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

Organizational Setting

The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the identification, strengthening and stewardship of strategic partnerships with UN agencies and non-state actors (NSAs) including the private sector, civil society, academia and research institutions, family farmers' and Indigenous Peoples' organizations and parliamentarians. The Division leads FAO's engagement in the UN Development System repositioning, develops capacities, fosters dialogue, scales up programmes and advocates for FAO's corporate positions in support of FAO's new Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It ensures that multi-stakeholder processes and strategic interventions globally and locally are an integral part of FAO's work and provides targeted support for successful collaboration with NSAs and UN agencies.

The Division has the lead responsibility for the promotion of the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) and the implementation of the Food Coalition, the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) and the FAO Policy on Indigenous Peoples. It is also in charge of FAO's e-learning programmes delivered through the FAO e-learning Academy and access to scientific and technical data through knowledge platforms and enhanced information policies and standards, promotes and facilitates knowledge sharing on sustainable food security and nutrition among various stakeholders.

The position is located in the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Capacity Development Officer (E-Learning And Agricultural Information) reports to the Deputy Director, under the overall guidance of the Director, PSU.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will lead the work of the FAO e-learning Academy and related agricultural information management systems and services of the Division.

Key Results

Manage the development and strengthening of capacity development policies and activities.

Key Functions

·     Leads and monitors the delivery of the e-learning programmes.

·     Manages capacity development and e-learning activities undertaken by FAO technical units and external partners for Members.

·     Conducts assessments and consults with external experts and institutions to improve development of models and methodologies for capacity development and e-learning at FAO and in Members, incorporating country regional and global perspectives.

·     Sensitizes and makes recommendations to FAO technical units with regards to emerging technologies for e-learning, collaborative learning and knowledge sharing, based on identified needs of Members.

·     Identifies solutions and provides experts advice, insight and quality assessment for capacity development activities and proposes technically sound, evidence-based approaches and solutions for adult learning in the areas of food and agriculture.

·     Develops policies and strategies to increase commitment to learning/knowledge sharing through linkages with HR programmes, and support FAO's use of e-learning and other innovative learning methodologies in HR programmes.

·     Identifies, builds and maintains solid relationships and productive partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders (including donors) for capacity development activities and e-learning activities in Members.

·     Establishes partnerships with institutions of learning and professional associations (universities, UN System Staff College and others) in order to assist in the creation of an infrastructure for learning and knowledge sharing;

·     Undertakes results-based monitoring and evaluation of FAO's capacity development activities, in particular e-learning.

·     Performs other related duties as required.

 

Specific Functions

·         Leads the FAO e-learning Academy team for the design, development and delivery of specialized self-paced e-learning courses in collaboration with FAO technical units, decentralized offices (DOs), and external partners.

·         Undertakes outreach with academic and research institutions for the creation, curation and delivery of learning programmes, the design of specialized curricula, and supporting the uptake of research materials and results.

·         Leads on the delivery and co-delivery of specialized webinars, online learning events, and blended learning programmes.

·         Provides overall guidance and support to PSU’s global, open, and interoperable knowledge systems for agriculture and food systems, including AGRIS, AGORA and AGROVOC.

·         Manages and expands the portfolio of extra-budgetary projects for the further development of the FAO e-learning Academy and agricultural information systems, as well as providing clear budget estimates and workplans for FAO units, DOs, and external partners providing resources for the development of e-learning courses, programmes and platforms.

·         Acts as the contract manager for the learning management system (LMS) and specialized e-learning software for use across FAO learning teams and units delivering learning resources and programmes to external audiences.

·         Provides timely reporting and outreach presentations in support of the FAO e-learning Academy and other PSU information systems to internal and external audiences.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•        Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, information technology, communication, agricultural sciences, social sciences, or any field related to FAO's mandate.

•        Ten years of relevant experience in capacity development, including e-learning and/or ICT for development.

·               Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

•       Results Focus

•       Leading, Engaging and Empowering

•       Communication

•       Partnering and Advocating

•       Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

•       Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

·                 Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.

·                 Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development, adult learning, e-learning and learning technologies.

·                 Demonstrated knowledge of computer software applications and information technology for learning and knowledge exchange.

·                 Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation and fund-raising activities to increase core and non-core resources, and in building long-lasting partnerships with potential donors and collaborators.

·                 Extent and relevance of experience in the development and/or delivery of multilingual e-learning courses, related to food, agriculture, environmental sciences, and related social sciences.

·                 Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender sensitive and cross-cultural competency.

·                 Extent and relevance of experience in organizing and conducting workshops and technical meetings and managing multi-stakeholder platforms and processes.

·                 Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.