National Economist

Job Description National Economist

Primary Location: Saudi Arabia-Riyadh

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life, leaving no one behind. The Memorandum of Understanding of the Technical Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA) on Behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and FAO aims at supporting the Ministry in achieving its strategic objectives related to: (a) conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources and the environment; (b) achievement of water security; (c) contribution to sustainable food security; (d) sustainable development for the sectors with comparative advantages; (e) attainment of sustainable and high-quality services and products; and (f) operationalization of private sector involvement and the role of cooperatives and non-profit organizations.

Led by a Programme Coordinator, the Programme Management Unit of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme is responsible for the overall management of the Programme including the management, oversight, and technical guidance for all projects under the Technical Cooperation Programme. The position is located in the Programme Management Unit of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Programme Director and in close collaboration with the Chief Technical Advisors and technical teams, the National Economist will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Adviser (Economist).

Technical Focus

Technical advice, policy, and programmatic support to all projects under the FAO-KSA Technical Programme with particular focus on data management including collection, verification, analysis, reporting, storage and security regarding economic, social, and financial aspects.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, including written outputs, data collection and analyses, and inputs to publications.
2. Lead the design of consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
3. Draft proposals for structuring of training workshops, seminars; and make presentations on assigned topics/activities, and field missions.
4. Contribute to the development of policies and strategies related to technical cooperation, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.
5. Contribute to evidence-based policy advice on the economic aspects related to sustainable rural development, sustainable management of natural resources, food security and nutrition, among others.
6. Prepare concept notes and contribute to the assessment of the social, economic, environmental and financial feasibility of key interventions through studying economic and social dimensions, market prospects, prices, costs and risks.
7. Contribute to relevant thematic studies and assessments across all projects under the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme.
8. Contribute to the evaluation of the performance of investment interventions during implementation and their impact after completion and makes recommendations for enhancing design of future operations.
9. Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

1. University degree in economics, development economics, agricultural economics, international development, agricultural extension, statistics, or other related disciplines relevant to the assignment.
2. Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in economic analysis or agricultural policy analysis.
3. Working knowledge of Arabic (Level C) and English language (Level B).
4. Must be a Saudi national.

FAO Core Competencies

1. Results Focus
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Building Effective Relationships
5. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

1. Extent and relevance of experience in participating in multidisciplinary teams for the preparation of strategies and sector studies.
2. Extent and relevant experience in analytical and statistical software (e.g. R, SPSS, STATA, etc.).
3. Extent and relevance of experience in contributing to social and economic studies and provision of evidence-based policy support in areas related to food security, sustainable rural agriculture development, sustainable management of natural resources.
4. Relevance of experience in capacity development for the design and implementation of socio-economic studies including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses.
5. Extent and relevance of experience in dealing with senior government officials, development partners and other country level stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated capacity to write technical reports in English and/or Arabic.
7. A master and/or a PhD in a field relevant to the assignment can be a strong asset.
8. Ability to work under pressure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing). Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

1. To apply, visit the recruitment website at and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
2. Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
3. Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
4. Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications.
5. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6. Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.
7. Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
8. Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile.
9. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT