FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist – Syria | Apply by 12 October 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for a Data and Information Systems Specialist position based in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. The opportunity is offered as a consultancy/non-staff position for an initial period of 6 months, renewable subject to project funding availability.

This FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist opportunity is designed for experienced professionals with backgrounds in information systems, statistics, agricultural economics, GIS, data science, or related fields, particularly those with strong experience in data management, information systems, data analysis, dashboards and reporting.

Job title: Data and Information Systems Specialist
Job reference: 2601538
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Location: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Job type: Non-staff opportunity – Consultant
Duration: 6 months, renewable depending on project funds availability
Posted: 28 September 2026
Application deadline: 12 October 2026 at 11:59 PM
Required experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience
Education: Advanced university degree, with an alternative bachelor’s-degree experience requirement specified by FAO
Language: Working knowledge of English
Salary: Not specified in the vacancy announcement

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About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations working to advance food security and sustainable agriculture around the world.

FAO works with governments, institutions and partners to support the transformation of agrifood systems and contribute to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. The organization operates across more than 130 countries and works in areas including agriculture, food security, nutrition, natural resources, policy development and agrifood systems.

The FAO Representation in Syria supports the organization’s work in the country, including technical assistance, policy support, capacity development, partnerships and programmes related to agriculture and food security.

For this position, the Data and Information Systems Specialist will contribute specifically to strengthening agriculture-related data systems, information management, reporting systems and evidence-based decision-making.

FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist – Opportunity Overview

The FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist will be based in the FAO Country Office in Damascus, Syria.

The specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Syrian Arab Republic and report directly to the Senior Policy Officer.

The position will also involve collaboration with the Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU), Assistant FAOR (Programmes), BLRS Chief Technical Advisor, BLRS Project Officer and Information Management Specialist.

The technical focus of the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist role is to strengthen systems used for agricultural data management, information sharing, reporting, analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

Key Responsibilities of the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist

The successful consultant will support a range of data management, information systems and agricultural data activities.

Data systems and information management

Key responsibilities include:

• Mapping and assessing existing data systems.
• Developing data management and information-sharing protocols.
• Supporting the establishment of reporting and tracking systems.
• Developing data collection and reporting templates.
• Ensuring data quality, standardization and consistency.
• Supporting linkages with research institutions and data providers.

Data analysis and visualization

The FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist will also conduct data analysis and visualization to support evidence-based decision-making.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting analysis of sector performance indicators.
• Supporting the production of analytical and statistical reports.
• Developing dashboards and reporting systems.
• Supporting agriculture databases and information systems.
• Working with statistical and data visualization tools.

Agricultural databases and dashboards

An important part of the assignment involves supporting the development of agriculture databases and dashboards covering core agricultural statistics.

These may include information such as:

• Crop yields
• Livestock census data
• Market prices
• Agricultural statistics
• Other relevant agriculture-related indicators

The specialist will also provide capacity building to relevant FAO national staff and Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) personnel on agriculture databases and dashboards developed through the assignment.

Syrian Agricultural Investment Map and Investor Platform

The specialist will work closely with the FAO Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The role includes contributing to the development of the Syrian Agricultural Investment Map (SAIM), an interactive Investor Platform and an Investment Guide.

The specialist will also provide related capacity building in data and information-systems management.

Who Is This FAO Opportunity Suitable For?

The FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist position may be relevant to experienced professionals working in areas such as:

• Data science
• Information systems
• Statistics
• Agricultural economics
• GIS
• Database management
• Data analysis
• Information management
• Agricultural statistics
• Data visualization
• Reporting systems
• Monitoring and information systems

The opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals who can combine technical data skills with agricultural-sector knowledge and who have experience translating data into useful information for programmes, policies and decision-making.

FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist Requirements

Educational qualifications

Candidates should have an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in one of the following or a related field:

• Information systems
• Statistics
• Agricultural economics
• GIS
• Data science
• Related disciplines

The vacancy states that consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

FAO also specifies that higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained through the International Association of Universities and UNESCO.

Professional experience

Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in data management and information systems.

This makes demonstrated professional experience particularly important when preparing an application for the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist position.

Language requirement

Candidates must have a working knowledge of English.

The ability to speak Arabic is listed as an added advantage.

Technical and Functional Skills

Candidates for the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist position should demonstrate relevant technical and functional capabilities.

The vacancy specifically highlights:

• Experience with statistical and data visualization tools.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Strong database management skills.
• Experience developing dashboards.
• Experience with reporting systems.
• Knowledge of GIS and statistical software.
• Ability to develop data protocols and templates.
• Good communication and training skills.
• Experience working with UN agencies is preferable.
• Familiarity with FAO systems and standards is preferable.
• Arabic language ability is an added advantage.

Applicants should therefore make sure their CV clearly demonstrates their actual experience with these areas where applicable.

FAO Core Competencies

The selected candidate will be expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including:

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

Candidates should reflect relevant examples of these competencies in their application materials rather than simply listing the terms.

Salary and Benefits

The vacancy announcement does not specify a salary or consultancy fee for the Data and Information Systems Specialist position.

Therefore, applicants should not assume a particular salary, allowance or benefits package unless it is communicated by FAO through the official recruitment process.

The position is a non-staff consultancy opportunity with an initial duration of 6 months, renewable depending on the availability of project funds.

Required Experience Explained

The requirement for at least 5 years of relevant professional experience means applicants should demonstrate substantial practical experience related to data management and information systems.

Relevant experience could include work involving:

• Agricultural databases
• Statistical systems
• Data collection
• Data quality assurance
• Data analysis
• Information management
• Dashboards
• Data visualization
• Reporting systems
• GIS
• Agricultural statistics
• Capacity building and technical training

Applicants should connect their professional experience directly to the responsibilities described in the vacancy.

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How to Prepare Your CV for the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist Role

A strong application should make it easy for recruiters to identify your relevant qualifications and experience.

Your CV should clearly present:

1. Your professional profile

Start with a concise profile highlighting your experience in data management, information systems, data analysis, agricultural data or related technical areas.

2. Your education

Clearly list your degrees, fields of study, institutions and relevant qualifications.

Make sure your educational credentials meet FAO’s stated recognition requirements.

3. Your data and information systems experience

Use specific examples of your work with:

• Databases
• Data systems
• Data analysis
• Statistical tools
• Dashboards
• Reporting systems
• Data visualization
• GIS
• Data quality assurance

4. Your agricultural-sector experience

If you have worked with agricultural statistics, crop data, livestock information, market data, food security information or agricultural programmes, make this visible in your CV.

5. Your training and capacity-building experience

The position includes supporting training and capacity building, so highlight relevant experience where applicable.

How Competitive Is the Opportunity?

The vacancy requires a combination of advanced education, substantial professional experience and specialized technical skills.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the stated minimum requirements before their applications can be considered.

The vacancy also notes that applications will be screened based on the information provided in the online profile. This makes it important to provide a complete and accurate employment history, academic background and language information.

Applicants should avoid relying on generic descriptions and instead demonstrate how their actual experience relates to the responsibilities of the position.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist opportunity, applicants should pay attention to the following:

Submitting an incomplete profile

FAO states that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Leaving out relevant experience

Make sure your online profile contains your relevant employment history and clearly describes your responsibilities.

Ignoring the education recognition requirement

FAO specifically refers applicants to the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and relevant UNESCO/IAU requirements.

Failing to attach a motivation letter

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.

Applying outside the official recruitment portal

FAO states that only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

Waiting until the final day

FAO encourages applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline.

Career Paths After a Data and Information Systems Role

Experience as a Data and Information Systems Specialist can provide professional exposure to areas including:

• Agricultural data management
• Information systems
• Data science
• Agricultural statistics
• Food security analysis
• Monitoring and reporting
• GIS and spatial analysis
• Development-sector information management
• UN and international development programmes
• Evidence-based policy support

Actual career progression will depend on an individual’s qualifications, experience, performance and future opportunities.

Similar Opportunities to Explore

Professionals interested in the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist position can also explore opportunities related to:

• FAO data and information management
• Agricultural statistics
• Food security analysis
• GIS and agriculture
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Information management
• Data science
• UN consultancy opportunities
• Agricultural economics
• International development

Important FAO Application Information

FAO states that it does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview or processing.

Applicants should also be aware that selected candidates may be subject to:

• Reference checks
• Background checks
• Medical fitness certification
• Accreditation requirements
• Residency or visa requirements
• Security clearances

FAO also states that candidates may be requested to provide authorization for verification of relevant work, education and other records.

How to Apply for the FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist Job

Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Applicants should:

1. Visit the FAO Jobs recruitment website.
2. Create or complete their online profile.
3. Provide accurate employment records.
4. Enter their academic qualifications.
5. Provide language information.
6. Attach a letter of motivation.
7. Review the application carefully.
8. Submit the application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline.

Job reference: 2601538
Position: Data and Information Systems Specialist
Location: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Deadline: 12 October 2026 at 11:59 PM
Contract: Consultant / Non-staff opportunity
Duration: 6 months, renewable depending on project funds availability.

Official Application Information

Applicants should use the official FAO recruitment system for the application and should rely on the vacancy announcement for the latest requirements and instructions.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Data and Information Systems Specialist opportunity provides an opportunity for an experienced data and information systems professional to support agricultural data management and evidence-based decision-making in the FAO Representation in Syria.

The role combines data analysis, information systems, agricultural databases, dashboards, reporting, data quality, capacity building and agricultural information management.

Professionals interested in applying should carefully review the official vacancy requirements, ensure that their online FAO profile is complete, attach the required motivation letter and submit their application before 12 October 2026.

Applicants should also remember that FAO does not charge applicants fees during the recruitment process and that only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.