Senior Technical Adviser

Organizational Setting

FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high‑quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis and provides evidence‑based support to national, regional and global policy processes.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Technical Adviser reports to the Director, ESA.

Technical Focus

This position leads the division's work on Strategic Foresight across global, regional, and national levels, focusing on the long‑term structural transformation of agrifood systems and economies, especially in the context of the bioeconomy. Responsibilities include managing technical analyses, coordinating editorial work for the Future of Food and Agriculture report series, fostering partnerships, and providing policy advice.

Key Results

Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Leads development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects.
• Coordinates programmes and reviews assessment of issues and trends for implementation of programmes and projects.
• Supervises preparation of written outputs such as background papers, analyses, and substantial sections of reports.
• Directs substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences.
• Manages outreach activities, designs and conducts training workshops and seminars.
• Leads field missions, including guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Provides advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines.

Specific Functions

• Provides strategic oversight for the development and implementation of innovative methodologies and analytical tools.
• Leads multidisciplinary horizon‑scanning initiatives.
• Ensures integration of evidence‑based analysis into foresight and bioeconomy‑related workstreams.
• Oversees editorial production of FOFA reports, the FAO Global Roadmap and other analytical outputs.
• Translates foresight findings into actionable recommendations.
• Provides technical leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Fosters collaboration with UN agencies, national governments and development partners.
• Builds and sustains partnerships with academic institutions, research centers and think tanks.
• Contributes to development of policy advice grounded in robust evidence.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, physics, chemistry, biology or a related field.
• Ten years of relevant experience in economic analysis methods across topics including food security and nutrition.
• Proficiency in English (C level) and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Technical / Functional Skills

• Experience working in multiple locations or in field positions.
• Experience drafting and coordinating high‑level analytical and flagship reports in a multilateral or intergovernmental context.
• Experience performing multidisciplinary and cross‑sectoral economic analysis across various thematic areas.
• Strong understanding of policy processes at global, regional, and national levels.
• Capacity to assess scientific evidence and translate it into actionable recommendations.
• Experience in policy analysis and policy advice on food security and nutrition.
• Knowledge of resilience concepts, metrics and measurement approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

EEO Statement

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 persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.