Economist P4

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and values the contributions of individuals from various ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. The organization has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant role in humanitarian efforts worldwide. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment. The organization operates in numerous countries, providing humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need, and is dedicated to achieving zero hunger by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Economist position is situated within the Economic and Markets Unit (PRGFE) of the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Service at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role is pivotal in leading WFP’s economic and market analysis, which is essential for understanding food security dynamics and informing strategic decisions. The Economist will utilize advanced economic modelling and analytical methods to transform complex data into actionable insights that guide WFP’s interventions in food security. The position requires a strong focus on anticipating and responding to economic shocks that affect food security, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. The Economist will also be responsible for developing new analytical tools and methods, providing technical leadership, and supporting capacity building within WFP and its partners. This role is critical in enhancing WFP’s ability to monitor food prices, assess market conditions, and adapt programs in response to economic challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including leading global economic modelling to quantify the impact of major shocks on food security, conducting country-level demand and scenario analysis, and developing composite indices to rank country needs. The role involves designing and validating market assessment tools, providing technical direction for data integration and modelling, and supporting economic analysis efforts within WFP. The Economist will also lead capacity strengthening initiatives for WFP staff and partners, contribute to resource mobilization efforts, and supervise and mentor team members. Additional responsibilities include performing any other duties as assigned by the Head of PRGFE, ensuring that the unit's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (MSc) in economics, agricultural or development economics, or a closely related quantitative discipline, with strong formal training in econometrics and economic modelling. A PhD in Economics is considered an advantage. The position requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in macro- and micro-economics, market assessments, food security analysis, and quantitative analysis in humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have extensive field experience in designing and conducting market surveys, a proven record of developing analytical tools, and experience in training and capacity strengthening on economic analysis. Knowledge of food security operations and resource mobilization is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (MSc) in economics, agricultural or development economics, or a closely related quantitative discipline is required. Strong formal training in econometrics and economic modelling is essential, and a PhD in Economics is advantageous for candidates seeking this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on macro- and micro-economics, market assessments, and food security analysis. Experience in humanitarian or development operations, particularly in challenging environments, is crucial. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to develop and validate analytical tools and methodologies that have been adopted at scale across multiple country operations, along with a peer-reviewed publication record.

Languages:
Fluent written and spoken English (level C) is mandatory. A working knowledge (level B) of French, Arabic, or Spanish is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Rome, Italy. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process. WFP emphasizes an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.