Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. 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's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life, leaving no one behind. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development.

Job Overview:
The Economist position within the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme involves providing technical advice, policy, and programmatic support to various projects. The role focuses on data management, including the collection, verification, analysis, reporting, storage, and security of economic, social, and financial data. The Economist will work closely with the Programme Coordinator and other technical teams to ensure that the projects align with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA) in Saudi Arabia. The position requires a proactive approach to contribute to the development of policies and strategies, as well as to provide evidence-based policy advice on sustainable rural development and food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: contributing to the preparation of impact evaluations and equivalent studies, designing and managing consultative meetings and conferences, drafting proposals for training workshops, and contributing to the development of policies and strategies related to technical cooperation. The role also involves preparing concept notes, assessing the feasibility of key interventions, contributing to thematic studies, evaluating investment interventions, and carrying out other relevant duties within the technical competence of the position. The Economist will play a crucial role in ensuring that the projects under the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme are effectively managed and aligned with the organization's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, development economics, agricultural economics, natural resources economics, international development, agricultural extension, statistics, or other related disciplines relevant to the assignment. Additionally, candidates should have at least 1 year of relevant experience for category C and 5 years for category B. A working knowledge of English at a C1 level is also required. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, agricultural economics, or statistics. A PhD in a related field is considered a strong asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas of study.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience for category C and 5 years for category B. Experience should include work in multidisciplinary teams, participation in the preparation of strategies and sector studies, and involvement in social and economic studies related to food security and sustainable rural development. Candidates should also have experience in financial and economic analysis, risk assessment, and understanding the investment climate in agricultural and rural development projects.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, with a C1 proficiency level required. Additionally, a working level of Arabic is considered a strong asset, which would enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and government officials.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and a commitment to the FAO's mission of achieving food security and sustainable development.