Statistician

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Position Title: Statistician
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 of food and agriculture statistics. Established to support member nations, the division plays a crucial role in compiling, processing, and disseminating internationally comparable data. It also provides essential capacity-building support to member nations, ensuring that they can effectively manage their agricultural statistics. The division is responsible for a variety of publications, working papers, and statistical yearbooks that cover a wide range of agricultural and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security statistics, including prices, investments, production, trade, and agri-environmental data. The division operates globally, assisting countries in enhancing their agricultural statistical systems and methodologies.

Job Overview:
The position of Statistician within the Agricultural Census Team involves significant responsibilities related to the development and implementation of methodologies for agricultural censuses. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Statistician and the Director of the Statistics Division to ensure that national agricultural censuses are conducted at least once every decade, adhering to standard international concepts and methodologies. The role requires a strong focus on research and analysis of agricultural data, utilizing statistical methods and econometric modeling to support the delivery of economic and social development programs. The Statistician will also be involved in the development and maintenance of specialized tools and databases that facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the program of work and related products.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Statistician include collecting, reviewing, processing, and analyzing key social, economic, and environmental indicators using both traditional statistical methods and data science techniques. The incumbent will develop improved technical and analytical tools, conduct research and validation of data, produce technical reports, and provide technical assistance to regional and country offices. The role also involves capacity development services, including organizing training workshops and seminars, participating in multidisciplinary teams, and promoting best practices in agricultural statistics. Additionally, the Statistician will contribute to the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture by developing guidelines, supporting the design and implementation of agricultural surveys, and providing hands-on support to national institutions in applying statistical methods to large datasets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, agricultural economics, or a related field. They should have at least five years of relevant experience in compiling and analyzing food and agricultural statistics, particularly in the context of agricultural censuses and surveys. Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Stata, or SPSS is essential. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, agricultural economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural data and for developing effective methodologies for data collection and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of food and agricultural statistics. This experience should include planning, designing, sampling, collecting, processing, analyzing, and disseminating data from agricultural censuses and surveys, ideally within national or international organizations. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations is highly valued.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (C) is mandatory, along with a limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate level (B). This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the organization and with member nations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role that may involve international collaboration and travel. The organization emphasizes the importance of capacity development and technical assistance in developing countries, and candidates should be prepared to engage in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the Corporate Strategy and divisional plans.