communication and training skills.
• • Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable
• • Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable