Statistician

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (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.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, and the direct supervision of RNE Regional Statistician.

Technical Focus

Support and contribute to the development and implementation of (i) projects and programmes, (ii) strategies and policies and (iii) provision of technical assistance for statistics.

Experts will contribute to and/or take responsibility for one or more of the following tasks\:

• Agriculture census and survey methodology (including project document, questionnaires and manuals, tabulations etc.) and project management;
• Draft of agriculture census and survey reports and thematic studies;
• Methodology and estimation of statistics on agriculture from censuses and surveys;
• Sampling design;
• Design and implementation of CAPI tools using SurveySolutions or CSPro;
• Quality assessment and development of reporting systems and use of administrative data for production of agriculture statistics;
• Advocacy of data and evidence for policy makers;
• Gender statistics;
• In-depth assessment of agriculture statistics system;
• Development of strategic plans in agriculture and rural statistics;
• Provision of capacity development trainings on the above items and on compilation of SDG indicators;
• Data processing and compilation of SDG indicators and metadata.

• Advanced University degree in statistics, economics or a related field
• 7 years of relevant experience in the above mentioned statistical areas of work
• Working knowledge of English, French or Arabic and limited knowledge of one of the other two.

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

• Extent and length of knowledge and experience in performing the above-mentioned tasks and responsibilities in relevant statistical fields;
• Previous working experience with FAO and its partners in the above mentioned statistical domains and tasks
• Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision;
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting;
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions;
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset;
• Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.

• Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperation projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Experience in the provision of technical assistance to countries and/or professional experience in national statistical services
• Ability to provide technical and advisory services.