Senior Economist

Organizational Setting

The Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva is responsible for the liaison with the Government of Switzerland, the country’s civil society and the International Organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Considering the presence of a large number of international organizations, Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, which provides a significant platform for engagement and partnership with key stakeholders, the Liaison Office i) ensures that relevant FAO Governing body decisions and the overall work of the organization are brought to the policy dialogues, mechanisms and relevant discussions in Geneva; ii) promote and raise awareness on FAO’s technical work and activities, among Member States and Organizations in Geneva, and the general public; iii) serve as the focal point for the 15 Member States that are accredited to FAO from Geneva and two from Berlin.

The position is located in Geneva, Switzerland

Reporting Lines

Senior Economist reports to the Director of the Liaison Office, Geneva, Switzerland

Technical Focus

Developments in the context of multilateral trading system with regard to the World Trade Organization as well as other Geneva based trade institutions and country representations on the areas of trade and food security

Tasks and responsibilities

• Maintain close monitoring of multilateral trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and prepare analytical studies/reports on aspects having an impact on food security including world market volatility in agricultural commodities and on approaches to mitigate adverse effects
• Monitor and analyse international policy developments of relevance to the mandate of FAO, including inter alia: the right to food, food security and nutrition, investment in agriculture, trade and environment, trade and climate change, intellectual property and farmers' rights, regulations on food quality and safety standards and other issues of relevance to agricultural trade and food security and nutrition.
• Facilitate the exchange of trade technical information between FAO and the United Nations and the specialized agencies and arrange, as necessary, inter-agency meetings in this regard
• Maintain contacts with the Permanent Missions accredited to the organizations of the United Nations system in Geneva, keep them informed about FAO's work and activities, in particular with regards to trade and food security and provide them with background documentation as needed
• Liaise with intergovernmental, non-governmental and private institutions associated with FAO's activities in the area of trade, technology and innovation and deal with public requests for information
• Represent the Organization at intergovernmental and inter-agency meetings of the United Nations and the specialized agencies held in Geneva; make statements on behalf of FAO in the area of trade and food security and related issues, as and when required, and report on such meetings to Headquarters, in particular on subjects which could have policy implications for the Organization
• Foster and lead partnerships with key officials in WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, ILO, WIPO, WHO, IOM and other relevant partners on issues related to FAO's mandate
• Prepare statements of the Director LOG on FAO's position on specific topics related to agricultural trade, food security, and climate change and emerging issues
• Prepare project proposals for extra-budgetary funding, in consultation with headquarters as appropriate
• Provide support to FAO staff visiting Geneva on official missions
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in development work and /or designing and managing projects, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French , Russian or Spanish) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.