Economist (Markets and Trade)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. FAO operates in numerous countries around the world, working on various projects to improve agricultural practices, food security, and nutrition. The organization collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement programs that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, promote rural development, and improve food systems.

Job Overview:
The Economist (Markets and Trade) position is designed to provide specialized economic and market expertise to support the analysis of selected socially significant food products in Kazakhstan. The role will involve a comprehensive examination of domestic and international market dynamics, price formation, trade flows, and the economic factors that influence commodity availability and market stability. The incumbent will be responsible for developing an integrated analytical framework that links commodity balances, supply chains, market indicators, and trade dynamics. This position is crucial for formulating evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing market stability, transparency, and resilience, particularly within the context of a project implemented in cooperation with the Government of Kazakhstan. The assignment will include a field mission to gather data and consult with stakeholders, ensuring that the analysis is grounded in real-world conditions and needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Economist (Markets and Trade) include conducting detailed analyses of domestic and international market dynamics for selected food products, assessing historical and current price trends, evaluating trade flows, and identifying market inefficiencies and structural distortions. The incumbent will support the identification of supply chain bottlenecks and infrastructure gaps, contribute to the integration of economic indicators into the commodity balance analysis framework, and assess the effectiveness of market stabilization instruments. Additionally, the Economist will develop policy recommendations, design and undertake field missions, participate in stakeholder consultations, provide technical inputs for capacity-building workshops, and prepare periodic progress updates and a final technical report summarizing analytical findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, development economics, agribusiness, food economics, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, food markets, commodity market analysis, international trade, price analysis, or food security economics is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as economics, agricultural economics, international trade, development economics, agribusiness, or food economics. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be considered if they have additional professional experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates have a solid theoretical foundation in the relevant disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as agricultural economics, food markets, commodity market analysis, international trade, and price analysis. Experience in analyzing domestic and international trade flows, market structures, and the impact of trade policies on food markets is essential. Familiarity with commodity balance methodologies and food supply-demand balances is also advantageous. The ability to conduct field missions and engage with stakeholders is crucial for this role, as is the capacity to deliver high-quality technical outputs within agreed timelines.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication and reporting. Knowledge of Russian would be considered an asset, particularly given the context of the project in Kazakhstan and the potential need to engage with local stakeholders and government institutions. Proficiency in additional languages may also enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, especially in a multicultural and international working environment.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for 30 working days, which includes an eight-day field mission to Kazakhstan. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Candidates will be assessed based on their professional experience, analytical skills, and ability to provide policy advice. The role requires a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs and engaging effectively with various stakeholders, including government institutions and market actors. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's standards for consultancy roles.