Statistical/Research Assistant

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Staff in the General Service category are recruited locally from the Primary Location area, which is where the office is located

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are protected from any type of discrimination during any stage of employment, including the recruitment phase

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

This vacancy announcement is for three positions in the Trade and Markets Division (EST) within the Economic and Social Development Department (ES) at FAO Headquarters.

The Trade and Markets Division monitors and analyses trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets, collecting and disseminating comprehensive market and policy information concerning 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 trade, including policy analysis of trade measures and agreements, and provides technical support and capacity building to member countries in all these areas. Through its Global Information and Early Warning Service, the Division is also responsible for FAO's early warnings on food shortfalls. The Division houses the secretariats of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP), the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups (IGGs) and the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS).

The Statistical/Research Assistant performs a large variety of routine technical, procedural and record-keeping support duties contributing to statistical data collection and presentation. Work involves compiling and computing data for use in statistical studies and/or statistical publications and special reports.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Statistical/Research Assistant reports to a Senior Economist or Economist in EST. He / she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on technical and procedural support and provides for on-the-job learning.

The Statistical/Research Assistant engages with colleagues mainly from within the work unit and with immediate clients supported, providing a large variety of assistance duties with data collection, analysis and presentation.

• Compile data from source material such as questionnaires, national publications, reporting forms, surveys and statistical databases;

• Perform Internet searches; verify completeness and accuracy of source data; estimate missing data and correct entries;

• Enter and retrieve data and update existing databases;

• Compute statistical data according to formulae; assemble and classify statistics following prescribed procedures and instructions received;

• Review specific indicators and apply routine statistical methods to check the validity and to identify any statistical discrepancies;

• Prepare standard reports, tables and graphs to show comparisons of survey results or statistical information obtained in order to facilitate further review and analysis by higher level staff;

• Abstract or highlight specific features of data;

• Perform other duties as required.

The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of standard research and statistical support services. Actions reflect on the overall output of the work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Experience\: Three years of experience in administrative, statistical and/ or data processing support work

Languages\: Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of the other FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)

IT Skills\: Good knowledge of standard MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

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

• Good knowledge of contemporary software used in statistics and data search techniques
• Good knowledge of relevant corporate computerized systems, policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• For position 0827878\: Knowledge of the economic aspects of, and data sources for, food and agricultural commodities; Knowledge of statistical tools; Experience in servicing Intergovernmental meetings; Good drafting skills.
• For position 0089982\: Knowledge of economic aspects of, and data sources used to monitor, food markets; Knowledge of approaches used in commodity supply and demand balance sheets; Knowledge of approaches used to generate short-term commodity market outlooks; Knowledge of, and experience in, building and maintaining commodity market databases; Experience in servicing intergovernmental or interagency initiatives.
• For position 0089907\: Knowledge of the economic aspects of, and data sources for, food and agricultural commodities; Knowledge of statistical tools.

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a technical / competency-based interview.

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