CAR: Principal National Consultant, Agroeconomist

Feb 6, 2021 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
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Governments around the world have implemented a wide range of prevention and mitigation measures to control and contain the spread of Covid-19 and limit its health, economic and social consequences. The potential economic impacts of comprehensive and necessary containment measures on poor and vulnerable households in urban and rural areas are clear. In addition, there is growing recognition and concern that policy actions could have significant negative impacts on the entire food system, especially if policies are not coordinated, inconsistent (across sectors) and based on limited evidence. 

It is with this in mind that the Central African Government is requesting technical assistance and support from FAO to: (i) collect information on the impact of COVID-19 and related mitigation measures on food systems; (ii) develop effective policy responses to reduce the negative impact on food supply, distribution and consumption, on the one hand in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors; and (iii) minimize negative economic impacts on vulnerable rural populations, on the other hand.

In collaboration with the government, national and international partners, in particular United Nations agencies and international financial institutions (for example, the World Bank), FAO will contribute to impact assessments, the continuous monitoring of these impacts and to identifying strong policy responses, ensuring that they are fully aligned with other related sector responses.

In particular, FAO will help the government determine the short-term impact on food supply and demand across the country.

On the supply side: (i) The impact of transport restrictions and quarantine measures on farmers' access to input and product markets, production capacities and product outlets (including implications for farmers' income and post-harvest losses); (ii) The potential impact of labor shortages resulting from COVID-19 mitigation measures, and the consequences for agricultural production and intermediate activities along the value chain, in particular for crops labor intensive and for the main processing and marketing activities; (iii) The impact of transport and related logistical constraints on the supply of rural and urban markets with fresh produce, assessed in terms of both reduction in supply and increase in food loss and waste; (iv) The impact of trade restrictions and related constraints on food prices (both for local productions and for imported products).

On the demand side: (i) The impact on household food security, due for example to the decline in purchasing power, especially among the most vulnerable groups; (ii) The impact of declining income on food consumption and nutrition, particularly among the most vulnerable groups; (iii) The impact of social and physical risks of distancing and transmission on consumer behavior, including, for example, the behavior of retailers with respect to stores and markets and food choices; (iv) Adaptation strategies of hotels, restaurants, and the impact on supply chains and food loss and waste.

As part of this TCFP, FAO will collaborate with government partners ( Studies and Planning Departments of the concerned ministries; Central African Agency for Agricultural Development; National Agency for Livestock Development; etc.) to collect and analyze this information, put monitoring systems in place and designing effective short and long-term policy responses that minimize the negative impact of COVID-19 on national food systems and maximize potential contributions to the country's achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals .

Hierarchical position

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in the Central African Republic and under the technical supervision of the SFC sub-regional Technical Officer, and in close cooperation with the other National Consultants associated with this Project, the Senior National Consultant Agro-economist will perform the following tasks. below and produce, under the conditions described, the expected results.

Area of ​​specialization 

Agronomy, rural statistics, agricultural economics, social sciences

Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Prepare the detailed consolidated work plan relating to the impact assessment of Covid-19 on food systems and food security in the Central African Republic to be submitted to the FAO Senior Technical Officer for review and endorsement;
  • Ensure the general implementation of project activities;
  • Coordinate the participation of the team of impact study consultants;
  • Lead the technical aspects of the design and implementation of the evaluation and subsequent monitoring activities of the project;
  • Coordinate the conduct and monitoring of the evaluation in the field;
  • Ensure the preparation of contracts, memoranda of understanding, subcontracting and partnership with implementing partners;
  • Report periodically (every month) on the results of the project and propose orientations for the achievement of the objectives of the project;
  • Prepare a final project report on the results of the evaluation with inputs from other national consultants, submit it to FAO FTP for review, finalization and endorsement.

For each project:

  • Plan and organize training sessions;
  • Monitor the collection of economic data, including specific indicators to be analyzed;
  • Ensure the processing and analysis of the data collected;
  • Present the results of the analysis and develop the associated maps;
  • Prepare and submit to FAO technical reports on project activities as needed (end of mission reports; interim reports) presenting project results and proposing guidelines for achieving project objectives;
  • Prepare a final consultation report with inputs from other national consultants, submit it to FAO for review, finalization and endorsement;
  • Undertake any other tasks deemed necessary to accomplish the objectives of the project.

Applications will be considered with regard to the following criteria:

Minimum conditions to be fulfilled   

  • Be a national of the Central African Republic or reside in the country with a work permit;
  • Advanced university degree in economics, rural economics or equivalent degree; with at least ten years of experience
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, economic analysis, value chain analysis and food security;
  • Fluent knowledge of French (level C). Knowledge of English is an asset;
  • Good computer skills: knowledge of "Word and Excel" software is compulsory;

Basic skills required by FAO

  • Be results oriented
  • To have team spirit
  • Communication skills
  • Establish constructive relationships.
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical / functional skills

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work in a team in a multidisciplinary environment
  • Ability to plan, organize tasks and coordinate the activities of a work group
  • Good analytical and conceptualization skills;
  • Good communication skills: ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in written and spoken form;
  • Educational and communication skills;
  • Experiences with the United Nations System is an advantage.
  • Good knowledge of the national agricultural sector development policy;
  • In-depth understanding of the relevant economic parameters of the country 
  • Strong experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis in the agricultural sector and food security;
  • Proven experience in the analysis of emergency situations is an important asset;

  
 Please note that all applicants must adhere to FAO's values ​​- commitment to the Organization, respect for each other, integrity and transparency .

Further Information

  • FAO does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing of the file).
  • Incomplete application files will not be examined. For questions or assistance, contact Careers@fao.org  : .
  • Applications received after the closing date of the notice will not be accepted.
  • Only language proficiency diplomas issued by external providers recognized by the United Nations and / or the results of official FAO examinations (level B and C language proficiency exams and language recruitment test) will be accepted as certification of the level of knowledge of the languages ​​indicated in the online application form.
  • For further questions, please see the Employment at FAO webpage: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/fr/

How to Apply


To apply, please complete the online application form on the FAO recruitment website, Jobs at FAO . Incomplete application files will not be examined. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to register their application by allowing ample time before the deadline.
For assistance, write to:  Careers@fao.org .