Agriculture Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In India, FAO focuses on supporting the Government of India to improve the livelihoods of farmers, promote agrifood systems transformation, and respond to challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. FAO India emphasizes sustainable agriculture and capacity building for small and marginalized farmers, organizing targeted training and capacity-building programs to enhance agricultural practices and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Agriculture Economist position is integral to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 8 proposal development team, specifically focusing on the project titled 'Enabling resilience of livestock keepers through integrated landscape management.' The role involves contributing to the proposal by analyzing national and state-level agricultural economic parameters, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The consultant will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in India and collaborate closely with various specialists and consultants. The position requires a strong understanding of agriculture economics, economic policies, and regulations, as well as the ability to conduct comprehensive analyses that support project development aimed at enhancing sustainable livestock management practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Preparing a comprehensive report based on secondary research of national and state policies related to integrated and sustainable fodder management, livestock health, and nutrition.
• Conducting a financial assessment through analysis of national and state budgets and expenditures related to livestock development and integrated fodder systems.
• Estimating potential co-financing contributions from relevant agencies based on budget allocations and sectoral investments.
• Conducting economic analyses of livestock production systems in the project locations.
• Preparing notes on innovative finance mechanisms for cooperatives and producer groups.
• Coordinating data collection from stakeholders and ensuring timely sharing of information with the proposal development team.
• Organizing and storing data and documents in the FAO SharePoint.
• Supporting FAO leadership in meetings and collaborations with various stakeholders.
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned by FAO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture economics, environmental science, or a related field, with a Doctorate preferred. A minimum of ten years of professional experience in agriculture research, particularly in agriculture economics and the livestock sector, is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent report writing skills and a strong ability to interpret and analyze complex data. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential, while working knowledge of Hindi is desirable. Candidates must be nationals of India.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in agriculture economics, environmental science, or a related field. A Doctorate degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant fields.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of professional experience in agriculture research, particularly focusing on agriculture economics, livestock, and agroforestry. This experience should include the ability to interpret and analyze complex data effectively, as well as experience in writing detailed proposals for multilateral institutions.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Hindi is considered desirable, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role within the FAO Country Office in India. It is essential for candidates to have experience working with government agencies on development projects and to possess excellent multicultural and interpersonal skills. The role may involve collaboration with various partners, including ministries, donors, and NGOs. The position is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate project needs.