Innovation Facilitation Specialist

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. The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e., to consolidate and strengthen FAO's innovative spirit, including the innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas, ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programs, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units, and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.

The Office of Innovation has established the Acceleration Zone (AZ) in FAO’s HQ in Rome. The Acceleration Zone is a space dedicated to FAO teams that need innovative facilitation services to conduct collaborative workshops through which they can address problems or issues preventing the delivery of projects or programs they are responsible for. By leveraging innovative facilitation techniques, Acceleration Zone helps FAO teams accelerate the delivery of impactful programs and projects. Through its services, the Acceleration Zone contributes to the mainstreaming in FAO of an innovation culture.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Facilitation Specialist reports to the Innovation Officer (Innovation Accelerator), who is responsible for managing the AZ and co-leading the OIN Venture Team. The incumbent works in close collaboration with other technical staff in OIN’s Venture Team and across OIN.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the design and delivery of facilitation services for innovation processes, workshops and collaborative sessions through the Acceleration Zone (AZ) to help FAO teams address challenges related to projects, programmes and strategic initiatives. The role applies participatory methodologies, including human-centred design, MG Taylor, and other innovation and participatory approaches, to strengthen collaboration, co-creation, and problem-solving, while contributing to the continuous improvement of AZ deliveries through documentation, feedback, and capacity development.

Tasks and responsibilities

For Consultants:
•    Support the design and delivery of facilitation sessions, responding to users’ needs, including empathy mapping, and processes/sessions ranging from ideation to scaling.
•    Support different stages of the innovation process, including sourcing, design, implementation, and scaling, using MG Taylor, design thinking, and other participatory tools.
•    Support 'test and learn' approaches for the continuous improvement of prototypes and pilot initiatives sessions.
•    Collect user feedback to inform enhancements to facilitation sessions and solutions developed.
•    Support the documentation of innovation initiatives and facilitation sessions, including design principles.
•    Participate in multi-disciplinary teams and support collaboration with other divisions and agencies on work groups and committees, while promoting best practices.
•    Support the planning and AZ workshops, conferences, and meetings, including suggesting session agenda items, and preparing documentation and presentations that align with innovation and design methodologies principles.
•    Support field missions related to the implementation of innovative sessions and solutions, including organizing mission activities and compiling reports on findings and outcomes.
•    Support the application of innovation methodologies in the formulation of projects, policies, strategies, and programs that include the use of innovation methodologies within the scope of the organization's goals and objectives.
•    Support training sessions on innovation facilitation methodologies and documentation practices for interested members of the internal FAO facilitators networks.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

For PSAs:
•    Support the day-to-day preparation and delivery of facilitation services, innovation processes, workshops and collaborative sessions through the Acceleration Zone (AZ).
•    Prepare facilitation session materials that respond to users’ needs, including empathy mapping and processes ranging from ideation to scaling.
•    Support the application of MG Taylor, design thinking, human-centred design and other participatory methodologies in workshops and collaborative processes under the guidance of a supervisor
•    Gather information, recording observations and supporting follow-up actions, and user feedback to support improvements to facilitation sessions and related outputs
•    Documenting innovation initiatives, facilitation sessions, and related outputs, including notes, summaries, reports, and presentations.
•    Prepare the logistical and space preparation of AZ workshops, conferences and meetings, including drafting agendas, preparing materials, presentations and documentation
•    Support hybrid session, digital content, adaptation and use of facilitation tools, visual templates and workshop materials
•    Follow up the organization and delivery of training sessions on innovation facilitation methodologies and documentation practices for members of the internal FAO facilitators’ networks
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communication science, social science, political science, agricultural sciences, innovation systems, creative industries, or related studies, or any other relevant degree. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA.SBS: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO or minimal technical knowledge/qualifications in knowledge management, communication science, social science, political science, agricultural sciences, innovation systems, creative industries, or related technical qualifications, or any other relevant degree.
•    At least 1 year of relevant experience in the facilitation of collaborative processes and /or in the design and facilitation of innovation initiatives, including experience with MG Taylor and human-centred design and innovation methodologies
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Good understanding of MG Taylor, design thinking, or human-centred principles and their practical applications in solving complex, multi-stakeholder challenges, preferably in the agrifood sector.
•    Relevant experience in supporting the design and facilitation of innovation processes in both virtual and in-person settings.
•    Ability to support the expansion of innovative methodologies across contexts and teams.
•    Degree of familiarity with designing, developing, prototyping, and implementing facilitation tools, visual templates, and workshop materials.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
•    Relevance and extent of experience in national/international settings, including field locations, enabling the use of new communication techniques and behaviour change approaches.
Relevance and extent of experience in working with technical units and multi-disciplinary teams to enable innovation and change.

Selection Criteria

•    Demonstrated track record of working with innovative facilitation approaches, including experience in innovation focused environments such as labs, incubators, accelerators, transformation programmes, innovation-focused companies, or other organizations that leverage these methodologies.
•    Certification in facilitation, design thinking, or human-centered design (HCD), or MG Taylor will be a strong asset.
•    Proven experience in applying MG Taylor, systems thinking, and human-centric design in project and program design and service delivery more generally is desirable.
•    Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with methodologies and practices that support improved efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation is an advantage.
•    Good knowledge of the agrifood and development sectors, including global, regional, and national actors, and agrifood systems.
•    Familiarity with digital collaboration tools, online facilitation and platforms, and emerging technologies that support the facilitation is desirable.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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