Data Specialist

Overview

The Statistics Division (ESS) develops and advocates for methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics. It plays a vital role in the compilation, processing and dissemination of internationally comparable data and provides capacity building support to member countries. The Division disseminates publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks covering statistics related to agricultural and food security (including prices, production, trade and agri-environmental data). ESS manages large-scale projects to improve statistical methodologies and best practices for data collection, processing, dissemination and use in food security, agriculture and rural areas.

ESS mandate: strengthen coordination of FAO statistical activities, monitor implementation of statistical standards, and provide quality assurance for FAO statistical processes and outputs. The SDW project on modernization and integration of the FAO statistical system aims to implement an integrated Statistical Data Warehouse (SDW) and build a harmonized dissemination platform for FAO statistics, funded by the Capital expenditures Fund (CAPEX).

Reporting Lines: Consultants and PSA subscribers in ESS work under the supervision of the Chief Statistician/Director of the Statistics Division and the Dissemination and Outreach Team Leader. Collaboration with other FAO Divisions and teams may be required.

Technical Focus

Consultants and PSA subscribers support data migration from FAO databases and systems to the Statistical Data Warehouse for external dissemination. They apply technical and analytical skills to analyze data and communicate findings.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct data cleaning, preparation, validation and analysis of statistical datasets for integration into the data warehouse.
• Build routines to manipulate and transform data inputs and automate transfer from various data sources and formats.
• Support management of SDMX structural metadata.
• Conduct quality checks of data and metadata outputs, in compliance with statistical standards, and prepare quality reports.
• Develop routines for automatic data reporting and exchange from the dissemination platform to other platforms.
• Develop methods and routines 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

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Data Management or related disciplines (IAU/UNESCO). Consultants with a bachelor's degree require two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Data Management or related disciplines (IAU/UNESCO).
• At least five years of relevant experience in collecting, manipulating, analyzing 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

• Knowledge and experience in statistical data management and data dissemination.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, and Excel.
• Knowledge of relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL) is desirable.
• Knowledge of the SDMX standard and compliant tools (e.g., dotStatSuite, FMR) is an asset.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Job Details

• Job Posting: 18/Sep/2025
• Closure Date: 02/Oct/2025, 4:59 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 Notices

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of underrepresented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks; confidentiality of applications will be maintained.
• FAO has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including exploitation and abuse and discrimination.
• FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives.

FAO’s job postings reflect current needs and may be subject to change. This description does not create an entitlement to a position.