Statistician (Statistics)
Organizational Context
The Statistics Division (ESS) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, develops and advocates for methodologies and standards in food and agriculture statistics. It plays a vital role in compiling, processing, and disseminating internationally comparable data, offering capacity-building support to Member Nations. The Agricultural Census Team within ESS develops guidelines for the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) and conducts surveys to document country practices, assisting nations in strengthening their agricultural statistical systems.
Job Purpose
The Statistician (Statistics) will provide comprehensive technical, statistical, and analytical services, developing specialized tools, methodologies, and databases to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of FAO's work in agricultural censuses and surveys. This includes coordinating data collection, processing, and analysis; designing and developing statistical tools and systems; conducting research; and producing technical reports. The role involves providing technical and policy advice, assisting country offices, and coordinating capacity development services, including training workshops. The incumbent will also contribute to resource mobilization and promote international cooperation in agricultural statistics.
Responsibilities
The Statistician will contribute to supporting the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) and FAO's Agricultural Survey programme. Key responsibilities include developing and updating methodological guidelines for collecting statistical information on the agricultural sector through censuses and surveys. The role involves coordinating and implementing technical support to FAO units and member countries in designing, planning, and executing agricultural censuses and surveys. This includes formulating country projects, designing questionnaires and manuals, conducting pilot testing, sample design, training field staff, utilizing advanced data collection technologies, and disseminating data. The incumbent will also coordinate the preparation of training materials, provide hands-on support for data analysis using statistical software, monitor and document country censuses, process and disseminate census data to FAOSTAT, and support the preparation of technical articles and working papers.
Work Experience
Seven years of relevant experience is required in compiling and analyzing food and agricultural statistics within national or international organizations. Experience in coordinating high-level statistical publications and managing statistical dissemination platforms is also necessary.
Skills
Strong command of statistical methods, including data presentation, analysis, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, correlation, sampling techniques, inference, regression, ANOVA, and survey/questionnaire design. Experience in collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural statistics is essential. Proven experience in formulating technical assistance projects, planning capacity development programs, and providing technical support for agricultural censuses and surveys at the country level is required. Knowledge of agricultural survey methodology, including survey design, sampling, questionnaire design, data collection, and validation methods is necessary. Proficiency in CAPI survey tools and software for microdata validation, processing, and analysis, along with experience in microdata dissemination and statistical disclosure control methods, is also important.