Statistician (Methodologies) , Food and Agriculture Organization

The Statistics Division (ESS) develops methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics, and advocates for their implementation. It also plays a vital role in the compilation, processing and dissemination of internationally comparable data, and provides essential capacity building support to member countries in these statistical domains. In addition, the Division disseminates many publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks, that cover agricultural and food security relevant statistics (including prices, investments, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data).

The Methodological Innovations Team is responsible for: a) the development of methods, standards, tools, norms and classifications used in by FAOSTAT and the new Statistical Working System to collect, compile and disseminate the underlying data for all basic statistics; b) the documentation of the statistical methods used in FAO statistical processes; c) strengthening the harmonization of the statistical methodologies and data compilation practices across FAO.

The post is located in Rome

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the Chief Statistician, the Statistician reports to the Team Leader of the Methodological Innovation Team

Technical Focus(optional)**

Implementation of the Division's programme in the field of statistical methodologies for improving international food and agricultural statistics, with particular emphasis on methods, standards and tools for the collection, validation, analysis and dissemination of food and agriculture statistics.

Key Results

Collection, analysis and review of information, data and statistics, and project/meeting services to support programme products, projects, publications, and services

Key Functions

· Collects, reviews/cross checks and/or analyzes relevant agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, nutrition/food composition and/or gender related data, statistics and information to support delivery of programme projects, products, publications and services

· Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical documents and/or publications

· Participates in the development of improved tools and methodologies

· Updates databases and web pages

· Participates on multi-disciplinary project/work teams

· Participates in the development of training materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.

· Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners

Specific Functions

· Contributes the development and timely updates of methods, standards, tools, norms and classifications used in the production of food and agricultural statistics;

· Contributes to the enhancements of the methodologies, classifications and metadata standards used by FAOSTAT and the new Statistical Working System to collect, compile and disseminate the underlying data for all basic statistics.

· Contributies to the documentation of the statistical methods used in FAO statistical processes by preparing guidelines, manuals and training materials;

· Liaise closely with staff in other departments with a view to strengthening the harmonization of the statistical methodologies and data compilation practices across FAO;

· Provides advice and support the implementation of the Statistics Quality Assurance Framework as applied to FAO statistical processes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

· Advanced university degree in mathematics, statistics, economics (supplemented by training in quantitative methods), or a related field;

· Three years of relevant experience in the methodological development, compilation, analysis and/or evaluation of statistical indicators in national or international organizations;

· Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian

Competencies

· Results Focus

· Teamwork

· Communication

· Building Effective Relationships

· Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

· Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in the development of statistical methods for the collection, validation, imputation, processing and compilation of data and indicators.

· Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in the use of econometric tools and statistical software (e.g. R, SAS, STATA, GAMS).

· Demonstrated skills in the documentation, management, and analysis of statistical data.

· Demonstrated experience in drafting technical reports/documents in English would be an asset.

· Knowledge and experience in the compilation of food and agricultural statistics would be an asset

· Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.

· Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

· Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.

· Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.

· Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.

· Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.

REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete your online profile. Only applications received through iRecruitment will be considered.

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.

Vacancies will be removed from iRecruitment at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for applications date. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: iRecruitment@fao.org