Stephen Katz

Principal Consultant, Facilitator & Strategic Advisor | Leader in Data Governance, Knowledge Management & Digital Transformation | 40+ Years in UN & Multilateral Organizations

Rome, Latium, Italy

About

With over 40 years of international experience across the United Nations and Multilateral Organizations, I specialize in data governance, knowledge management, digital transformation, and organizational change. My work has consistently focused on delivering sustainable, high-impact solutions in complex environments—from developing IFAD’s Data Governance Strategy to leading FAO’s statistical systems and cultural transformation initiatives. I bring a strategic lens to every role, whether managing multi-million-dollar IT projects, designing global events like the 50x2030 Data Use Conference in 2021 or implementing enterprise systems that improve how organizations use data for decision-making. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about connecting people, systems, and ideas to drive progress—building partnerships, strengthening institutional capacity, and creating environments that foster innovation and learning. Key competencies: ✔ Strategic Planning & Implementation ✔ Knowledge & Change Management ✔ Data Governance & Statistical Quality ✔ Project & Program Management (PMO) ✔ Digital Solutions & Open Data Platforms ✔ Global Partnerships & Resource Mobilization ✔ Event Design, Facilitation & Public Speaking Let’s connect if you’re passionate about using data, knowledge, and collaboration to drive global development and transformational change.

Experience

  • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) (8 yrs 9 mos)
    • Principal Consultant (Knowledge Management and Data Use)
      Apr 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 3 mos

      • Led the design and implementation of IFAD’s first Data Governance Strategy • Spearheaded communications and outreach for the 50x2030 Initiative’s Data Use Component • Co-authored a long-term resource mobilization strategy for global sustainability • Managed major events to promote awareness and policy action on agricultural data use • Coordinated Cority implementation of Health and Wellness monitoring and management

    • Senior PMO Manager and Principal Consultant
      Oct 2017 - Mar 2021 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      • Directed the Project Management Office (PMO) for IT transformation projects • Served as knowledge management focal point, fostering collaboration and innovation • Developed a proposal for GIS-powered Monitoring and Evaluation activities for IFAD projects • Managed the migration of medical records to a Cloud-based SaaS and served as Cority System Administrator • Developed an Information Security Management Policy for IFAD’s Corporate information/data assets

  • Member of the VAi Consulting Network at VAI Consulting
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

    Data, Analytics, AI, Cloud, and Vendor Management Consulting

  • FAO (20 yrs)
    • Senior Coordinator - Statistics Governance & Outreach
      Jan 2014 - Sep 2017 · 3 yrs 9 mos

      • Managed FAOSTAT’s evolution into a modern open-data platform • Directed global statistical governance frameworks and regional partnerships • Supervised the implementation of a new Corporate Statistical Working System • Designed new monitoring tools (dashboards, indicators) to support SDG tracking

    • Chief, Knowledge Management Branch
      Oct 1997 - Dec 2013 · 16 yrs 3 mos

      • Authored and implemented FAO’s Corporate KM and Culture Change Strategies • Led KM innovation across the organization, influencing global best practices • Coordinated the FAO Website • Led the development of norms, tools, guidelines and standards for FAO’s web-based information, statistics and knowledge sharing activities. • Provided oversight for Supervised the David Lubin Memorial Library, expanding global knowledge access

  • Senior Consultant at United Nations (Several Agencies)
    Jan 1990 - Sep 1996 · 6 yrs 9 mos

    Senior Level Consulting Services to the United Nations, such as: • Designed/Developed financial reports for trust fund and UNDP projects. (FAO, Rome) • Served as Project Leader for implementing a PC-based Budget, Project and Financial Management system. (FAO, Rome) • Designed/Developed an automated Voting System using OMR/OCR technology to automatically scan voting ballots. (World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Geneva and International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Geneva) • Surveyed and reported on available databases within the United Nations Common System on the subject of rapid intervention in the event of unexpected emergencies, natural disasters and industrial accidents. (United Nations Environment Programme, U. N. Centre for Urgent Environmental Assistance (UNEP/UNCUEA), Geneva)

  • Information Systems Developer at International Fund for Agricultural Development
    Jan 1988 - Dec 1989 · 2 yrs

    Analyzed business processes, developed system specifications and implemented technology solutions for IFAD.