Economist (Food Security Early Warning)

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 a mission 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on monitoring and analyzing developments in agricultural commodity markets and providing technical support to its member countries.

Job Overview:
The Economist (Food Security Early Warning) position is situated within the Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS) Team of the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role involves conducting research and analysis of data, information, and statistics related to early warning and food security. The Economist will be responsible for maintaining and updating databases, tools, and methodologies, as well as planning and preparing analytical appraisals and studies on food security situations in various regions and countries. This position requires a proactive approach to support project delivery and may involve conducting field missions to assess food security conditions. The Economist will also contribute to the development of specialized tools and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of FAO's programs and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including planning and leading components of multidisciplinary teams, developing technical and analytical frameworks, conducting research and data collection, and providing technical/policy advice to regional and country offices. The role also involves promoting international cooperation, participating in capacity development activities, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. Specific functions include analyzing food supply and demand situations, leading the preparation of studies and reports on early warning and food security, updating GIEWS methodologies, and organizing Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions (CFSAMs). The Economist will also build networks at country and regional levels, support food security information networks, and prepare briefs and presentations for senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in economic analysis of agricultural and food security is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate results focus, teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships. Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement are also essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural markets and food security issues, as well as for conducting high-level economic analysis and research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in economic analysis specifically related to agricultural and food security. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in monitoring, analyzing, and assessing food security for early warning in developing countries. Experience in planning and conducting economic analysis related to food production, consumption, stocks, trade, policies, and prices of basic food commodities is also essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in developing and maintaining partnerships with national and international institutions in relation to early warning for food security.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Candidates must also have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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 mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The role may involve international travel for field missions and assessments. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits related to health, retirement, and professional development opportunities.