National Agricultural Statistics Specialist

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Nigeria and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programmes (AFAOR-P) and the Coordinator of the Surveys team of the FAO Statistical Division in Rome, the consultant will work i) as a focal point for the implementation of the two projects implemented with the support technician of the FAO Statistical Division in Nigeria: the 50x initiative and the Global Strategy for Improving Agricultural and Rural Statistics and ii) as support for the operations unit in areas linked to monitoring the tools used and operational planning, answering the following tasks within the 50x and GSARS-II projects and within the Operations Unit of the FAO Representation in Nigeria. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (Directorate of Agricultural and Environmental Statistics), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), and the FAO Survey Team towards the implementation of the work plans jointly identified by the two institutions. In particular, s/he is expected to accomplish the following tasks:

Technical Focus

Support FAO Nigeria in providing technical assistance (TA) for preparation and implementation of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC). The NASC is the first agricultural sample census conducted in the country for nearly 30 years and fill a critical gap in the national statistical system. Given the expansive nature of conducting an agricultural census, the country, and more specifically the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), need technical assistance to implement and analyse the NASC according to international standards.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support in the organization and logistics of meetings, preparation of agendas, preparation of informative notes, ensuring the participation of interested parties in online and in-person meetings.
• Support in the preparation and conduct of international expert missions and GSARS training on AGPROD and INDICATORS packages and 50 x Initiative planning,
• Participate in all technical and coordination meetings of both projects and prepare summary notes.
• Contribute to the organization of the dissemination event of NASC data (Information and Communication Technologies aspects) and computation of Indicators (CAADP).
• Support in organizing regular project coordination meetings and other engagements, manage invitations, mobilize participants, and support preparation of meeting notes and ensure follow up on required action points.
• Advise the FAO Representation on matters relating agricultural, food security data, statistics and contribute to preparation of technical elements for briefs, reports, FAOR speaking points, concept motes and other relevant documents from time to time, liaise with other projects in the domain of agricultural development.
• Represent FAO Country office in relevant coordination platforms and technical working groups at country level.
• Identify the critical technical limitation of the NBS and FMAFS related to agricultural statistics for planning future technical assistance.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

• Advanced university degree in Statistics, Agricultural Economics or University degree in Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Social Science with at least more than 5 years post qualification experience. 
• 3 years of relevant experience working in analysing, interpretation, and application of data for planning, decisions making, and monitoring in agricultural sector in support of rural development and food security.
• Relevant experience in producing high quality and timely statistical data in the agricultural and rural sector, integrating production data with data on the technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects of agricultural holdings.
• Working knowledge of English and any relevant local language in Nigeria.
• Nationale of Nigeria

FAO Core 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the use of statistical tools for data collection, analysis, and processing.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the use and application of Microsoft suits.
• Familiarity with farm base data modules for agriculture and food security surveys.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing). Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications. For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: size="2"> Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.