Senior Economist

Overview

Senior Economist ) – Organization: FAO/ESA, Italy (Rome). Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension. Post Number: . CCOG Code: 1L09. Closure Date: 14/Mar/2026, 10:59:00 PM. Job Posting: 20 Feb 2026. Job Type: Staff position; Type of Requisition: Professional. Primary Location: Italy-Rome.

Organizational Setting

The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis and provides evidence-based support to national, regional and global policy processes and initiatives. It leads the FAO flagship publications SOFA and SOFI and hosts the THINK-PA network. The Senior Economist is located in the Policy Unit of ESA.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Economist reports to the Director of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division.

Technical Focus

This position will lead a programme of work on policy monitoring, design and evaluation relevant to sustainable agrifood systems with a focus on food security, nutrition and environmental issues. The work will utilize quantitative economic analysis to provide evidence-based support to sustainable agrifood policies and programmes, including policy assistance at country level. Partnerships with development agencies, donors and national governments are essential.

Key Results

Leadership and conceptual thinking for the development and implementation of comprehensive technical, statistical and/or analytical frameworks to support the programme of work and related products, projects and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Manages or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams and provides technical leadership in high-level policy analysis missions or projects, policy networks and/or international policy setting bodies.
• Leads work carried out by technical or policy officers in the Regional Office in collaboration with Subregional Offices and headquarters on policy and governance work under the FAO Strategic Framework.
• Advocates strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue to strengthen policies and governance for food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Interacts with UN Regional and Country Teams to improve cross-sectoral policies and strategies for agriculture, nutrition and sustainable development.
• Engages with development partners and international financial institutions to link knowledge and policy work with investments in food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Analyzes regional and country-level issues to identify country and regional priorities and requirements.
• Designs, implements and monitors regional and subregional policy work programmes and budgets/resourcing strategies.
• Plans, organizes and participates in capacity development activities and oversees the development of related materials and online tools.
• Represents the Organization at international/inter-governmental meetings and conferences.

Specific Functions

• Leads and contributes to studies, reports, briefs, statements and other knowledge products on policy measurement, monitoring and impacts.
• Designs and implements analytical frameworks to assess policy impacts (ex-ante and ex-post) on food security, nutrition and environmental outcomes.
• Assesses policy impacts on consumers and producers' incentives, choices and behaviours, with a focus on adoption practices.
• Develops innovative approaches linking micro and macro analysis to capture structural policy changes.
• Mentors staff in state-of-the-art microeconomic techniques.
• Interacts with UN Regional and Country Teams to improve cross-sectoral policies and strategies.

Assessment Criteria

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics or related field.
• Ten years of relevant experience in quantitative economic analysis of policies at macro and/or micro level.
• Working knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in more than one location or area of work, including field positions, is essential.
• Understanding of complex policy processes and experience in food security policies and institutions.
• Experience in policy analysis and advising on food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, rural development and technology adoption.
• Experience in planning and implementing research programs in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

General Information

• Extension of fixed-term appointments is based on performance and funding.
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. See the following link for UN salary information and benefits: Benefits may include dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave travel, annual leave, UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, health insurance, life insurance, and disability protection.

FAO promotes a positive, inclusive workplace culture with family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile. Attach a letter of motivation. Ensure your profile is accurate and complete, including employment records, qualifications, and language skills. Applications should be submitted online. Only qualifications from recognized institutions are eligible. You may be asked to provide performance assessments and authorization for background checks. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Personal information may be shared for employment support services with consent. Only applications via the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. We recommend applying well before the deadline.

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