Economist (Agriculture Economics)

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region, in line with the FAO Strategic Framework. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with centres/divisions/offices at headquarters and other UN agencies, and stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the private sector, and develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships and supports capacity development and resources mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Based on the priority areas agreed by the Regional Conference for Europe, the Regional Office supports smallholder and family farms, agrifood systems transformation, natural resource management, and food security and nutrition. In collaboration with technical units at FAO headquarters, it supports countries in monitoring and analysing trends in global and regional trade, and supports countries in the production and dissemination of comprehensive information (production and utilization, prices, trade flows, and trade policies) on agricultural commodities that are key for food security.

The position is located in the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) in Budapest, Hungary.

Reporting Lines The Economist (Agriculture Economics) reports to the Senior Policy Officer and works under technical guidance received from the Agrifood Economics Division (ESA).

Technical Focus. The work focuses on economic analysis in Europe and Central Asia. This includes conducting research and analysis on trends, opportunities, and challenges in the agricultural sector (crop, livestock, forestry and fisheries) and contributing to the design and implementation of regional and national programmes in the region. This position involves active engagement with multiple stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, civil society, private sector representatives, and academics, with the aim of fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural and agrifood systems in the region.

Key Results Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions • Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams and short-term work groups, leads and/or participates in divisional teams, participates in Organization-wide committees, project teams and working groups and provides specialized expertise on international technical networks and/or technical policy and standard setting bodies. • Develops technical, statistical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related tools, methodologies, systems, and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programmes of work, products, projects and services. • Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative tools and methodologies, flagship publications/technical reports and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical specialist and/or policy advice and expertise. • Responds to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance, and solutions to Regional, Subregional and Country Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects. • Promotes international cooperation and collaboration, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international meetings and conferences. • Collaborates in capacity development activities involving knowledge sharing, the organization of training workshops, seminars, and meetings as well as the development of related materials and on-line tools and information kits. • Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy and divisional plans.

Specific Functions • Conducts economic analysis of regional and country-specific conditions and challenges of the agrifood systems to support the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework, and Regional Initiatives and Priorities. • Leads/supports the design, implementation and monitoring of regional and sub-regional market and trade policy-related activities. • Provides technical assistance to Members on agricultural economics related matters in response to their needs and priorities, and that contributes to the achievement of national food security. • Provides evidence-based, inclusive advice on regional and national agrifood policies and programs, aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • Partnerships and networks with key stakeholders in the region and beyond, including with government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector and academia, to leverage expertise and resources and to promote FAO's mandate and mission. • Contributes to the planning and coordination of the programmatic work in REU, including managing human and financial resources and implementing the program of work and its outputs. • Contributes to the development of technical and normative products, including market and economic analyses and related evidence-based policy guidance in close collaboration with the Markets and Trade Division (EST), the Agrifood Economics Division (ESA), the Food Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) and the Food and Nutrition Division (ESN) as required. • Supports the development of the regional flagship publication Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in Europe and Central Asia, and contributes, as needed, to publications and regional research and analysis produced jointly or by units at FAO headquarters. • Supports the collection of data in the region, related to agrifood systems transformation including issues related to food loss and waste, food security and nutrition, rural development and poverty, and trade. • Leads and/or contributes to the preparation of studies and reports/briefs on the effects of shocks on regional markets, such as pandemics, civil conflicts, and economic and environmental shocks and their implications for food security in the region, as well as specific topics of relevance to the REU related to commodities and trade, agrifood systems and food security. • Leads and/or supports (including as Lead Technical Officer) FAO's agribusiness and value chains, nutrition and Food Loss and Waste related projects in the region, including the supervision of consultants and the review and technical clearance of project reports and studies. • Coordinates the work for the Regional Priority 4 on food security and nutrition and contributes to the other Regional Priority work. • Performs other tasks and duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, development economics, or a related field. • Seven years of relevant experience in the economic analysis of agrifood systems, agricultural commodity markets and trade policies, food security and in the provision of policy support, policy formulation, capacity building in relation to market, trade and food security. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of 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 • Work experience in more than one location or area of work particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of region-specific experience and knowledge related to commodity markets, market information systems, and trade policy. • Extent and relevance of experience in economic analysis of agrifood systems including nutrition and food security. • Extent and relevance of experience in quantitative and qualitative socio-economic analysis. • Extent of knowledge of relevant methods and tools in the area of agricultural market, trade data and policies. • Extent of knowledge of relevant methods in microeconomic analysis of farm data value chain actors. • Extent and relevance of region-specific experience in policy analysis, programming, monitoring and evaluation in market development, trade facilitation, and global/regional agrifood value chains. • Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development and in the organization of awareness raising and training activities. • Ability to mobilize resources.