Closing date: Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
PROFESSIONAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT N O : IRC2850
Issued on: 14 April 2015
Deadline For Application: 5 May 2015
POSITION TITLE: Economist (Trade/Value Chain Market Access)
GRADE LEVEL: P-4
DUTY STATION: Cairo
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Regional Office for the Near East (RNE)
DURATION : Fixed-term: 2 years
POST NUMBER: 2004999
CCOG CODE: 1E02
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Regional Office for RNE is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).
The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The post is located in Cairo, Egypt.
Reporting Lines
The Economist reports to Senior Policy Officer, RNE under the functional guidance of the Trade and Markets Division (EST)
Technical Focus
Provide technical inputs and advice on national and regional policies and strategies affecting sustainable food security, agricultural development, poverty reduction and rural development, with particular focus on trade policy, markets and value chain issues, including support to member countries and Regional Economic Integration Organizations in the region
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 multi-disciplinary teams and short term work groups, leads and/or participates on Division/Departmental teams, participates on 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, Sub-Regional, 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 Departmental plans.
Specific Functions
- Conducts analytical studies of agricultural market and policy issues, including (i) trade and domestic policies that influence supply, demand and prices in commodity markets, (ii) regional trade and investment agreements; (iii) value chain and market integration , as well as (iv) other emerging issues, such as climate change impacts on food supplies and trade;
- Provides advice to FAO decentralized offices in the region the formulation/revision of the Country Programming Frameworks and related action programmes;
Contributes to field programme development from project idea through formulation, approval and funding;
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics or a related field
- Seven years of relevant experience in quantitative analysis of agricultural and food trade policy and market issues, formulation of policies, strategies, and development programmes and projects as well as providing technical policy advice
- Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian 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 policy analysis and advice on agricultural and food trade policy issues
- Extent and relevance of experience in trade policy issues in the region and familiarity with the economic, social and cultural conditions of the countries of the region is desirable
- Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international, regional, subregional and country-level technical workshops to discuss policy issues and to support capacity building activities related to policy analysis and formulation Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.
- Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
- Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see 'How to Apply'). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised i n the IAU/UNESCO list.
- Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete your online profile.
Only applications received through iRecruitment will be considered. Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. Vacancies will be removed from iRecruitment at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for applications date.
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: iRecruitment@fao.org
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
