Senior Statistician (Agricultural Census Team Lead)

Job Posting Organization:
The Statistics Division (ESS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to developing and advocating for methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing, and analysis in the food and agriculture statistics domains. Established to support member countries, 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 covering 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.

Job Overview:
The Senior Statistician will lead the Agricultural Census Team, focusing on developing methodological guidelines for the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) and conducting agricultural surveys. The role involves assisting countries in strengthening their national agricultural statistical systems by providing technical assistance for national agricultural censuses and continuous agricultural surveys. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the work of the Agricultural Census Team, ensuring the implementation of comprehensive technical, statistical, and analytical frameworks that align with the FAO Strategic Framework. This position requires a strategic vision and technical leadership to manage multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the development of statistical standards and quality assurance mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Statistician will lead and manage specialized teams, coordinate participation in divisional teams and international technical networks, and analyze global and country-specific requirements. Responsibilities include designing and monitoring work programmes, leading the development of tools and methodologies, overseeing research and data collection, and producing technical reports. The incumbent will also provide technical advice to regional and country offices, organize capacity development services, represent the organization at international meetings, and engage in resource mobilization activities. Specific functions include implementing the WCA, monitoring national agricultural systems, leading the documentation of census results, coordinating technical dialogues with national statistical offices, and ensuring high visibility for FAO's work on statistics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, or a related field with quantitative training. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in compiling and analyzing food and agricultural statistics, coordinating high-level statistical publications, and designing and implementing agricultural census and surveys methodology is required. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, or a related field with quantitative training is essential for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform complex statistical analyses and contribute to the development of methodologies for agricultural statistics.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the field of food and agricultural statistics, particularly in national or international organizations. This experience should include coordination of high-level statistical publications and expertise in the design and implementation of agricultural census and surveys methodology, including data validation and dissemination. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations is highly valued.

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 essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements. The role involves leading a team and requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under minimal supervision. The incumbent will be responsible for mobilizing resources from international donors and ensuring the recruitment of highly qualified staff to maintain an effective workforce.