SENIOR ECONOMIST

Organizational Setting:

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines:

The Senior Economist reports to the FAO Representative.

Technical Focus:

The work of FAO in the Philippines is guided by its Country Programming Framework (CPF). This supports the government in addressing challenges in improving food security and nutrition, enhancing agricultural production and productivity, sustainable management of natural resources and improving agricultural adaptation from Climate Change and Disaster Risks.

CPF supports the objectives and strategies of the new government for the Agriculture sector, as laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, specifically:

Chapter 8 - Expanding Economic Opportunities in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Chapter 10 - Accelerating Human Capital Development Chapter 11 - Reducing Vulnerability of Individuals and Families Chapter 14 - Vigorously Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation Chapter 17 - Attaining Just and Lasting Peace Chapter 20 -Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean and Healthy Environment

The three integrated PDP Country Outcomes which will be given utmost consideration in all facets of FAO interventions, are (1) Improved nutrition for all; (2) Expanded economic opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry (AFF) and ensured ecological integrity, clean and healthy environment and (3) Reduced vulnerabilities among individuals and families and just and lasting peace achieved.

FAO is committed to provide support in improving food security and nutrition in the country. In this regard, the country office has increased support and expanding expertise in agricultural policy.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Senior Economist will carry out the following tasks:

• Analyse pertinent agricultural, economic, social trends, developments, issues and other relevant information to provide technical, statistical and/or policy related recommendations to support the programming and strategic decision-making of the Country Office; • Prepare technical briefers, reports and other communication materials for agricultural and food policy interventions based on economic analysis • Contribute to the implementation of policy engagement strategies to promote the uptake of technical policy analyses in national policy processes and dialogues; • Participate in discussions with the government counterparts on agricultural, economic and social development themes, providing technical guidance and recommendations in support of FAO’s mandate • Lead the development of technical products, focusing on agricultural economic analysis and produces related evidence- based policy guidance and support in policies, food security, climate change, nutrition and trade; • Contribute to the project formulation and management initiatives of the country office • Conduct technical dialogues with private sector, international community, CSOs, NGOs and other stakeholders on topics involving agriculture specifically linked to economic and global trends; • Collaborate and maintain working relationship with key government partners in the preparation of agricultural policy reforms, agricultural strategies, rural policies and other relevant topics; • Develop and implement strategic partnerships and promotes collaborative work, including joint reports and publications, in the area of agricultural and socio-economic related issues; • Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate must have an Advanced University Degree (preferably Doctorate) in agriculture, agricultural economics, development economics, economics and related field • At least twelve (12) years of relevant and broad professional experience in economic analysis of agricultural issues • A National of the Philippines or resident in the Philippines with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point). • Language requirement: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English • Familiarity with FAO operational procedures is an advantage • In line with FAO policy, commitment to placing accountability to people affected by disaster framework at the core of FAO’s emergency policy and practice, from preparedness up to the onset of an emergency in all phases of the programme cycle