Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO’s activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human well-being, food security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up-to-date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The Division is also responsible for FAO’s activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance and restoration, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices; development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.

The post is located in the Statistics Team (NFISS) of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Main Purpose

The Statistical/Research Assistant performs a variety of routine technical, procedural and record-keeping support duties contributing to statistical data collection and presentation.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Statistical/Research Assistant works under direct supervision of the Senior Fishery Officer/Team Leader of the Statistics Team of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division and receives guidance from the Statistical Associate of the Team. He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received provides for technical and procedural guidance and on-the-job learning opportunities.

Working Relationships

The Statistical/Research Assistant engages with colleagues from within the work unit and with immediate clients supported, providing routine and standard services in assistance of data collection, analysis and presentation.

Key Functions/Results

•    Compile data from source material such as questionnaires, publications, surveys, research projects, websites, reports, databases, etc.
•    Verify completeness and accuracy of source data delivered to FAO by external stakeholder.
•    Review specific indicators and apply routine statistical methods to check the validity and to identify any statistical discrepancies.
•    Enter, retrieve and update data from existing databases.
•    Process/compute statistical data according to formulae; assemble related outputs following prescribed procedures and instructions received; abstract and highlight specific features of data.
•    Prepare standard statistical reports, tables and diagrams to show evidence and comparison of statistical information to facilitate further review and analysis.
•    Prepare country notes on the availability and quality of national statistics and update internal metadata system.
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Work

The Statistical/Research Assistant participates as part of a team in the provision of statistical and research support services. Actions reflect on the immediate and wider work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Two years of experience in administrative and/ or data processing support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English.
IT Skills: 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 visa/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

•    Knowledge and ability to independently operate contemporary software used in statistics, including R and/or Stata, and data search techniques. Ability to program and manage codes in these environments would be assets.
•    Knowledge and ability to independently operate relevant corporate computerized systems, policies and procedures.
•    Knowledge of communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

•    Knowledge and ability to spot errors and proactively communicate them for solutions.
•    Ability to draft quickly, clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively in English.
•    Previous working experience in statistical domains and tasks.
•    Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).