Economist (Policy Analysis)

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

Descrizione del lavoro

An international organization for food and agriculture is seeking an Economist in Rome, Italy. The role involves policy monitoring and quantitative analysis of agricultural issues. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree and at least three years of relevant experience. Expertise in R or Python is required, along with proficiency in English and working knowledge of another FAO language. This position offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Servizi

Dependency allowances

Rental subsidy

Education grant for children

30 working days of annual leave

International health insurance

Competenze

• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in policy and quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO language.

Mansioni

• Collect and analyze agricultural and economic data.
• Draft and review policy monitoring analyses and reports.
• Support the dissemination of analytical products.

Conoscenze

Quantitative analysis

Policy monitoring

Data analysis

Expertise in R or Python

Working knowledge of French

Formazione

Advanced university degree in economics or related field

Strumenti

Statistical software

Descrizione del lavoro

Reporting Lines

The Economist (Policy Analysis) reports to the head of the PRIME pillar, under the guidance of the Division Director of ESA. He / she will work in close collaboration with the members of the policy monitoring component of PRIME and with the FAO Representation in the relevant countries as well as FAO regional and / or sub‑regional offices.

Technical Focus

Within the framework of ESA's policy monitoring and analysis activities and those of the MAFAP programme in particular, the Economist will contribute to implementing policy monitoring by estimating and updating price incentives and public expenditure indicators and duly analysing and documenting them through analytical products, in particular policy monitoring reviews. Through rigorous monitoring and analysis of indicators, the Economist will also play a role in identifying policy issues that governments may need to be aware of and may request ESA to further analyse in‑depth to inform policy reforms.

Key Results

Collection, analysis and review of information, data and statistics, and project / meeting services to support programme products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions

• Collects, reviews, cross checks and/or analyses relevant agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, nutrition / food composition and/or gender related data, statistics and information to support delivery of programme projects, products, publications and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits / revises technical documents and/or publications.
• Participates in the development of improved tools and methodologies.
• Updates databases and web pages.
• Participates in multidisciplinary project / work teams.
• Participates in the development of training materials and the organization of workshops / seminars.
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow‑up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development / production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Delivers, revises and finalises Price Incentives (PI) and Public Expenditure (PE) indicators for selected low‑ and middle‑income countries.
• Supports the dissemination at country level of analytical products related to policy monitoring indicators through the identified channels in selected countries.
• Drafts and/or reviews analytical dashboards and country synthesis notes for selected countries before publication.
• Supports the production of policy monitoring indicators analyses, in particular global analysis and/or cross‑country comparisons studies on agricultural policy support.
• Supports consistent applications of the methodological guidelines for PI and PE analysis.
• Contributes to the effective implementation of other strategic partnerships with development partners involved in policy monitoring activities (OECD, IFPRI, World Bank, etc.) particularly in the context of AgIncentives Consortium.
• Identifies, in collaboration with country stakeholders, the main policy constraints limiting agricultural development in the selected countries.
• Supports the articulation of priority policy reform options through dissemination of analytical results, policy dialogue and high‑level consultations with key government partners/institutions.

Supervises the work of consultants.

Provides support to the policy support work of the ESA division, in particular in the framework of corporate initiatives.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, development studies, international relations or a related field.

Three years of relevant experience in policy and quantitative analysis of food and agricultural issues.

Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in conducting quantitative economic analysis, including analysis of agricultural policy distortions and public expenditure for the food and agricultural sector.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the formulation and implementation of analytical and policy studies such as policy monitoring indicators analyses, in particular global analysis and/or cross‑country comparisons studies on agricultural policy support.
• Familiarity with relevant quantitative methods to assess the impact of trade, input subsidies, market policies and public expenditures on the food and agricultural sector.
• Ability to analyse policy issues and support the work of experts engaged in such kind of analyses.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting technical reports and papers in English is considered a strong asset.

Expertise in R or Python

Expertise in R or Python is required.

Working knowledge of French

Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of French is considered a strong asset.

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

GENERAL INFORMATION

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Extension of fixed‑term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 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