Statistician (Statistics)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The organization aims 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. FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work towards transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and plays a crucial role in the global efforts to eradicate hunger and improve nutrition.

Job Overview:
The position of Statistician (Statistics) is situated within the Statistics Division (ESS) of FAO, specifically working with the Agricultural Census Team. The incumbent will be responsible for developing methodological guidelines for the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) and conducting agricultural surveys to document country practices. This role involves providing technical assistance to member countries to strengthen their national agricultural statistical systems, ensuring that agricultural censuses are conducted at least once every decade, and running continuous agricultural surveys using standardized international concepts and methodologies. The Statistician will also be involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various statistical projects and will contribute to the dissemination of agricultural and food security statistics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Statistician (Statistics) include planning and leading components of multidisciplinary teams, coordinating the collection and analysis of key social, economic, and environmental indicators, designing and developing statistical tools and databases, conducting research and data validation, producing technical reports, providing technical and policy advice to regional and country offices, and organizing training workshops. The incumbent will also be responsible for identifying and formulating food and agricultural statistics development projects, contributing to the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture, and coordinating technical support for the design and implementation of agricultural censuses and surveys. Additional responsibilities include preparing training materials, providing hands-on support to national institutions, monitoring and documenting census activities, and mobilizing resources for agricultural statistics initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related field. They should have at least seven years of relevant experience in compiling and analyzing food and agricultural statistics, as well as experience in coordinating high-level statistical publications and managing statistical dissemination platforms. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields such as statistics, mathematics, economics, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding complex statistical methodologies and for effectively contributing to the development of agricultural statistics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the field of food and agricultural statistics. This experience should include work in national or international organizations, particularly in roles that involve the compilation and analysis of statistical data, as well as the coordination of statistical publications. Experience in field positions and in providing technical assistance at the country level is highly valued.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates may be assessed against various competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships. The organization promotes knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, and candidates should be prepared to engage in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the Strategic Framework and Divisional plans.