Data Specialist

Futureshaper.com; Roma; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Part-time

Descrizione del lavoro

An international agricultural organization seeks a Data Specialist to conduct data analyses, support data migration, and ensure quality control of statistical datasets. The ideal candidate has a strong background in statistics with excellent analytical skills and relevant experience with data management tools. This role offers an opportunity to engage in impactful projects within a diverse environment in Rome.

Competenze

• At least five years of relevant experience in data collection and analysis.
• Working knowledge of English at level C.

Mansioni

• Conduct data cleaning, preparation, validation, and analysis.
• Build routines for data manipulation.
• Create data visualizations.

Conoscenze

Statistical data management

Data analysis tools (R, Python, SQL, Excel)

Relational databases knowledge

Formazione

Advanced university degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, or related disciplines

Strumenti

MySQL

PostgreSQL

MS SQL

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: 2502295 Data Specialist

Job Posting: 18/Sep/2025

Closure Date: 02/Oct/2025, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: ESS - Statistics

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Up to 11 months (with possible extension)

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device.

• FAO 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 Setting

The Statistics Division (ESS) develops and advocates for the implementation of methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics. In these statistical domains, it also plays a vital role in the compilation, processing and dissemination of internationally comparable data, and provides essential capacity building support to member countries. In addition, the Division disseminates many publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks, which cover statistics relevant to agricultural and food security (including prices, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data). The Statistics Division is involved in the management of a number of large-scale projects, aimed at improving statistical methodologies and establishing best practices for the collection, collation, processing, dissemination and use of data relevant to food security, agriculture and rural areas.

ESS is also mandated to strengthen the coordination of FAO statistical activities, to monitor the implementation of statistical standards across the statistical units and to provide quality assurance to all FAO statistical processes and statistical outputs. Within this context, the SDW project on the modernization and integration of the FAO statistical system is funded by Capital expenditures Fund (CAPEX) and aims to achieve the (i) implementation of an integrated Statistical Data Warehouse (SDW) and (ii) build a harmonized dissemination platform for FAO statistics.

Reporting Lines

Consultants and PSA subscribers in ESS will work under the general supervision of the Chief Statistician/Director of the Statistics Division and under the direct supervision of the Dissemination and Outreach Team Leader. They may be called upon to collaborate with other FAO Divisions and teams.

Technical Focus

Consultants and PSA subscribers will support the data migration from FAO databases and systems to the Statistical Data Warehouse for dissemination in the external platform. They will use technical and analytical skills to analyse data and communicate their findings.

Tasks and responsibilities

Consultants and PSA subscribers will contribute to and/or take responsibility for one or more of the following tasks:

• Conduct data cleaning, preparation, validation and analysis of statistical datasets for integration into the data warehouse.
• Build routines to manipulate and transform the data inputs and automatize the transfer of data inputs from various data sources and formats.
• Support management of SDMX structural metadata.
• Conduct quality checks of data and structural metadata outputs (disseminated data and data prepared by automated systems) in compliance with statistical standards and prepare reports on the quality.
• Develop routines for automatic data reporting and exchange from the dissemination platform to other platforms.
• Develop methods and routines using relevant tools to improve data management and automation of data integration.
• Create data visualizations using relevant software.
• Collaborate with stakeholders relevant to the Statistical Data Warehouse Project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Data Management or related disciplines; Consultants with bachelor\'s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Data Management or related disciplines.
• At least five years of relevant experience in collecting, manipulating, analysing and disseminating significant amounts of statistical data.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent of knowledge and relevant experience in statistical data management and data dissemination.
• Extent of knowledge of and relevant experience in the use of at least one of the data analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, and Excel.
• Extent of knowledge of and relevant experience in relational databases, database design and database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or MS SQL is desirable.
• Knowledge of the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) standard and compliant tools will be an asset (such as dotStatSuite, FMR, FMR workbench).
• Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO 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 recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized 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 the WHED website.
• Formore information,visit the FAO employment website
• 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 APPLY

To 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. 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: FAO client support

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT