Junior specialist on Food Loss and Waste

Organizational Context

Food loss and waste (FLW) present significant challenges to global food security, sustainability, and agrifood system efficiency. The FAO's Governance and Policy Support Unit requires enhanced capacity for data collection, analysis, reporting, and coordination to address these issues. This Junior Specialist role will support FLW-related projects, bolster evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to FAO's mission for more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. The position is based within the Office of the Chief Economist.

Job Purpose

The Junior Specialist will provide crucial support for food loss and waste (FLW) activities, concentrating on data collection, analysis, implementation assistance, and reporting. This role contributes to analytical and operational efforts concerning food security, agrifood systems, and rural development within the Governance and Policy Support Unit. The position offers valuable hands-on experience in technical analysis, policy support, and process coordination within a dynamic international and multidisciplinary setting, fostering professional growth and exposure to key global challenges.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of food loss and waste (FLW) activities by collecting, validating, managing, and cross-checking data from various sources. Provide analytical and operational support for multidisciplinary projects, including managing, cleaning, and analyzing datasets using statistical software like Stata and Excel, ensuring data quality and documentation. Analyze and interpret quantitative data, presenting findings clearly through tables, charts, and summaries. Contribute to reporting and briefing processes by drafting, editing, and revising technical documents and publications. Assist in developing and refining data collection tools, methodologies, and analytical approaches. Support the creation of training materials and the organization of workshops and meetings. Prepare technical outputs such as reports and briefs, and identify data gaps to improve analytical and monitoring frameworks for FLW.

Work Experience

One year of relevant experience in food loss and waste, agrifood systems, food security, agricultural development, or related fields. Experience with data collection, analysis, reporting, and coordination activities is essential. Proficiency in statistical software such as Stata and Excel is required.

Skills

Proficiency in data analysis using statistical software (Stata, Excel). Demonstrated ability in data collection, validation, management, and reporting. Strong analytical and quantitative skills for interpreting data and presenting findings. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. Skills in project support, coordination, and organization. Knowledge of another FAO official language is an asset.

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