Economist (Commodities)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including food safety, nutrition, and agricultural development, and it plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance and policy advice to member countries.

Job Overview:
The Economist (Commodities) position is situated within the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The primary focus of this role is to contribute to the Division's work on food commodities, which includes a variety of tasks such as data collection and validation, market monitoring and assessment, and conducting price and policy analysis. The Economist will be responsible for researching and analyzing agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, and nutrition-related data to provide technical and policy-related information that supports the delivery of economic and social development programs. This position requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to produce technical reports and input for divisional publications. The Economist will also collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and engage in capacity development activities, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Economist (Commodities) include leading the collection and validation of national production, trade, consumption, stocks, and price statistics for food commodities in selected countries and regions. The Economist will manage the system of country balance sheets used to generate supply, demand, and trade estimates and forecasts. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and analyzing global markets for food commodities, preparing market assessments for the Food Outlook report, and conducting analytical studies on commodity markets and related policies. The Economist will also contribute to the preparation of the annual OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook report, prepare technical notes and policy briefs, and provide strategic advice on commodities under coverage. Furthermore, the Economist will participate in resource mobilization activities and perform other tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in economics, agricultural economics, and qualitative and quantitative economic analysis of agricultural markets and trade policies is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate proficiency level (level B).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural markets and trade policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of economics, particularly in agricultural economics. Candidates should have extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative economic analysis of agricultural markets, trade, and related policies. Experience in commodity market monitoring and assessment, as well as outlook studies and projections, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in providing policy support to countries and organizing international meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C, as well as intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at intermediate proficiency level B. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is important to note that the role may involve collaboration with international teams and stakeholders, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel as part of their duties. The position is full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with FAO's project timelines and funding availability. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and the level of the position.