Senior Statistician (Agricultural Census Team Lead)

Organizational Context

The Statistics Division (ESS) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, is responsible for developing and advocating for methodologies and standards in food and agriculture statistics. It plays a key role in compiling, processing, and disseminating internationally comparable data, and provides capacity building to Member Countries. The Division also publishes statistical yearbooks and supports the FAO Chief Statistician in ensuring data governance, statistical excellence, and global data discussions. The incumbent will lead the Agricultural Census Team.

Job Purpose

The Senior Statistician will lead the Agricultural Census Team, focusing on agricultural censuses and surveys. This role involves providing leadership and conceptual thinking for developing and implementing comprehensive technical, statistical, and analytical frameworks aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework. The incumbent will manage specialized teams, coordinate divisional and organizational efforts, and analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform strategic planning and work plans. Key responsibilities include designing and monitoring work programs, developing innovative tools and methodologies, and leading research and data analysis to support technical standards and international instruments.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the World Programme of Census of Agriculture (WCA) and FAO's Agricultural Survey Programme. Monitor national agricultural systems to identify emerging research topics and countries needing technical support. Oversee the documentation of national censuses, including metadata reviews and compilation of results. Develop and update guidelines for collecting agricultural statistics through censuses and surveys. Coordinate technical dialogue with National Statistical Offices, Ministries of Agriculture, and the UN Committee of Experts on Agricultural and Rural Statistics. Provide technical support to FAO units and Member Countries in designing, planning, and implementing agricultural censuses and surveys, including project formulation, questionnaire design, pilot testing, sampling, training, data validation, analysis, and dissemination. Lead the dissemination of WCA census data in FAOSTAT. Prepare technical articles, working papers, and training materials, documenting best practices. Coordinate the formulation of technical assistance projects and ensure high visibility for FAO's statistical work. Develop strategic partnerships and mobilize resources from donors. Maintain a motivated workforce through effective management, mentoring, and performance support.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of relevant experience is required, including compilation and analysis of food and agricultural statistics in national or international organizations. Experience in coordinating high-level statistical publications and in the design and implementation of agricultural census and survey methodology, including data validation and dissemination, is essential.

Skills

Strong command of statistical methods, including data presentation, analysis, probability distributions, sampling techniques, inference, regression, ANOVA, and survey/questionnaire design. Extensive experience in collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural statistics, and in agricultural census/survey methodology. Proven ability in conducting quantitative analyses and methodological research using statistical software. Experience in formulating technical assistance projects, planning capacity development programs, and providing country-level support for agricultural censuses and surveys. Experience organizing international meetings and preparing global statistical publications. Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources from international donors and to lead and supervise multicultural teams effectively. Ability to work under minimal supervision and produce high-quality written materials.

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