Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Statistics Division (ESS) develops and advocates for the implementation of methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics. In these statistical domains, it also plays a vital role in the compilation, processing and dissemination of internationally comparable data, and provides essential capacity building support to member countries. In addition, the Division disseminates many publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks, which cover agricultural and food security relevant statistics (including prices, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data). The Statistics Division is involved in the management of a number of large scale projects, aimed at improving statistical methodologies and establish best practices for the collection, collation, processing, dissemination and use of data relevant to food security, agriculture and rural areas.

The post is located in the Statistics Division (ESS) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Main Purpose

The Statistical/Research Assistant performs a variety of routine technical, procedural and record-keeping support duties contributing to statistical data collection and presentation.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Statistical Assistant works under direct supervision of the Senior Statistician/Team Leader of the Food Security and Nutrition Statistics Team and general supervision of the Director and/or Deputy Director, ESS. Supervision received provides for technical and procedural guidance and on-the-job learning opportunities.

Working Relationships

The Statistical Assistant engages with colleagues from within the work unit and with immediate clients supported, providing routine and standard services in assistance of data collection, analysis and presentation.

Key Functions/Results

•    Compile data from source material such as questionnaires, publications, surveys, research projects, websites, reports, databases, etc.;
•    Verify completeness and accuracy of source data delivered to FAO by external stakeholder;
•    Review specific indicators and apply routine statistical methods to check the validity and to identify any statistical discrepancies;
•    Enter, retrieve and update data from existing databases;
•    Process/ compute statistical data according to formulae; assemble related outputs following prescribed procedures and instructions received; abstract and highlight specific features of data;
•    Prepare standard statistical reports, tables and diagrams to show evidence and comparison of statistical information to facilitate further review and analysis;
•    Prepare country notes on the availability and quality of national statistics and update internal metadata system;
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Work

The Statistical Assistant participates as part of a team in the provision of statistical and research support services. Actions reflect on the immediate and wider work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Two years of experience in administrative and/or data processing support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
IT Skills: Good knowledge of standard MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. “Commuting distance” means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

•    Knowledge and ability to independently operate contemporary software used in statistics, including R and Stata and data search techniques. Ability to programme and manage codes in these environments, and the ability to operate Python and similar software would be assets.
•    Knowledge and ability to independently operate relevant corporate computerized systems, policies and procedures.
•    Knowledge of communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

•    Knowledge and ability to spot errors and proactively communicate them for solutions.
•    Ability to draft quickly, clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively in English.
•    Previous working experience in statistical domains and tasks.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French or Spanish.