Statistical/Research Assistant
Grade: G-5
Organizational Setting
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 Nations. In addition, the Division disseminates many publications working papers and statistical yearbooks, that cover agricultural and food security relevant statistics (including prices, investments, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data).
The position is located in the Statistics Division (ESS) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Main Purpose
The Statistical/Research Assistant performs and coordinates the full range of technical, procedural and record-keeping support duties contributing to statistical data collection and presentation. The incumbent ensures quality, validity and consistency of data and information produced and presented within the area of responsibility.
Supervision Received/Exercised
The Statistical/Research Assistant works under direct supervision of the Senior Statistician/Team Leader of the Crops, Livestock and Food Statistics (CLFS) 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.
Work is performed with initiative and independent judgement. Managerial guidance received is focused on the quality and validity of results. The incumbent may provide procedural and technical guidance to other statistical support staff.
Working Relationships
The incumbent interacts, supports and cooperates with managers and staff on various levels within the Division, the entire Organization, including Decentralized Offices and external partners, in collecting and providing statistical information and analysis.
Key Functions/Results
• Select and extract relevant data to be used for construction and updating of databases or other statistical material; assist with specialized research and regularly update statistical information available in the Organization's Website.
• Draft and edit statistical reports, including tables and graphs for analysis.
• Review data prior to processing for computer storage or analysis; cross check data in a database to identify and redress inconsistencies.
• Assist with the production of tabulations for publications and/or ad hoc reports; use and customize statistical software to respond to data editing requests from a variety of clients.
• Prepare statistical material and documentation for internal and international meetings.
• Use statistical software to assist with specific analyses and programme edits, such as to identify or forecast events, patterns and causal flows.
• Provide guidance to staff on relevant statistical methods, systems and procedures; orient and train other statistical support staff in the work unit.
• Recommend improvements to operating procedures and systems used.
• Perform other duties as required.
Impact Of Work
The incumbent's work impacts directly on quality and consistency of statistical and research support activities. The incumbent plays a lead role in the provision of statistical programme support services for successful achievement of the organizational unit's mandate
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Four years of experience in statistical support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
IT Skills: Very 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 valid visa to work or a valid 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
• Thorough knowledge of global agricultural production and trade statistics.
• Thorough knowledge of contemporary software used for data compilation and analysis (i.e. Microsoft Excel).
• Thorough knowledge of relevant corporate computerized systems, policies and procedures.
Desirable Qualifications And Skills
• Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Very good knowledge of the corporate structure and corporate statistical governance mechanisms.
• Very good knowledge of Central Product Classification (CPC) and “Harmonized System (HS) international classifications.
• Very good knowledge of statistical software (i.e, R).
• Very good knowledge of Food Balance Sheets methodology used by FAO.