Agricultural Economist OECD
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
Paris, France
Job ID: 08328
Description
We are looking for an experienced Agricultural Economist to design, manage and conduct economic analyses of agricultural policy issues in relation to agricultural commodity markets. Within the director’s office, the incumbent will undertake independent research as well as work in close co-operation with market and policy analysts in the Trade and Agriculture Directorate and in other International Organisations, in particular the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The primary responsibility is to contribute to the design and delivery of policy information, analysis and advice in support of the new global Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS), housed at the FAO, as well as the associated Rapid Response Forum (RRF), chaired by a rotating presidency chosen annually by G20 countries. The incumbent will represent OECD on the AMIS Secretariat and undertake both substantive analytical, drafting and coordination duties. Close liaison with other AMIS Secretariat staff will be an integral part of on-going responsibilities and significant time will be spent at FAO Headquarters in Rome, on both a regular and ad hoc basis.
Main Responsibilities
Research and drafting
Working in close collaboration with other members of the AMIS Secretariat:
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a web-based information collection system to elicit up-to-date policy information from major importing and exporting countries, in relation to policy areas that are relevant for understanding commodity market trends, situations and prospects.
- Integrate and reconcile policy information from countries participating in AMIS with relevant policy information from other sources (OECD and other international and regional organisation experts, media reports, etc).
- Synthesize and interpret available policy information on an on-going basis in order to: prepare policy notes for inclusion in periodic short-term market bulletins; contribute policy information and advice to longer term (annual) analyses of relevant market and policy developments; contribute policy insights to ad hoc reports that may be required by ‘abnormal’ market or policy developments.
- Define and make operational a series of policy indicators suitable for monitoring and, where feasible, anticipating commodity market developments with implications for food security.
- Undertake or supervise analyses of topics of particular relevance to global commodity markets, as and when needed; contribute’ special’ analytical reports for publication under the responsibility of the AMIS Secretariat (for example, the role of biofuel policies in commodity price formation, oil price trends as a leading indicator of food price developments, etc.)
Co-ordination and liaison
- Ensure communication and co-ordination between the AMIS Secretariat and the OECD on all relevant matters;
- Contribute to the development of methods and protocols which will govern the work of the AMIS Secretariat, including as regards the routine and ‘exceptional circumstances’ communication with the RRF, national government contacts, other IOs, and media;
- Establish and maintain regular contacts with national and international experts, governmental and non-governmental organisations working in the above-mentioned areas. Attend international meetings whenever required on behalf of the OECD.
Candidate’s profile
Academic Background
- An advanced university degree in economics or agricultural economics
Professional Background
- Three to seven years’ experience in agricultural market and policy analysis; knowledge of the policies affecting the supply, demand and trade of agricultural products;
- Demonstrated experience in drafting reports. Experience in making public presentations would be an asset.
Tools
- Expertise in database development and management
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of one of the official languages of the Organization (English and French);
- A working knowledge of the other official language would be an asset as would knowledge of other languages of Member countries.
Key Competencies
- Strong quantitative skills, including; practical experience in the quantitative assessment of policy and market scenarios;
- Ability to conceptualize, design and both implement and manage, as required, analytical projects to address policy and market issues identified as priorities;
- Very good organisational and interpersonal skills; the ability both to take initiative and work independently and to work effectively as a member of a multicultural team;
- Ability to draft quickly and concisely, to communicate ideas and results clearly and convincingly and to participate in discussions on agricultural policy issues.
Post a Comment