National Economist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945 with the objective of eliminating hunger, improving nutrition and standards of living by increasing agricultural productivity. FAO coordinates the efforts of governments and technical agencies in programs for developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water resources. It also carries out research; provides technical assistance on projects in individual countries; operates educational programs through seminars and training centres; maintains information and support services, including keeping statistics on world production, trade, and consumption of agricultural commodities; and publishes a number of periodicals, yearbooks, and research bulletins.

FAO headquarters are in Rome, Italy and the organization has more than 180 members with offices throughout the world. Through the Botswana Office, FAO is supporting the Government of Botswana in two important areas of the economy, (i) agricultural development including all aspects related to food security and nutrition; and, (ii) natural resources management including sustainable forest and wildlife management, combatting desertification and land degradation, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation. The natural resources management portfolio is rapidly growing with ongoing and upcoming projects. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a “Resilient Recovery Rapid Readiness Support” project for Botswana, intended to lay the foundation for the development of a National Strategy for Green Resilient Recovery in Botswana and a Concept Note for a future project that will be formulated in frame of this initiative. The Readiness project has the following objectives: 1. Conducting a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise to identify partners who will be part of the development of the National Strategy for Green Resilient Recovery for Botswana, which will include in its annex the National Water Master Plan (NWMP) outline describing water management value chain from exploration, aquifer characterization, development (drilling and equipping of boreholes), and water distribution with a strategic aim to achieved sustainability. 2. Producing a diagnostic analysis report on impacts and opportunities, building on preliminary assumptions that water security is key in tackling the impact of COVID19 on vulnerable sectors that have been impacted by the pandemic; especially tourism and agriculture. A verification of the selected area for the potential GCF project will also be undertaken. 3. Based on the outcome of the diagnostic analysis and interviews with local experts, use appropriate economic and fiscal models to asses contribution of considered measures. The output will be reflected by the Green resilient recovery strategy and investment plan document. 4. Development of the GCF Concept note (Output 4.1.1). The GCF Concept Note will address the water sector with the aim to ensuring sustainable water consumption in the target area; while focusing on agriculture and tourism (and partly mining). The project will propose strategies to keep aquifers in good and sustainable condition and prevent over-extraction of groundwater without recovery. 5. Building the population's resilience by providing relevant data to inform water planning and development and ensuring access to a constant and reliable source of water.

Reporting Lines

The National Economist will work under overall managerial and operational guidance of the FAO Representative in Botswana and technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), with support from the HQ Technical Division (OCB_- GCF unit) and guidance from the National Project Coordinator, in close cooperation with the lead International Consultant.

Technical Focus

Provide assistance and support to the international consultant working on econometric modelling; and also contribute to other project outputs/ deliverables.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide assistance to international consultant in work plan development based on the projects’ Implementation Plan. • Work on literature review for the initial analysis. Deliverable 2.2.1.1: Diagnostic analysis report on impacts and opportunities building on preliminary assumptions that water security is key in tackling the impact of the COVID19 on vulnerable sectors (tourism, agriculture and mining). Verification of the selected area for the potential GCF project will also be undertaken. • Assist in data collection and baseline information from local institutions including the following: GDP constant 2015 USD, agriculture value added constant 2015 USD, manufacturing value added constant 2015 USD, services value added constant 2015 USD, mineral Rent as a percentage of GDP, Tourism value added constant 2015 USD, Trade Openness, Inflation, and Exchange Rate, crop yield; precipitation; temperatures; land cover or forestry; fertilizers. Monthly data are required (if not available, then quarterly datasets can be used). Deliverable 2.2.1.1. • Assist international experts with data processing; Deliverable 2.2.1.1 and Deliverable 2.2.2.1: Report on the outcomes of the stakeholder interviews, specification of involved variables for economic and fiscal modelling. • Communication and cooperation with national research institutes and other stakeholders; Deliverable 2.2.1.1 and 2.2.2.1. • Assist with model specification, diagnostic tests; Deliverable 2.2.2.1. • Participation in project events in close cooperation with lead international consultant. • Preparation of project report drafts (consultation reports); Deliverable 2.2.2.3: Report(s) of consultation workshops and list(s) of participants demonstrating a balance of stakeholders, which includes women, civil society and private sector. • Participation in preparation of national water master plan outline; Deliverable 2.2.2.4: Green resilient recovery strategy and investment plan document, including the outline of the National Water Master Plan for Green Resilient Recovery as an annex. • Assist with concept note development using GCF template and final workshop preparation, Deliverable 4.1.1.2.a: Completed concept note; Deliverable 4.1.1.2.b: Validation workshop report (to finalize concept note). • Carry out any other tasks relevant to this assignment.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Economic modelling, econometrics, statistics, natural resource economics, statistics, or other relevant fields. • Experience with economic/econometric modelling, statistics data processing, or research in environmental economics. • Experience with GCF and other multilateral funds is highly desired. • Fluency in English with good writing and communication skills. • Knowledge of other language used in Botswana is considered an asset. • Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time. • National of Botswana or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in organizing participatory processes and contribution to processes related to program development through engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. • Good analytical, presentation and training skills. • Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.