Digital Forensics Officer

Digital Forensics Officer (2600783) – FAO Office of the Inspector-General (OIG), Rome, Italy. Primary location: Italy-Rome. Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension. Closure date: 04/May/2026, 9:59 PM (local time).

• Provides digital forensic investigative support to OIG investigations, including during the intake analysis of incoming complaints, as well as the preliminary review and investigation process.
• Identifies, collects, analyses and preserves electronic evidence and data (including data from open source and available in FAO corporate databases), in accordance with applicable standards and protocols for evidentiary material.
• Performs digital forensic analysis using validated techniques, methods and tools, including the verification of open source digital content.
• Assists in understanding the results of digital forensic examination, and in determining the credibility and reliability of electronic evidence and data.
• Prepares detailed, clear and concise forensic analysis reports and other written outputs through accurate, reliable and thorough documenting of methods, tools and activities.
• Ensures that digital forensic investigation activities are targeted and relevant to the investigative scope in each specific case at stake.
• Supports investigative personnel with data visualization and presentation, particularly for complex cases.
• Participates in the organization and follow-up of interviews and other consultations as required, in particular concerning lines of questioning regarding electronic evidence and data.
• Provides support to various policy-related initiatives, internal guidelines and other matters under review by the Office concerning digital forensics and information technology.
• Maintains proficiency with digital forensic tools and keeps a technological watch over available tools and new trends that may be relevant to the work of the Office.
• Prepares and delivers tailored training sessions for OIG personnel on topics relating to digital forensic investigations and information technology.
• Maintains OIG records and stores materials related to the investigations in accordance with internal procedures.
• Contributes to the organization\'s overarching strategy for cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, and topics related to information technology.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Collects, processes, analyses and preserves electronic data and evidence, including open source and corrupt/deleted data, relevant to intake, preliminary review and investigation activities, when necessary in consultation with the Senior Investigator and/or the assigned investigator.
• Collaborates with and supports investigators in conducting digital evidence collection and analysis, identifying any sensitive issues and proposing course of action, such as new opportunities to source data.
• Assists and/or participates in field missions, as necessary, to carry out forensic investigative activities; prepares the necessary equipment and consumables and provides guidance to investigative personnel.
• Performs or guides investigative personnel with remote digital forensic investigative activities.
• Drafts written outputs about forensic activities and findings.
• Contributes to the organization\'s cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence initiatives collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure cohesive execution of these activities.
• Evaluates current and emerging activities for compliance with cybersecurity and data protection standards, while promoting automation by contributing to the development and deployment of innovative tools.

• Advanced university degree (Master\'s degree or equivalent) in digital forensics, computer science, information technology, criminal and forensics sciences, or a related field (candidates holding a first-level university degree in above-mentioned fields may also be considered if possessing two (2) additional years of relevant work experience in fact-finding/investigatory work using computer science and information technology applied to the collection and analysis of digital data and a professional certification in the field of computer forensics).
• Three years of relevant experience in fact-finding/investigatory work using computer science and information technology applied to the collection and analysis of digital data.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Technical/Functional Skills: work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Demonstrated knowledge in computer science and information technology applied to investigations and/or to the oversight function, including digital forensic tools (e.g. Encase Forensic, Magnet Axiom, Intella), methodologies, and protocols.
• Extent and relevance of experience in carrying out digital forensics activities, including eDiscovery, in the conduct of fact-finding/investigatory work.
• Demonstrated experience in internal administrative investigations, including but not limited to fraud, corruption and sexual misconduct, is desirable, preferably gained in an international setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of principles, concepts and processes relevant to administrative and/or criminal investigations.
• Ability to analyse large volume of complex and conflicting evidence.
• Expertise in cybersecurity, data protection, and implementation of automation and AI-driven solutions.
• Strong English writing skills to prepare clear and concise technical outputs and other relevant documents to be incorporated into investigative files and submissions.
• Experience in developing and executing scripts using PowerShell, Python or other programming languages would be an advantage.

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

• 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 to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. This includes:

• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct

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