Economist (Food Security Early Warning)

Organizational context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports sustainable agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and life. The Markets and Trade Division (EST) analyzes agricultural commodity markets and trade, providing market information and outlook studies. EST also offers technical support and capacity development to FAO Members. Through the Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS), EST provides early warnings on food shortfalls and food security issues. The Division is responsible for key publications like The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets and the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook.

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Job purpose: This role involves researching and analyzing data, information, and statistics related to early warning and food security, including maintaining and updating relevant databases, tools, and methodologies. The position requires planning and preparing analytical appraisals and studies on current and prospective food security situations in assigned regions and countries, supporting project delivery, and conducting field missions. Key outcomes include providing comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical, and policy analysis services, and developing specialized tools and systems to support program work, projects, publications, and services. The role also entails responding to requests for technical/policy advice and backstopping field projects.

Responsibilities:
The Economist will analyze food supply/demand situations in assigned countries/regions, monitoring crop production, consumption, trade, stocks, prices, and related policies. This includes contributing to GIEWS analytical work, studies, and publications, such as the Global Report on Food Crises and Hunger Hotspots. The role involves leading the preparation of studies, technical papers, and reports on early warning and food security. Responsibilities also include updating GIEWS methodologies for supply/demand analyses and crop monitoring, potentially using AI and machine learning. Developing partnerships with national and international institutions is crucial. The Economist will organize, participate in, or lead Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions (CFSAMs) and other missions to assess agricultural production and food security. Building and supporting food security information networks at country and regional levels, and providing technical support for capacity development projects in early warning systems and food security analysis are also key duties. Preparing briefs, notes, and presentations for senior management and contributing to resource mobilization through project proposals are expected.

Education:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field is required. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in economic analysis of agricultural and food security is necessary. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) are essential.
Work

experience:
Seven years of relevant experience in economic analysis of agricultural and food security is required. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Demonstrated experience in monitoring, analysis, and assessment of food security for early warning in developing countries is needed. Experience in planning and conducting economic analysis related to food production, consumption, stocks, trade, policies, and prices of basic food commodities is also required.

Skills:
The role requires demonstrated experience in monitoring, analysis, and assessment of food security for early warning in developing countries. Proficiency in planning and conducting economic analysis related to food production, consumption, stocks, trade, policies, and prices of basic food commodities is essential. Experience in developing and maintaining partnerships with national and international institutions for early warning food security is important. Familiarity with relevant food and agriculture information systems and methods for monitoring and assessing food security using proper indicators is necessary. xbvzest Experience applying statistical methods to analyze large datasets related to agriculture, commodity markets, and food security is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work effectively in a team under strict deadlines, and experience in developing project proposals and resource mobilization are also key.
Required languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish
Desired languages: