Overview
The role supports FAO's work in driving and coordinating innovation across the organization by providing strategic direction and expertise in open innovation frameworks and methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or participate in the design and implementation of innovation challenges and open innovation calls.
- Coordinate or support scouting processes to identify and source innovative solutions.
- Develop problem statements and challenge briefs.
- Manage or support the management of innovation challenge platforms and digital tools.
- Design and facilitate selection processes.
- Provide support to selected innovators through acceleration activities and mentoring.
- Develop training materials and deliver capacity development activities.
- Prepare analytical reports, impact assessments, and case studies.
- Contribute to building and maintaining partnerships with accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs.
Required Experience
- At least 1 year for Category C, or 5 years for Category B of relevant experience in managing innovation challenges, open innovation programmes, accelerators, or startup scouting initiatives.
- Extent and relevance of experience in designing and executing innovation competitions activities (e.g., hackathons, grand challenges, or startup calls).
- Demonstrated ability to frame complex technical problems into clear, actionable innovation briefs.
- Proficiency in using innovation management software and open innovation platforms.
- Experience in ecosystem mapping and building networks with non-traditional partners (startups, tech hubs, social enterprises).
- Experience working with government institutions, civil society, academia and/or international organizations.
- Relevance of experience in different geographical and cultural contexts.
Qualifications
- Advanced University degree/University degree in business administration, innovation management, international development, entrepreneurship, engineering, or another relevant field.
- Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
- University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in the above-mentioned fields.
