Senior Information Technology Officer (Global Infrastructure) at Food and Agriculture Organizat[...]

Senior Information Technology Officer (Global Infrastructure)

Location: Rome, Italy – Full Time, Fixed Term (two years with possibility of extension).

Responsibilities

• Lead Digital Workplace teams responsible for the organization’s infrastructure, including cloud platforms (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Microsoft office and productivity tools, WAN monitoring, headquarters digital infrastructure, and data centre management.
• Manage teams that oversee cloud platforms (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle), Microsoft 365, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Zoom, and NOC operations.
• Provide technical support for corporate events and audiovisual setups at FAO headquarters.
• Lead the transformation of the headquarters infrastructure by replacing legacy equipment and integrating new tools.
• Ensure cloud platform availability per contractual SLAs and communicate effectively with stakeholders during outages.
• Oversee the CSI disaster recovery plan and restoration of services.
• Ensure warranty and utility of the organization’s wide area network and Rome HQ LAN.
• Oversee operation of data centres and the NOC in Rome.
• Set and monitor performance indicators for service levels and support.
• Represent the organization in meetings, negotiations, and problem‑resolution sessions.
• Advise senior management on IS/ICT strategy, governance, and standards.
• Promote initiatives under the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy.

Key Functions

• Prepare work plans and monitor progress to ensure delivery of operations and project outputs.
• Manage financial and human resources assigned to the function.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators.
• Lead planning, coordination, and policy setting for an organization‑wide IS/ICT strategy.
• Lead special projects and supervise staff, external service providers, and consultants.
• Represent the organization in formal meetings and negotiations.
• Promote environmental sustainability initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Computer Science, IT, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.
• Ten years of experience leading diverse teams supporting complex (cloud‑based and on‑premise) infrastructure in an international setting.
• Proficiency in English (LevelC) and intermediate proficiency (LevelB) in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Tech‑Functional Skills & Competencies

• Experience managing cloud platforms (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle).
• Experience managing Microsoft 365, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint and Zoom.
• Experience designing and implementing complex network topologies connecting on‑premise endpoints to external capabilities.
• Experience using ITSM methodology for incident, request, change, and configuration management.
• ITIL knowledge and certification is an asset.
• Experience in contract management and vendor negotiations.
• Experience preparing project proposals and management reports.
• Knowledge of corporate environmental responsibility is an asset.

Benefits & Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, including:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel (30 working days of annual leave per year)
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance; disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture, inclusivity, diversity, and family‑friendly policies, including flexible working arrangements.

FAO is committed to workforce diversity and encourages qualified female applicants, nationals of non‑and under‑represented members, and persons with disabilities.