Economist (Commodities)

FAO; Roma; In loco; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An international agricultural organization in Rome is looking for an Economist (Commodities) to conduct analyses and provide insights on agricultural commodity markets. The role requires advanced education in economics, five years of relevant experience, and proficiency in English. Key functions include research on market trends, production data analysis, and policy support. This position offers fixed-term employment with potential for extension, and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Competenze

• Five years of relevant experience in economics, agricultural economics, and market analysis.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language.

Mansioni

• Research data and analyze commodity markets.
• Produce technical reports on agricultural market trends.
• Participate in resource mobilization activities.

Conoscenze

Data collection and validation

Market monitoring and assessment

Economic analysis

Proficiency in English

Formazione

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics or agricultural economics

Strumenti

Analytical tools and software packages

Descrizione del lavoro

Economist (Commodities) – FAO

Apply for the Economist (Commodities) role at FAO.

Organizational Setting

The Markets and Trade Division (EST) monitors and analyses developments and trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets, collects and disseminates up‑to‑date market and policy information for major traded commodities and those important to food security. It also undertakes forward‑looking outlook studies, analyzes trade policies, and provides technical support and capacity development to FAO Members. Through GIEWS, it issues early warnings on food shortfalls. EST produces flagship publications including The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) and the OECD‑FAO Agricultural Outlook. The post is located in the Basic Foodstuffs Team at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Economist reports to the Senior Economist (Commodity Markets)/Team Leader under the overall guidance of the Director, EST.

Technical Focus

• Data collection and validation, market monitoring and assessment, short‑ and medium‑term market outlook, and price and policy analysis.

Key Results

Research and analysis of information, data and statistics, and the maintenance and updating of related tools, methodologies, and databases to support programme products, projects, publications, and services.

Key Functions

• Researches and analyses data, statistics and information on agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, nutrition/food composition and/or gender related issues.
• Produces technical reports, inputs for technical documents, divisional publications and web pages.
• Provides technical, statistical and/or analytical services on studies, projects and assessments; backs field projects.
• Participates in development of technical, statistical and analytical tools, methodologies, systems, databases and indicators.
• Participates in multi‑disciplinary teams, collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres on work groups and committees, and promotes best practices.
• Collaborates in capacity development activities: training workshops, seminars, major meetings and preparation of related information, materials, online tools and kits.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities.

Specific Functions

• Leads collection and validation of national production, trade, consumption, stocks and price statistics for food commodities in selected countries/regions; manages the system of country balance sheets used to generate supply, demand and trade estimates and forecasts.
• Monitors and analyses global markets for food commodities; prepares market assessments for the Food Outlook, price commentaries for the FAO Food Price Index, and market intelligence papers, notes and briefs.
• Conducts analytical studies on commodity markets and related policies and on cross‑commodity issues, including linkages with animal protein markets.
• Monitors policies and industry measures affecting the markets; contributes to the divisional commodity policies database; prepares notes and briefs on key policy developments and emerging issues.
• Participates in generation of medium‑term projections for commodities and contributes to the annual OECD‑FAO Agricultural Outlook report.
• Prepares papers, technical notes and policy briefs on economic aspects related to the commodities under coverage.
• Provides strategic advice and insights on the commodities under coverage.
• Develops and contributes to project proposals for raising external voluntary contributions.
• Performs other tasks and duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in economics, agricultural economics, qualitative and quantitative economic analysis of agricultural markets, trade and related policies.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate proficiency (level B) in 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

• Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in commodity market monitoring and assessment, outlook studies and projections.
• Knowledge of global food commodity markets.
• Experience analysing meat or dairy markets is an asset.
• Proven ability to conduct analysis of production, consumption, stocks, trade and prices of agricultural commodities and prepare analytical reports.
• Knowledge of analytical tools and software packages, including handling large datasets and price and policy analysis.
• Experience providing policy support to countries.
• Experience organising international meetings, seminars and workshops.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Job Posting

Post Number: 0089869
Closure Date: 30/Dec/2025, 11:59:00 PM
Duration: Fixed‑term: two years with possibility of extension
Grade Level: P-3
Primary Location: Italy‑Rome

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• All FAO staff are required to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to adhere to FAO’s values.
• FAO has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct 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 strictest confidentiality.
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

FAO Commitment to Sustainability

The Food and Agriculture Organization contributes to the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to a more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri‑food system for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

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