Economist (SoilFER-VACS)

Job Posting Organization:
The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to conduct economic research and policy analysis, ESA provides evidence-based support to various policy processes and initiatives at national, regional, and global levels. The division focuses on monitoring and analyzing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness, value chain development, rural transformation, poverty alleviation, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and nutrition. It also leads the production of two flagship publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI). The division operates globally, engaging in various initiatives to enhance food systems and agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Economist (SoilFER-VACS) position is based at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, within the iSMART team of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA). This role requires collaboration with other divisions within FAO to align economic strategies with agronomic, nutritional, and soil management insights. The primary focus of the iSMART team is to conduct economic analyses that promote investments in agrifood systems, making them more efficient, resilient, and inclusive. The Economist will be responsible for providing technical expertise in advanced economic analysis, utilizing micro-economic techniques and tools, including econometric methods, survey design, and cost-benefit analysis. The position also involves conducting in-depth evaluations and impact assessments using data from countries like Zambia and Guatemala, focusing on the economic drivers of soil management practices and the role of diverse crops in building resilient food systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist (SoilFER-VACS) will engage in a variety of tasks, including researching and analyzing agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, and nutritional data to support economic and social development programs. The role involves producing technical reports, providing analytical services on various studies, and participating in the development of improved analytical tools and methodologies. The Economist will also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to capacity development activities, and promote knowledge sharing at international meetings. Specific functions include conducting economic research using advanced econometric and spatial methods, analyzing the impact of policies and investments on soil fertility, and implementing investment prioritization techniques in selected territories. The Economist will draft reports and technical documents related to economic assessments of agrifood systems and policies, and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, econometrics, agricultural economics, spatial economics, development economics, or a related field. They should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in economic and quantitative analysis of agrifood systems, including expertise in advanced econometric models, spatial analysis, and management of large datasets. Experience in survey and sampling design, research on food security and rural poverty, and practical application in policy formulation is essential, particularly in developing countries. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, econometrics, agricultural economics, spatial economics, or development economics is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required for conducting advanced economic analyses and research in agrifood systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in economic and quantitative analysis, particularly within the context of agrifood systems. This experience should include working with advanced econometric models, conducting spatial analysis, and managing large datasets. Additionally, candidates should have experience in survey design, research on food security, and practical applications in policy formulation and strategic investment prioritization, especially in developing countries.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This language proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role that may involve collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. The Economist (SoilFER-VACS) will be expected to contribute to FAO's flagship programs and provide economic insights essential for scaling up climate-smart agricultural practices. The role may also involve resource mobilization activities and participation in international meetings and conferences.