Economist (Trade and Food Security)

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s 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 Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva is responsible for liaising with the United Nations and other UN system organizations in Geneva, the Government of Switzerland, the country's civil society and other international organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Considering the presence of a large number of international organizations, UN Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, which provides a significant platform for engagement and partnership with key stakeholders, the Liaison Office i) ensures that relevant FAO Governing Body decisions and the overall work of the Organization are brought to the policy dialogues, mechanisms and relevant discussions in Geneva; ii) promotes and raises awareness on FAO's technical work and activities among Members and organizations in Geneva, as well as the general public and iii) serves as the focal point for the 15 Members that are accredited to FAO from Geneva and the two Members accredited from Berlin. The position is located in the Liaison Office with the United Nations (LOG), in Geneva, Switzerland

Reporting Lines The Economist (Trade and Food Security) reports to the Director of the Liaison Office with the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

Technical Focus Developments in the context of multilateral trading system with regard to the World Trade Organization as well as other Geneva based trade institutions and country representations in the areas of agricultural trade and food security.

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 Corporate strategy and Divisional plans, in collaboration with Resource Mobilization and Private Sector Partnership Division (PSR).

Specific Functions • Represents LOG at intergovernmental and interagency meetings of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and other organizations held in Geneva; makes statements in the area of trade and food security and related issues, as and when required, and reports on such meetings to headquarters. • Maintains contacts with the Permanent Missions accredited to the organizations of the United Nations system in Geneva, keeps them informed about FAO's work and activities, in particular with regard to agricultural markets, trade and food security, and provides background documentation as needed. • Maintains close monitoring of multilateral trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and contributes to the preparation of analytical studies/reports on agricultural markets and trade, in close coordination with relevant technical divisions at headquarters. • Monitors and analyses international policy developments of relevance to the mandate of FAO, including food security and nutrition, the right to food, investment in agriculture, trade and environment, trade and climate change, intellectual property and farmers' rights, regulations on food quality and safety standards and other issues of relevance to agricultural trade and food security and nutrition. • Facilitates the exchange of technical information on agricultural trade between FAO and the United Nations and its specialized agencies and other organizations and arrange, as necessary, interagency meetings in this regard. • Liaises with intergovernmental, non-governmental and private institutions associated with FAO's activities in the area of trade and food security and deals with public requests for information, in close collaboration with relevant units at headquarters. • Fosters and leads the development of partnerships with WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, ILO, WIPO, WHO and other relevant partners on issues related to FAO's mandate. • Prepares statements of the Director LOG on specific topics related to agricultural trade and food security and related emerging issues. •Supports the organization and facilitation of dialogues on trade and agriculture in close cooperation with relevant units at headquarters and external partners. • Prepares project proposals for extra budgetary funding, in consultation with headquarters as appropriate. • Provides support to FAO staff visiting Geneva on official missions. • Performs other related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization. • Seven years of relevant experience in development work, international trade issues, and/or designing and managing projects, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organizations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector. • Working knowledge of English (Proficient – Level C) 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 is desirable • Extent and relevance of experience in international trade issues, in particular as regards the multilateral trading system, agricultural commodities and agricultural trade policies • Strong understanding of food security issues in relation to agricultural and food trade policies • Demonstrated technical ability in analysing agricultural trade and market developments, trade and investment, trade and Intellectual Property Rights, and impacts on developing countries • Depth of knowledge of FAO's programmes and priorities is considered a strong asset