Economist Consultant

Programme & Policy

Overview

Contribute to analysis of humanitarian inaction costs and food security impacts.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in economics, statistics, agricultural economics, or similar relevant discipline; coursework/trainings in econometrics, evaluation methods, applied economics, development economics, household economics, or other relevant topics.
• At least three years post-graduate, progressively responsible, experience in economic and/or food security analysis.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical program package (Stata, R) is required; knowledge of Python, Matlab, GAMS is an asset.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; working knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish is an advantage.
• Strong quantitative skills, including hands-on experience in areas like household survey data, impact evaluations, macro-economic data, food commodity market analysis, and price time series.
• Ability to work both with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, color, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.

Job Title: Economist Consultant

Type of Contract: Regular Consultancy (CST I)

Division: Economic and Markets Unit (RAM-E); Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) Division in WFP HQ

Duty Station (City, Country): HQ-Rome

Duration: 5 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) Division, Economic and Markets Unit (RAM-E), seeks to fill an economist position, which will be based at the Headquarters (HQ) of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, Italy. The RAM Division in WFP HQ leads WFP's food security analysis, supporting a large network of analysts in regional bureaux and country offices. Food security analysis is a cornerstone of the organization's work. It provides WFP, govern merits and partners with the essential information to identify populations in need and target the most appropriate type and scale of interventions as well as the necessary knowledge to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts. Analyses span emergency assessments, in-depth household surveys, spatial analysis, early warning information, economic and market trends analyses, and food security monitoring. Researching and analysing global and local economic environments, market data and their influence on food security is a critical part of the RAM Division's work. RAM-E carries out such analysis. In particular, the unit supports country-level market assessments and develops novel market methodologies, such as the Market Functionality Index, to underpin these assessments and inform WFP operations; maintains a global food price database, undertakes price analysis and publishes RAM's Global Market Monitor; supports Essential Needs Analysis, specifically the development of minimum expenditure baskets and household expenditure gap analysis, to inform programme design, in particular for cash-based interventions; uses modeling techniques to predict the impact of various types of shocks on food security and how assistance can counteract the effects; monitors global economic trends and undertakes a range of on-demand research work, such as on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine on global food insecurity. RAM-E is recruiting an economist who will contribute to the unit's workstream on global trends, carrying out applied economic research and, more specifically, supporting the unit's efforts to evaluate the cost of humanitarian inaction.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the RAM-E economist and in close collaboration with the team leader, the economist will have the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the analysis of the cost of humanitarian inaction - including both the food security impact and wider implications of a lack of or inadequate humanitarian assistance - in collaboration with other units within the RAM Division, regional bureaux, and country offices and using various types of data, including household survey data.

• Contribute to the unit's work on establishing purchasing power parities (PPPs) tailored to humanitarian assistance, contribute to related analysis and drafting of an explanatory note.

• Support the monitoring of global economic trends of relevance to food security.

• Carry out applied economic research, economic analysis at country or regional level and write briefs in collaboration with the unit as requested.

• Perform any other duties and responsibilities of RAM-E and the RAM Division as assigned.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

1. Contribution to evaluating the food security impact of humanitarian inaction and analysis of its broader impact.
2. Analytical pieces and briefs on the cost of inaction completed and shared with relevant audience inside and outside WFP.
3. Set of humanitarian PPP conversion factors for all countries with WFP food assistance operations, accompanied by an explanatory note.
4. Economic analysis provided to country offices, regional bureaux, RAM management or other divisions in HQ as requested.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Advanced university degree in economics, statistics, agricultural economics, or similar relevant discipline; coursework/trainings in econometrics, evaluation methods, applied economics, development economics, household economics, or other relevant topics.·

Experience:

At least three years post-graduate, ·progressively responsible, experience in economic and/or food security analysis. Strong quantitative skills, including hands-on experience in one or several of the following areas: working with household survey data, impact evaluations, macro-economic data, food commodity market analysis, and price time series. Experience working in a team, involving people of different nationalities and/or cultures; working well with minimum level of supervision.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in at least one statistical program package is required (Stata, R), knowledge of Python, Matlab, GAMS is an asset.
• Proficiency in Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong writing skills with a demonstrated ability to research and draft clear, concise analysis briefs
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving attitude and creativity
• Ability to find pragmatic solutions and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and
• Ability to work both with minimal supervision and as part of a team

Competencies: Cognitive Capacity, Teamwork, Action Management, Innovation, Partnering, Client Orientation, Advisory Skills, Facilitation and Training.

Languages:

Fluent in written and spoken English; working knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish is an advantage.

Terms and Conditions:

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Deadline for applications: 8 October 2023

Ref.: VA No. 829583

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: wfp.org