Economist (Trade)

Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 0 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.The Markets and Trade Division (EST) monitors and analyses trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets, collecting and disseminating comprehensive market and policy information concerning the major traded commodities and those important to food security.
It also undertakes forward-looking outlook studies.
The Division analyses issues that affect global food and agricultural trade, including policy analysis of trade measures and agreements, and provides technical support and capacity development to member countries in all these areas.
Through its Global Information and Early Warning Service, the Division is also responsible for FAO's early warnings on food shortfalls and food security problems.
The Division houses the secretariats of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP), the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups (IGGs), and the G Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS).The position is located in the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.
Reporting LinesThe Economist (Trade) reports to the Senior Economist, Trade Team, Markets and Trade Division.
Technical FocusThe Economist (Trade) will conduct studies and analytical work and support capacity development on agricultural trade and related issues.
The work focuses on supporting Members on trade policy and trade agreements by providing information, analysis and evidence-based policy recommendations; supporting capacity development; and facilitating policy dialogue on agrifood trade issues.
Key ResultsComprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.
Key Functions
- Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams and short term work groups, leads and/or participates on Divisional teams, participates on Organization-wide committees, project teams, and working groups and provides specialized expertise on international technical networks and or technical policy and standard setting bodies.
Develops technical, statistical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related tools, methodologies, systems and databases, etc.
to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programmes of work, products, projects and services.
Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative tools and methodologies, flagship publications/technical reports and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical specialist and/or policy advice and expertise.
Responds to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance and solutions to Regional, Sub-Regional and Country Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
Promotes international cooperation and collaboration, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international meetings and conferences.
Collaborates in capacity development activities involving knowledge sharing, the organization of training workshops, seminars, and meetings as well as the development of related materials and on-line tools and information kits.
Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with Corporate strategy and Divisional plans, in collaboration with Business Development and Resource Mobilization Division (PSR).
Specific Functions
- Undertakes advanced economic research on agricultural trade, trade policies, trade agreements, commodity markets and related areas, using appropriate quantitative methods and analytical tools.
Undertakes, in collaboration with the other teams, forward-looking tradescenario analyses of global agricultural commodity markets, using appropriate modelling systems.
Prepares and leads the writing of analytical and technical products (reports, papers, briefs and media articles) on agricultural trade, trade policies, market developments and emerging issues based on economic analysis, and provides substantive contributions to FAO's reports and flagship publications on related issues.
Provides country-level policy advice and technical assistance for the formulation and implementation of trade policies and strategies.
Participates in and leads country missions to provide technical backstopping to projects on agricultural trade.
Prepares notes, speeches and statements for senior management on specific topics related to agricultural trade, commodity markets, food security, and related policy issues.
Develops new initiatives and projects in global agrifood trade and policies, and contributes to raising voluntary financial contributions.
Develops and implements partnerships and collaborative work, including joint reports and publications and capacity development activities, with internal and external partners, in the area of agricultural trade and related issues.
Performs other tasks and duties as required.
___________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics or a related field.
Seven years of relevant experience in quantitative economic analysis of agricultural markets, trade and policies and in economic modelling.
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable
- Extent and relevance of experience, skills and ability to undertake advanced economic research in agricultural trade and markets, including the use of statistical, econometric and/or economic modelling methods and tools
- Familiarity with trade rules in agriculture and relevance of experience in supporting countries in the analysis, formulation and implementation of agricultural and trade policies and trade agreements
- Proven communication skills, both verbal and writing, and ability to present complex information in concise, synthetic and clear manner, adapted to relevant audience
- Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development activities and in organizing and running meetings, seminars and workshops
- Extent of experience in handling large datasets
- Relevance of publication record is a strong asset
- Demonstrated ability to develop project proposals and mobilize financial resources _________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATIONExtension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance; optional life insurance
- Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce.
FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization.
This includes:
- elements of family-friendly policies
- flexible working arrangements
- standards of conduct._________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________