Job: Economist (Food Security Assessment and Early Warning)

Location: Rome, Italy 
Deadline: Tuesday, 08 October 2013 

Description

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

PROFESSIONAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO: IRC2385 Issued on:

Deadline For Application: 8 October

POSITION TITLE: Economist (Food Security Assessment and Early Warning)

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Trade and Markets Division, EST

GRADE LEVEL: P-4

DUTY STATION:Rome

DURATION:Fixedterm: 2 years

POST CODE/NO:C/0732958

CCOG Code:1.S.01

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged 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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Director, EST, and as a member of one or more task teams, will be responsible for the planning and preparation of analytical appraisals of the current and prospective food situation in assigned regions and countries and for the analysis and evaluation of government requests for emergency food assistance submitted to the World Food Programme (WFP) which are subject to joint approval of the FAO Director-General and the WFP Executive Director.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• monitor continuously the crop and food security situation in the countries of assignment, analysing all types of information bearing on food production, trade, stocks, demand and prices;
• carry out analysis on food security and vulnerability-related issues in assigned countries;
• contribute to Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) analysis and reports, including special alerts for issuance to the international community on specific food problem situations which may require international assistance;
• participate in Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions to countries facing impending food crisis;
• build and support networks at country and regional levels to assure the regular flow of food security related information to GIEWS, and provide technical support on crop and food security monitoring and assessment methods;
• process emergency food aid requests received by WFP for joint approval with FAO;
• recommend measures to harmonize food aid with assistance in recovery and rehabilitation of agricultural production of countries affected by natural/man-made disasters;
• devise ways to improve the recording and analysis of food aid information and to develop a database on past and ongoing emergency operations;
• maintain close collaboration with the WFP, other UN agencies and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on food emergency matters;
• perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should meet the following:

• Advanced University degree in economics or agricultural economics Seven years of relevant experience in economic analysis relevant to food security and vulnerability
• Working knowledge of English or French and limited knowledge of the other one, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

• Extent of experience in planning and conducting economic analytical reviews of agricultural policies, development, commodities and markets related to food security and vulnerability
• Relevance of experience in national and regional food security monitoring and early warning systems
• Proven ability to write for publication and to work under strict deadlines
• Extent of working experience in developing countries
• Quality of both oral and written communication skills
• Experience in using satellite imagery/geographic information systems and applications in food security analysis Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://icsc.un.org/ To apply: visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete the on-line application In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line application are completed.

Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT ADM213e 04/12

More Info and Application