Agricultural Economist

Organizational Setting

FAO implements the Ukraine Programme from its Programme Office in Kiev, Ukraine and its satellite offices in Zaporizhzhia, L’viv and Kramatorsk under the overall responsibility of the Deputy Regional Representative – Programme - in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and managed by the Head of the FAO Office in Ukraine. FAO assists the Government of Ukraine to develop policies, programmes to deliver on SDG commitments notably on those related poverty, food security, equality and environment. The programs implement agri-food projects in close collaboration with International Organisations that promote sustainable development in the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Reporting Lines

The International Consultant, Agricultural Economist, reports to the Head of FAO Office in Ukraine (FAOUA), and works under the technical guidance of the Economist – Value Chains at FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, based in Budapest (REU).

Technical Focus

Agricultural Economics, Value Chains, Rural Finance, Policy Dialogue.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical backstopping the FAO Office in Ukraine on economic aspects of sustainable agri-food systems, including support to policy dialogue with the Government and key national and international stakeholders working in the country. • Provide technical support to the FAO office in Ukraine in the identification and formulation of FAO Projects in Ukraine. • Provide technical backstopping to FAO Projects in Ukraine in the field of agricultural economics, in particular on value chain development, agri-food trade and markets, and rural finance. • Support the FAO Office in Ukraine and its Projects in the preparation and/or review of Terms of Reference (TORs) for staff, consultants, contracts and Letters of Agreement related to economic aspects of sustainable agri-food systems (LOAs). • Advise on communication strategies with key stakeholders, including donors and central and local authorities, and facilitates the development of information products that increase the visibility of Project activities and results in relevant forums, networks and media. • Contribute to the identification of technical support in the field of agricultural economics for the FAO Office in Ukraine and its Project from FAO at large, partner institutions and development agencies. • Support the flow of communications between FAO offices (FAOUA, REU, FAO Headquarters) on all aspects of agri-food systems. • Perform other duties related to Agricultural Economics as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development or related fields. • 10 years of relevant working experience in agricultural and rural development. • Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

FAO Core 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 • Extent and relevance of experience in rural finance • Extent and relevance of experience in value chain development • Ability to work in different geographical locations

Selection Criteria

• Experience in rural development projects in developing countries or countries in transition. • Degree of understanding of economic aspects of sustainable agri-food systems. • Interpersonal skills. • Knowledge of UN operational guidelines and administrative/procurement procedures. • Expertise in smallholder and family farming. • Systems thinking. • Ability and willingness to undertake frequent field missions across the country.