Junior specialist on Food Loss and Waste

Overview

Support implementation of food loss and waste projects.

You have:

• University degree or technical degree certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in economics, agricultural economics, statistics, sustainable development, social sciences, or another field relevant to FAO’s work.
• One year of relevant experience in food loss and waste, agrifood systems, food security, agricultural development, or related fields.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) will be considered an asset.

Organizational Setting

Food loss and waste (FLW) pose significant challenges to food security, sustainability, and agrifood system efficiency. To support FAO’s efforts in monitoring and reducing FLW, the Governance and Policy Support Unit requires additional capacity for data collection, analysis, reporting, and coordination activities. The Junior Specialist will support the implementation of FLW-related projects, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to FAO’s work toward more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

The position is located in the Governance and Policy Support Unit (DDCG), Office of the Chief Economist (DDCE).

Reporting Lines

The Junior Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Officer, DDCG

Technical Focus

The Junior Specialist will support the implementation of food loss and waste (FLW)-related activities, with a primary focus on data collection, analysis, implementation support, and reporting. The Junior Specialist will contribute to analytical and operational activities related to food security, agrifood systems, and rural development within the Governance and Policy Support Unit (DDCG), Office of the Chief Economist (DDCE). The role offers hands-on exposure to technical analysis, policy support, and process coordination within an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the implementation of food loss and waste (FLW)-related activities through data collection, validation, management, and collect, compile, review, and cross-check food loss and waste (FLW) data, statistics, and related information from multiple sources. • Provide analytical and operational support for multidisciplinary projects. Manage, clean, and analyse datasets using statistical software (including Stata) and Excel, ensuring data quality, consistency, and proper documentation. • Analyse and interpret quantitative data, and present results clearly through tables, charts, and analytical summaries. • Contribute to reporting and briefing processes in line with FAO standards, including drafting, editing, and revising technical documents, reports, and publications. • Support the development and improvement of data collection tools, methodologies, and analytical approaches. • Contribute to the development of training materials and support the organization of workshops, seminars, meetings, conferences, and other capacity-building activities. • Contribute to the preparation of technical outputs, including reports, briefs, and inputs to final reports. • Support the identification of data gaps and contribute to improving analytical and monitoring approaches related to FLW activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • University degree or technical degree certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in economics, agricultural economics, statistics, sustainable development, social sciences, or another field relevant to FAO’s work. • One year of relevant experience in food loss and waste, agrifood systems, food security, agricultural development, or related fields. • Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills • Extent and relevance of experience in FLW, food security, agrifood systems, governance, policy support, or agricultural development. • Proficiency or experience in the use of statistical software for data analysis such as STATA, excel, or other tools considered relevant to the vacancy. • Ability to multitask and prioritize work effectively. • Demonstrated experience in data analysis, reporting, and coordination activities. • Ability to plan and organize work, deliver results, and meet deadlines. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.

Selection criteria • Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) will be considered an asset.

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Potential interview questions

Added 15 days ago - Updated 1 day ago - Source: fao.org