The Markets and Trade Division (EST) monitors and analyses developments and trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets and the factors affecting them, collecting and disseminating up-to-date and comprehensive market and policy information for the major traded commodities and those important to food security. It also undertakes forward-looking outlook studies. The Division analyses issues that affect global food and agricultural markets and trade, including analysis of trade policies and agreements, and provides technical support and capacity development to FAO Members in all these areas. Through its Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS), the Division is responsible for FAO's early warnings on food shortfalls and food security problems. EST is also responsible for the production of FAO flagship publication The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) and the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook. The Division houses the secretariats of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) and its subsidiary Intergovernmental Groups (IGGs), the G20 Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and the World Banana Forum (WBF).

The position is located in the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer (Economist) reports to the Team Leader, Food and Agricultural Market Analysis team, under the overall guidance of the EST Director.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide technical, statistical and analytical inputs, databases and related products and services to support the work of the Food and Agricultural Market Analysis team on agricultural commodity markets, including monitoring of market developments and conducting quantitative analysis on commodity prices, macroeconomic linkages, energy market linkages, and policy analysis.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents. • Maintains records and updates databases and web pages. • Provides technical support to various projects. • Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc. • Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Supports the development, maintenance and quality assurance of databases and indicators on agricultural commodity markets and prices. • Contributes to economic and quantitative analyses on factors affecting agricultural commodity markets, including price dynamics, macroeconomic linkages and trade-related developments. • Assists in the preparation of analytical outputs, such as reports, technical notes, policy briefs, presentations and datasets, including the production of the Commodity Market Review report. • Provides support in the monitoring and assessment of market developments, emerging issues, policy changes and other factors affecting agricultural commodity markets and identifies their potential implications. • Supports the organization of meetings, workshops and technical consultations, including preparation of background materials and follow-up activities in the field of agricultural commodity markets. • Contributes to capacity development activities, including the development of training materials, analytical tools and knowledge products on topics related to agricultural commodity markets. • Performs other duties as required.

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with economic analysis and how it relates to agricultural markets?	The interviewer wants to assess your relevant experience and understanding of economic principles related to agriculture.	Discuss specific projects where you applied economic analysis to agricultural data.
How do you manage and analyze large datasets?	The interviewer is gauging your data management skills and technical proficiency with software.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you contributed to a team project. What was your role?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to monitor market developments?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you have developed training materials?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when working under tight deadlines?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you see as the most critical factor affecting agricultural commodity markets today?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated with the latest changes in agricultural policies?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.