Reporting Lines
The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the ESA Director, collaborating, as required, with other FAO divisions, Country Offices, and external partners.
Technical Focus
The Economist will support the ESA Director in performing quantitative analysis, data collection, implementation of research and policy activities, economic modelling, and other duties, as required. This assignment will be focused on quantitative analysis supporting the transformation of agrifood systems towards sustainable pathways.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Qualitative research to inform and complement the quantitative analysis.
• Perform quantitative analysis - data handling and visualisation, statistical analysis, econometric estimation, economic modelling, and forecasting.
• Contribute to the development and review of technical products, in particular, economic and environmental analysis and produce related evidence-based policy guidance.
• Support the collection, processing, management, and analysis of social, economic, and environmental information from diverse data sources.
• Draft reports and other deliverables to clearly communicate the key messages from the analysis.
• Validate and interpret the results from economic analysis, applying appropriate econometric and modelling methods, in line with economic theory, recent literature and relevant data.
• Support the preparation of technical documents and draft technical notes.
• Provide technical and analytical support to the implementation of a number of projects and activities under the Office of the Director.
• Liaise and coordinate with partners, members, and other FAO Units as relevant.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, environmental sciences, public policy, data sciences, statistics or related fields.
• Minimum of 1 year for category C, 5 years for category B, 10 years for COF category A and PSA category A of relevant experience in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, public policy, statistics and other.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English. Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Experience in management of large datasets and statistics, as well as experience in applied economic modelling and system-wide thinking.
• Academic/professional background in economics, with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis.
• Experience in presenting analytical results in concise and effective manner also to non-technical audience.
• Experience in quantitative data analysis using statistical models.
• Experience in general equilibrium or partial equilibrium analysis will be an asset.
• Modelling of multidimensional sustainability of agrifood systems.
• Econometric or economic modelling analysis.
• Implementation of research and policy support activities.
• Data collection and processing.
• Research and/or policy support experience in socioeconomic research, applied statistics, data science, data analysis, big data, and novel data sources.
• Preparation of technical documentation.
• Experience with numerical computing languages (e.g. Python, R, GAMS).
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
2. Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
3. Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at
4. For more information, visit the FAO employment website
5. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.