Data Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to transforming agrifood systems for greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. FAO actively participates in UN country-level repositioning for SDG achievement, contributing to Common Country Assessments (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF). The Organization implements the Analytical Support Mechanism for Agrifood System Country Programming and Evidence (SCOPE) to provide analytical and technical expertise for the CCA/UNSDCF process, leveraging advanced tools like geo-spatial modeling.

Job Purpose

The Data Specialist will support FAO Regional and Country offices by coordinating technical assistance on data, geospatial, and statistical indicators. This role is crucial for the CCA/UNSDCF analytical support mechanism, ensuring the effective derivation and integration of these indicators into respective Country Programming Frameworks. The incumbent will contribute to enhancing the analytical capacity at the country level, facilitating evidence-based diagnostics and policy support dialogues, and strengthening FAO's position as a key player in agrifood systems within the UN system.

Responsibilities

Maintain the Agrifood Systems data platform by identifying and integrating new data domains and sources relevant to CCA and UNSDCF processes. Identify statistical domains and variables required by countries for situation analysis reports and their integration into Country Programming Frameworks. Determine appropriate data sources, collection methodologies, and periodicity. Develop metadata files for the platform. Process geospatial and earth observation data to generate subnational indicators and conduct statistical analysis. Support the preparation and updating of country situation analysis reports by organizing data, creating tables, charts, and performing analyses. Provide technical backstopping to FAO country representatives for their engagement in CCA and UNSDCF processes concerning data. Identify data support needs for country offices and propose solutions in coordination with relevant leadership. Contribute to policy documents and publications, such as the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition. Perform other assigned tasks aligned with contractual objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required. This experience should include familiarity with the specific challenges, datasets, and methodologies for generating agrifood system data, particularly in the Middle East and conflict-affected countries.

Skills

Proficiency in statistical methods, including data presentation, analysis, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, correlation, sampling techniques, inference, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Experience with data sources, data management, validation, and analysis of agricultural and food data. Ability to analyze complex statistical issues and develop methodologies. Experience in disseminating statistical data and developing data platforms with metadata. Excellent proficiency in statistical software such as R, SPSS, or STATA. Experience in implementing technical assistance projects and training programs. Broad knowledge of agrifood systems in the region and local specificities is beneficial.

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