Economist (Agricultural Policy Analyst)

The Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis related to all five of the Organization’s strategic objectives (food security, sustainable agriculture, poverty reduction, inclusive food systems and resilient livelihoods). By doing so, ESA provides evidence-based analytical support to national, regional and global policy processes and initiatives related to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Among ESA’s core tasks is the provision of support to FAO member countries on food and agriculture policy matters, particularly through analyses that generate evidence and evaluation of impact of policies and programmes to inform decision-making. ESA also carries out policy intelligence to analyse the implications of emerging events on the different economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In addition, ESA is engaged in supporting governments on the prioritization of policies and investments to strengthen poverty, food security and nutrition, develop inclusive and efficient food systems, and accelerate agricultural transformation. ESA’s policy support is provided mainly through the Policy Support Coordination Branch in the Policy Intelligence and Support Coordination Unit (PISCU) and as well as the Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies programme (MAFAP).

The core teams in both PISCU and MAFAP are supported by consultants and subscribers to Personal Services Agreements (PSA) who perform specific task-based assignments for which FAO has a temporary need.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Director or Deputy-Director, ESA, and the direct supervision of a Senior Economist, the consultant/PSA will be asked to undertake policy analysis and/or carry out tasks related to the provision of food and agricultural policy support to governments. When activities are carried out in member countries, applicants will be required to work in close collaboration with the FAO Representation in the relevant country of assignment, as well as the relevant FAO regional and/or sub-regional office.

The Economist (Agricultural Policy Analyst) will support economic and policy analysis of a range of technical issues in developing countries. In particular, FAO is looking for candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas of expertise\:

• Public expenditure analysis / public financial management
• Economic analysis of food systems
• Food security and nutrition policy
• Agricultural prices and/or markets
• Trade policy
• Agricultural development strategies/investment plans
• Political economy of food & agricultural policy
• Value chains and commodity markets

She/he will work in close coordination with the other members of ESA’s policy support unit and/or the MAFAP team. She/he will be familiar with analytical methods and tools used for policy evaluation and ex-ante policy impact analysis with a focus on the food and agricultural sectors. She/he will be familiar with policy advice efforts in an international development setting, preferably on agricultural and/or food security policy issues. Candidates with a combination of quantitative and qualitative skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Provide technical and policy advice to MAFAP and/or to PISCU partner countries to analysis specific issues related to food and agricultural policies, assess policy reform opportunities and articulate policy reform options;
• Carry out reviews of public expenditure in support of the food and agricultural sector;
• Contribute to the development of technical products to support evidence-based policy reform processes with a focus on inputs, trade, markets, price policies and/or investment priorities in the framework of national FSN or agricultural transformation strategies
• Conduct analytical studies on specific food and agricultural policy issues, including (i) input, market, trade and price policies that influence value chain performances, (ii) value chain and commodity market analysis, (iii) price, price stabilisation, and stock policies, (iv) policy prioritization and (v) other emerging issues
• Contribute to the drafting of actionable and high-quality policy recommendations, technical reports and policy briefs;
• Participate in, organize or facilitate high-level policy meetings, roundtables or other events related to food and agricultural policy reform in developing countries;
• Support capacity development activities benefitting government counterparts and other selected national partners.

• Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, development economics, public policy, international development or any related field (for Consultants). University Degree in the above field (for PSAs);
• At least two years of relevant proven experience (more seniority is desirable for Consultants);
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for Consultants). Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian (for PSAs).

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in one or more developing countries preferably in Sub Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Balkans and/or South/South-East Asia
• Extent and relevance of experience in economic analysis of agricultural and food policies
• Familiarity with providing policy advice to governments in developing countries
• Knowledge of current political economic conditions in developing countries, and ability to analyse the policy context at country level building on political economy tools;
• Capacity to interact with government officials on key policy issues affecting agriculture and food security
• Experience in communicating with government officials and ability to present the key results in concise and effective manner.