Technical Specialist

Job Description - Technical Specialist (SCOPE) ********)Job DescriptionCALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT :*******Technical Specialist (SCOPE)Job Posting21/Nov/****Closure Date05/Dec/****, 10:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit : DDCE - Chief EconomistJob TypeNon-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition : ConsultantPrimary LocationItaly-RomeDuration : 11 months (renewable)Post Number : N/AIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values.FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on 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.FAO is actively engaging in UN country level repositioning for SDG achievement, participating in the negotiation and formulation, as well as in the annual updates, of Common Country Assessments (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF).In this context, the Organization, under the technical leadership of the Economic and Social Development stream and in close coordination with other headquarters technical units and regional offices, is implementing a mechanism for scaling up the needed human resource analytical and technical expertise in support of the CCA/UNSDCF process at country level.The mechanism will leverage ongoing processes and initiatives already identified within the Organization and draw upon the most sophisticated tools available, including advanced geo-spatial modelling and analytics.The effort will draw upon FAO's specialized tools and analytical methodologies, including sectoral, to propose specific solutions tailored to the country needs and potentials, to ensure a robust UNSDCF Theory of Change.As part of the SCOPE, technical assistance is required to improve data and conduct economic scenario analyses.These analyses aim to support proposals for implementing appropriate policy instruments, defining their optimal mix of and develop investment recommendations tailored to specific contexts.The quantitative assessment will ultimately support countries in selecting the most appropriate pathways to achieve the **** Agenda for Sustainable Development.Reporting LinesThe technical specialist reports to the Director of Technical Units at FAO Headquarters, under the overall guidance of the relevant Regional Programme Leaders (RPL).Technical FocusProven experience in agrifood systems policy analysis and advocacy at national and regional levels.Expertise in modelling and quantitative foresight analyses of agrifood systems' multidimensional sustainability.Strong background in applied statistics, econometrics, data science, and use of big and geo-spatial data for policy support.Proficient in numerical computing and modelling tools, including Python, Stata, R, and GAMS.Experience with qualitative data research using AI-assisted tools.Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, evidence-based technical and analytical documentation.Tasks and ResponsibilitiesContribute to the preparation of country situation analyses and analytical deep-dives that inform FAO's inputs to the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), as well as National Action Plans and Pathways on Agrifood System Transformation, providing advisory support to country offices on strategic and policy implications.Identify support needs and capacity gaps of country offices related to analytical work on CCA and UNSDCF, proposing coordinated solutions and guidance in collaboration with regional teams.Analyse structural and emerging challenges affecting agrifood systems — including economic, social, and environmental dimensions — in the context of the **** Agenda and FAO's Four Betters framework (Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, Better Life), providing consultative recommendations for policy and programmatic decisions.Conduct analytical work leveraging quantitative, qualitative and geo-spatial data, FAO tools, and methodologies to assess the state, dynamics, and policy context of agrifood systems at national and regional levels, contributing to integrated diagnostics and policy analyses that identify entry points for transformative change, evaluate trade-offs and synergies across objectives and sectors, and propose evidence-based options for policy dialogue, investment prioritisation and FAO's strategic engagement with governments and UN partners.Identify and retrieve relevant data sources at national level (macro, meso, or micro), ensuring quality control, validation, and harmonisation across domains; contribute to the State of Agrifood Systems Data Platform and to the development of metadata, data visualisations, and statistical summaries to support CCA and UNSDCF analyses and FAO's broader data agenda, advising teams on analytical methodologies and innovations.Support the use, adaptation, and further development of modelling, forecasting, or data-driven analytical tools to assess macroeconomic, sectoral, and micro-level implications of agrifood systems transformation, including impacts on income, employment, inequality, and sustainability providing specialised technical expertise.Provide technical back-stopping to FAO Country Offices in organising, analysing, and interpreting data and evidence for their CCA contributions, strengthening their capacity to integrate agrifood systems perspectives into national-level strategies.Work in a team with FAO's policy, data, economic and nutrition experts (micro- and macro-economists, statisticians, policy analysts) to develop integrated analytical approaches and ensure coherence across levels and disciplines, liaising extensively across divisions to ensure harmonised approaches.Perform other related duties as required, including temporary, high-priority assignments where FAO requires specialised advisory or technical input, in line with the objectives of the Analytical Support Mechanism.Candidates will be assessed against the followingAdvanced university degree (MS or equivalent, PhD is desirable) in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, environmental sciences, public policy, data sciences or related fields.Relevant experience in policy and economic analysis of food and agricultural issues using economy-wide modelling, in particular computable general equilibrium (CGE):Category B - at least 5 years of relevant experienceCategory A - at least 10 years of relevant experienceWorking knowledge (level C) of English.FAO Core CompetenciesTechnical/Functional SkillsWork experience in more than one location or area of work.Policy expertise and leadership on agrifood system transformation: Well-acquainted with FAO's work as an Organization; strong record in communication, facilitation, senior management, and policy advocacy; demonstrated ability to translate analytical work into actionable policy advice and engage effectively with governments, UN counterparts, and other stakeholders.Macroeconomic, micro-econometric, and modelling skills: Extensive experience in undertaking macro- and micro-level analyses of agrifood systems using benchmarked quantitative and modelling approaches, including FAO's specialised tools and socioeconomic methodologies in partial and general equilibrium; proficiency in scenario analysis, forecasting, and the use of AI and machine learning for data-driven assessments.Statistical and data competencies: Strong command of statistical methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and maximum likelihood estimation; practical experience in survey design, sampling, and data validation; proficient in R, Python, GAMS, STATA, SPSS, and related software.Geospatial and data management skills: Proven ability to integrate geo-spatial analysis and data visualisation into agrifood systems assessments; experience in managing, compiling, validating, analysing, and disseminating statistical and geo-spatial data through digital platforms and metadata systems.Substantive knowledge of agrifood systems: Broad understanding of the social, economic, and political dimensions of agrifood systems, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security in the region; sound technical and political judgement, and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and decentralised teams.Analytical and communication capacity: Excellent analytical and writing skills, with demonstrated experience drafting high-quality technical reports and publications in English; proficiency in an additional UN language is a strong asset.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.Additional InformationFAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The list can be accessed at /.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.How to ApplyTo apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile.We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The list can be accessed at / .These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications.Incomplete applications will not be considered.Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services.You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application.You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile.We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: .#J-*****-Ljbffr