Statistician (survey methodologist) P-3

The Statistics Division develops, and advocates for the implementation of methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics. In these statistical domains, 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 addition, the Division disseminates many publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks, that cover agricultural and food security relevant statistics (including prices, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data).

The position is located in the Agricultural Census and Surveys Team which is responsible for developing the methodological guidelines for the 2020 Round of the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA), documenting country practices and assisting countries in carrying out their national agricultural census at least once every decade using standard international concepts, definitions and methodologies. The Team is also responsible for coordinating all the capacity development activities conducted by the Statistics Division in order to strengthen national agricultural statistical systems.

Reporting Lines

The Statistician reports to the Senior Statistician Officer (Leader) r of the Agricultural Census and Surveys Team.

Technical Focus

Development of methods to design, plan and manage data collection and processing efforts for large scale agricultural surveys and censuses. Technical support to countries for the implementation of the guidelines and for the development of national systems of food and agricultural statistics.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications, and services.

Key Functions

· plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams and short term work groups, leads and/or participates on Division/Departmental teams, participates on Organization-wide committees, project teams, and working groups and provides specialized expertise on international technical networks and or technical policy and standard setting bodies;

· develops technical, statistical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related tools, methodologies, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programmes of work, products, projects, and services;

· designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative tools and methodologies, flagship publications/technical reports and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical specialist and/or policy advice and expertise;

· responds to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance and solutions to Regional, Sub-Regional, and Country Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;

· promotes international cooperation and collaboration, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international meetings and conferences;

· collaborates in capacity development activities involving knowledge sharing, the organization of training workshops, seminars, and meetings as well as the development of related materials and on-line tools and information kits;

· participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with Corporate strategy and Departmental plans;

· performs other duties.

Specific Functions

· contributes to the development of the methodological guidelines for the 2020 Round of the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) and to the documentation of country practices

· provides technical advice to member countries in carrying out their national agricultural census and surveys using international standard concepts, definitions and methodologies

· conducts studies and prepare documents on appropriate statistical methodologies for the collection of statistical data

· formulates projects in food and agricultural statistics and technically backstops, monitors and evaluates statistical field projects in selected countries

Candidates will be assessed against the following

Minimum Requirements

· Advanced University degree in statistics, mathematics or a related field

· Five years relevant experience in national statistics offices and/or in international organizations in applying statistical theory and techniques to design, plan and manage data collection and processing efforts for large scale surveys and/or censuses

· 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 Relationship

· Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

· Extent and relevance of experience in designing, planning and managing surveys and/or censuses

· Extent of knowledge and experience in survey methodology (including survey design, sampling, innovative data collection methods, computing and data analysis applying statistical techniques).

· Extent of knowledge and experience in software used for processing and analysing census/survey data.

· Extent of knowledge and experience in project design/formulation and in coordinating projects in assigned areas of responsibility

· Demonstrated experience in drafting technical reports/documents in English is considered a strong 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 toFAO 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, visit the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) website:http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp

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