FAO Information Technology Officer (AI) Job 2026 in Rome – High-Level UN Career Opportunity

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently inviting applications for the position of Senior Information Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence) at its headquarters in Rome. This prestigious international role offers experienced technology professionals the opportunity to contribute to global agricultural transformation while leading the adoption of artificial intelligence within one of the world’s most influential international organizations.

If you are an experienced IT leader with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and enterprise technology strategy, this role provides a unique chance to shape innovative technological solutions that support global food security, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation.

The position is offered by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security worldwide.

About FAO and Its Global Mission

Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to eliminate hunger and ensure that people everywhere have regular access to high-quality food.

FAO supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its strategic framework aimed at achieving:

• Better production
• Better nutrition
• A better environment
• A better life for all

By combining policy expertise, technical knowledge, and innovation, FAO works with governments, research institutions, and global partners to build efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

Technology plays a vital role in this mission, which is why FAO continues to expand its digital capabilities, including advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based data systems.

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Position Overview

The Senior Information Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence) is a P-5 level professional role responsible for leading the development and implementation of AI technologies within FAO.

The position is located in the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI) at FAO headquarters in and reports directly to the Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO).

The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in shaping FAO’s AI strategy, guiding innovation initiatives, and ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI technologies across the organization.

This is a two-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability.

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Key Responsibilities of the Role

The selected candidate will lead a wide range of strategic and technical activities designed to expand AI adoption across FAO operations.

Some of the major responsibilities include:

1. Developing an AI Strategy

The officer will design and implement a comprehensive AI adoption strategy aligned with FAO’s organizational objectives and digital transformation goals.

This includes:

• Identifying AI opportunities across FAO departments
• Establishing implementation roadmaps
• Defining key performance indicators (KPIs)

2. Leading AI Technology Implementation

The role involves assessing, selecting, and deploying AI technologies across the organization. The officer will evaluate tools, platforms, and frameworks suitable for FAO’s global operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting cost-benefit analyses
• Evaluating technology scalability and compatibility
• Managing AI implementation projects

3. Promoting Collaboration Across Departments

The Senior IT Officer will work closely with internal teams, external experts, and UN partners to ensure effective AI integration across FAO programmes and digital platforms.

This includes facilitating collaboration between technical teams, researchers, and operational departments.

4. Training and Capacity Building

A key component of the role involves educating staff on AI technologies.

The officer will:

• Organize workshops and training sessions
• Lead awareness campaigns on AI adoption
• Develop internal knowledge-sharing initiatives

5. Ensuring Responsible AI Governance

Given the sensitive nature of AI technologies, the officer will establish governance frameworks to ensure compliance with:

• Data protection regulations
• Privacy laws
• Ethical AI principles

This includes creating guidelines for responsible AI use across FAO systems.

Key Functions within the Organization

In addition to AI leadership responsibilities, the Senior Information Technology Officer will perform broader IT leadership duties, including:

• Managing specialized activities within the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division
• Developing strategic work plans and monitoring project delivery
• Supervising staff and external consultants
• Managing financial and human resources within assigned projects
• Advising senior leadership on digital strategy and IT governance
• Representing FAO in international meetings related to IT and innovation

The officer will also contribute to FAO’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy, ensuring technology solutions support sustainability goals.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates interested in applying for this international role must meet several academic and professional criteria.

Education

Applicants must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one of the following fields:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Software Engineering
• Mathematics or Statistics
• A closely related discipline

Professional Experience

Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant experience in areas such as:

• IT portfolio management
• Enterprise architecture
• Technology governance
• Software solutions design and development

At least three years of this experience must be in an international environment.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Working proficiency in English (Level C)
• Intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, such as:
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • French
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Essential Skills and Competencies

FAO is seeking candidates with strong leadership, analytical, and strategic skills.

Important competencies include:

• Strategic thinking and innovation
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to lead diverse and multicultural teams
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Partnership building and advocacy

Technical expertise in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, cloud technologies, and IT governance frameworks will be particularly valuable.

Certifications in areas such as ITIL, PRINCE2, COBIT, TOGAF, or enterprise architecture frameworks are also considered advantageous.

Salary and Benefits

FAO offers a competitive international compensation package aligned with United Nations professional staff standards.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive UN salary package
• International health insurance
• Education grants for children
• Pension benefits through the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• Home leave travel allowances
• Rental subsidies
• Dependency allowances
• 30 days of annual leave per year

These benefits aim to support employees and their families while they contribute to FAO’s global mission.

FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Integrity

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations strongly promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion in its workforce.

The organization encourages applications from:

• Women professionals
• Nationals from underrepresented countries
• Persons with disabilities

FAO also maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

All candidates undergo strict background and reference checks to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Applications should include:

• A completed online profile
• Updated employment history
• Academic qualifications
• Language skills
• A letter of motivation

Only applications submitted through the official portal will be considered.

Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline of 2 April 2026 to avoid last-minute issues.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Working with FAO provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to global food security, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation.

The Senior Information Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence) role is particularly significant because AI technologies can transform how the world manages agriculture, climate challenges, and food production.

By joining FAO, successful candidates will play a key role in building the digital future of global agrifood systems.