Senior Technical Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945, with a mission to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs approximately 12,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support national, regional, and global policy processes related to food and agricultural policies, agribusiness, and rural transformation.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Adviser position is pivotal in leading the division's work on Strategic Foresight, with a focus on the long-term structural transformation of agrifood systems and economies, particularly in the context of the bioeconomy. This role involves managing and contributing to technical analyses, ensuring that evidence-based insights are effectively integrated into reports and outputs. The adviser will facilitate collaboration with other FAO units, particularly those focused on agricultural production and natural resources, to embed biophysical expertise within economic analysis. The position also coordinates editorial and publication work for key FAO reports and fosters partnerships with UN agencies and research institutions to strengthen analytical foundations. Additionally, the adviser provides policy advice to support sustainable agrifood systems and the science-policy interface.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Adviser will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, directing the review of relevant documents and reports. Responsibilities include coordinating programmes, assessing issues and trends, supervising the preparation of written outputs, and providing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences. The adviser will manage outreach activities, design and conduct training workshops, and lead field missions while providing guidance to external consultants and government officials. Specific functions include overseeing the development of innovative methodologies for strategic foresight exercises, leading multidisciplinary horizon-scanning initiatives, ensuring the integration of evidence-based analysis, and translating findings into actionable recommendations. The adviser will also provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff and foster collaboration with various stakeholders to promote integrated policy approaches.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, physics, chemistry, biology, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in economic analysis methods across various topics, including food security and nutrition, is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, physics, chemistry, biology, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex economic and scientific issues related to agrifood systems and policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in economic analysis, particularly in areas related to food security and nutrition. Experience in drafting and coordinating high-level analytical reports in a multilateral or intergovernmental context is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, and possess a strong understanding of policy processes at various levels.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates may be assessed against various competencies, including results focus, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. The role involves significant collaboration with international partners and may require travel for field missions and outreach activities.