About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking an Innovation and Digital Agriculture Specialist for its Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) located in Apia, Samoa. The position focuses on strengthening digital agriculture systems, data infrastructure, and digital public goods across Pacific Island countries. The specialist will support subregional and national digital agriculture readiness assessments, e-agriculture strategy implementation, digital farmer registry deployment, capacity building, and technical advisory services. The consultancy is offered for an initial duration of 11 months, encompassing up to 230 working days, with the possibility of extension.
Salary and benefits
- Consultancy contract for up to 11 months (up to 230 working days) with the possibility of extension
- Opportunity to work directly with international experts and government counterparts across the Pacific region
- Professional engagement within a specialized agency of the United Nations advancing sustainable agrifood systems
Who can apply?
- Advanced University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Smart Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering, or a related field from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO
- Consultants with a Bachelor's degree require two additional years of relevant professional experience
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in digital agriculture, agricultural information systems, or ICT for development, including demonstrated project planning and implementation experience
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English
Required documents
- Online profile completed with accurate employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Vacancy announcement posted on September 24, 2026
- Application deadline is October 8, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM UTC
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete or update your online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to your profile
- Submit your application online through the FAO recruitment system well before the deadline
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- Academic credentials must be obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list or WHED database
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, visa and residency requirements, and security clearances
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in digital agriculture, ICT for development, or agricultural data systems combined with project management experience
- Familiarity with digital public infrastructure, Digital Farmer Registries (DFR), or digital public goods (DPG)
- Interest in contributing to sustainable agrifood systems and digital transformation within small island developing states in the Pacific
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a non-staff consultancy role based on-site in Apia, Samoa, requiring relocation if not locally based
- The initial contract duration is 11 months for up to 230 working days, with extension contingent on performance and project needs
- Applicants must hold qualifying academic credentials recognized by IAU/UNESCO and meet strict background verification standards
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy provides a high-impact platform for professionals aiming to apply advanced digital solutions, data governance frameworks, and ICT innovations to international agricultural development, particularly within Pacific Island contexts.
Our take
This role is ideal for experienced digital agriculture specialists and ICT-for-development professionals seeking international advisory work within the United Nations system. Applicants should ensure they meet the specific degree and professional experience thresholds before applying.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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