Economist (Commodities)
FAO – Headquarters, Rome, Italy.
Organizational Setting
The Markets and Trade Division (EST) monitors and analyzes developments and trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets and the factors affecting them, collecting and disseminating up-to-date and comprehensive market and policy information for the major traded commodities and those important to food security. It also undertakes forward‑looking outlook studies. The division analyzes issues that affect global food and agricultural markets and trade, including analysis of trade policies and agreements, and provides technical support and capacity development to FAO members in all these areas. Through its Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS), the division is responsible for FAO's early warnings on food shortfalls and food security problems. EST is also responsible for producing FAO flagship publication “The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO)” and the OECD‑FAO Agricultural Outlook.
Reporting Lines
The Economist (Commodities) reports to the responsible Senior Economist (Commodity Markets)/Team Leader under the overall guidance of the Director, EST.
Technical Focus
The Economist (Commodities) will contribute to the division's work on food commodities, including data collection and validation, market monitoring and assessment, short‑ and medium‑term market outlook, and price and policy analysis.
Key Functions
Researches and analyzes data, statistics and information to provide technical, statistical and/or policy related analysis.
Produces technical reports and input for divisional publications and web pages.
Provides analytic services on various studies, projects and assessments and supports field projects.
Develops improved technical tools, methodologies, systems, databases and indicators.
Participates in multi‑disciplinary teams and collaborates across divisions.
Collaborates in capacity development activities.
Promotes knowledge sharing at meetings and conferences.
Participates in resource mobilization activities.
Specific Functions
Leads collection and validation of national production, trade, consumption, stocks and price statistics and manages country balance sheets.
Monitors and analyzes global markets and prepares assessments for Food Outlook, FAO Food Price Index, and intelligence papers.
Conducts analytical studies on commodity markets and related policies.
Monitors policies and industry measures and contributes to policies database.
Generates medium‑term projections and contributes to OECD‑FAO Agricultural Outlook.
Prepares papers, technical notes and policy briefs on economic aspects.
Provides strategic advice and insights on covered commodities.
Contributes to project proposals for external voluntary contributions.
Performs other required tasks.
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics or related field.
Five years of relevant experience in economics, agricultural economics, quantitative and qualitative analysis of agricultural markets, trade and related policies.
Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical / Functional Skills
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly field positions.
Experience in commodity market monitoring and assessment, outlook studies and projections.
Knowledge of global food commodity markets.
Experience in analysing meat or dairy markets.
Proven ability to conduct analysis of production, consumption, stocks, trade and prices and prepare analytical reports.
Knowledge of relevant analytical tools and software packages for large datasets.
Experience providing policy support to countries.
Experience organising international meetings, seminars and workshops.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
Job Details
Job posting: 09 Dec 2025
Closure date: 31 Dec 2025, 12:59 AM
Organizational unit: EST
Job type: Staff position
Type of requisition: Professional
Grade level: P‑3
Primary location: Italy – Rome
Duration: Fixed‑term two years with possibility of extension
Equal Opportunity Employer
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals from under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
All FAO staff uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and promote FAO’s values.
FAO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
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