Senior Statistician (Data and Statistical Coordination)

Job Posting Organization:
The Statistics Division (ESS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to developing and advocating for methodologies and standards in data collection, validation, processing, and analysis within the food and agriculture statistics domains. Established to support Member Nations, the division plays a crucial role in compiling, processing, and disseminating internationally comparable data. It also provides essential capacity building and disseminates various publications, working papers, and statistical yearbooks that cover a wide range of topics including agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security statistics. The ESS Director also serves as the FAO Chief Statistician, ensuring governance of FAO's data and statistical system and fostering consistency within the Strategic Framework. The division operates globally, supporting various functions and ensuring statistical excellence through the implementation of standards and quality assurance mechanisms.

Job Overview:
The Senior Statistician will lead the Data and Statistical coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Team, focusing on corporate statistical planning, monitoring, and reporting of FAO's data and statistical program. This role involves coordinating FAO's reporting on key global statistical indicators, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, and developing and implementing key data and statistics-related policies and standards. The incumbent will also engage in partnerships for data and statistics with other international or regional organizations and coordinate statistical capacity development activities. The position requires strong leadership and conceptual thinking to develop comprehensive technical, statistical, and analytical frameworks that align with the FAO Strategic Framework and its program of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Statistician will lead and manage specialized teams and working groups, providing strategic vision and technical leadership. Responsibilities include analyzing global and country-specific requirements, designing and monitoring work programs, leading research and data collection efforts, producing technical reports, and providing technical advice to various FAO offices. The incumbent will also organize capacity development services, represent FAO at international meetings, and engage in resource mobilization activities. Specific functions include coordinating SDG-related activities, managing corporate SDGs capacity development projects, facilitating internal and external data governance, liaising with stakeholders, and preparing communication materials for FAO management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, agricultural economics, or a related field with quantitative training. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in compiling and analyzing official statistics in national or international organizations is required. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, agricultural economics, or a related field with quantitative training is essential for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform complex statistical analyses and contribute to the development of statistical methodologies and standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the compilation and analysis of official statistics, preferably within national or international organizations. Experience in food and agriculture statistics is considered an asset, as is work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions. The role requires a strong command of statistical methods and experience in conducting quantitative analyses and methodological research.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international statistical community.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work under minimal supervision. The role may involve international travel and participation in global statistical discussions and meetings. The FAO offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and engagement in significant global initiatives related to food and agriculture statistics.