Economist

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 12,000 employees working in more than 130 countries. 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. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a key part of FAO's mission, providing investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems globally. The Centre operates in over 120 countries, collaborating with various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, and the private sector to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. The Centre focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Economist position at FAO's Investment Centre involves providing analytical and technical support on economic and financial aspects related to investment policies, strategies, and projects in the fields of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. The role is crucial in delivering investment and finance support solutions through technical assistance and capacity development, aiming to achieve significant impacts in transforming agrifood systems in line with FAO's Strategic Framework. The Economist will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment operations, support their implementation, and evaluate their outcomes. This position requires a strong understanding of economic analysis as it applies to development issues, particularly in the context of food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will participate in multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment operations in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation of these operations, preparing final evaluations, and contributing to the formulation of national investment plans and strategies. The role also involves developing inclusive and sustainable food systems, conducting capacity development activities, preparing reports for governments and financing partners, and promoting knowledge sharing at international meetings. Specific functions include designing investment operations, analyzing the feasibility of investment proposals, evaluating project performance, and reviewing investment implications of various policies and programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, natural resources economics, or a closely related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in applying economic analysis to development issues is required, including experience in formulating and implementing investment operations in food security, agriculture, and related fields. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, natural resources economics, or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex economic and financial aspects of investment policies and strategies in the agrifood sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in the practical application of economic analysis to development issues. This includes experience in analytical studies and the formulation and implementation of investment operations related to food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations is desirable, as is familiarity with the procedures of FAO's main development partners, such as the World Bank and IFAD.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Proficiency in French would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The FAO Investment Centre is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and it encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their background. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and capacity building.