INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE ECONOMIST

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting
FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia has a priority Regional Initiative 2 Result 12898 - Analytical review of the agricultural policies and market trends for Europe and Central Asia is elaborated and disseminated to strengthen capacities of the governments and relevant experts for the evidence-based policy planning, monitoring and impact assessment, through regional cooperation with OECD. FAO will provide technical support to conduct a sectoral review of the Fruit and Vegetable (FV) sector to ensure sustainable development of fruits and vegetable production in the EEU member states as part of the implementation of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV- 2021). The main objective of the sector analysis to review the status of the FV sector, performance in the context of sustainable development (i.e. its economic, ecological and social dimensions), and to identify opportunities for development and investments.
Applications are invited for the position of an International Agriculture Economist to lead and provide technical support to the implementation of this project. This consultancy work has a duration of 40 working days over 3 months.

Reporting Lines
The International Agriculture Economist will work under overall supervision of the FAO Assistant Director General in Europe & Central Asia, the technical supervision of the REU Plant Production and Protection Officer, and Investment Support Officer.

Technical Focus
Analytical studies and sector analysis for Fruits and Vegetable sector; and policy development on the areas of production, trade and marketing of fruits and vegetables.

Tasks and responsibilities
• Review and conduct detail analysis of the Fruits and Vegetable sector within the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia on current performance, structural characteristics, Government policy support measures for the sector at state and entity level, and current investments on the FV sector by Government and development partners;
• Conduct a SWOT analysis of FV sector, major constraints and opportunities for development, and identification of capacity strengthening needs and opportunities for development of the FV sector;
• Advice on sectorial support measures that FAO REU and respective Governments on proposed interventions and develop potential investment projects proposals in fruit and vegetable production, management, and marketing for domestic and export opportunities for the 5 member countries;
• Facilitate a regional webinar workshop to present findings of the review and prepare a regional report on the above for publication;
• prepare the terminal report of the project following FAO standard format;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• University degree in agriculture economics or horticulture science and management, or closely related fields.
• 12 years of relevant experience in review of Horticulture Sector, Policy Development, Agriculture economic and management, or related fields
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of Russian.

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

Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in climate resilient and sustainable agricultural production management practices and improve technologies.
• Work experience in Europe would be an asset
• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines
• Ability to write clear and concise technical documents
• Excellent communication skills in English and strong computer, report writing, and presentation skills.

Selection Criteria
• International experience with FAO, and other international agencies and some knowledge of region considered an advantage.
• Working knowledge of Russian will be a strong asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency