Organizational Setting

Agriculture is one of Cambodia’s key economic drivers and the Royal Government of Cambodia recognizes the critical role played by the agricultural sector in contributing to jobs, food security, poverty reduction and the rural economy. Cambodia has a population of 16 million, of which approximately 60% live rurally. Agriculture, which includes forestry and fishing, accounts for 22.8% of Cambodia’s GDP. About 57% of Cambodian households were involved in agricultural production, or just over 2 million of the country’s 3.5 million households. The crucial function of the agriculture sector in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2019 – 2023 and the Agricultural Sector Strategic Development Plan 2019-2023. In turn, statistics about this sector are essential to inform decision making, program and policy development, and progress measurement at national and subnational levels.

Cambodia is conducting its second agricultural census in 2023 (CAC2023), following its first agricultural census in 2013 (CAC2013). Agricultural censuses provide structural information about the sector, its people and their activities, as well as a sampling frame to conduct nationally representative inter-censal surveys. The information collected includes information on the size of the holding, sex of the holder, land tenure, land use, area harvested, crops produced, livestock raised, and inputs used (irrigation, labour, machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, credit, etc.).

The National Institute of Statistics of the Ministry of Planning (NIS-MOP) is the lead government agency mandated to produce official statistics and conduct nationally representative surveys and censuses in Cambodia, and the lead agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) in implementing CAC2023. FAO is involved through a Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) providing technical support and capacity development to these lead agencies.

The outcome of this census would strengthen national capacities in adopting new guidelines and practices in agricultural statistics processes and ensure internationally comparable agriculture statistics. It would enhance ownership and autonomy of the national agricultural statistical system and strengthen statistical governance by ensuring strong engagement between agriculture data producers and data users in the national and sub-national governments. It would provide agricultural stakeholders with the means to make informed, inclusive and gender-responsive policy decisions and investments based on accurate statistical data.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist (Agriculture Statistics) will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Cambodia, and the technical guidance of the Regional Statistician and in collaboration with the Statistician in Cambodia, in accordance with all policies and procedures relating to employment by FAO. The incumbent will work in good collaboration and coordination with government counterparts from National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), in close cooperation with other FAO team members (relevant FAO-RAP and FAO country staff).

Technical Focus 

•    Agricultural data analysis and reporting
•    Statistical capacity building
•    Agricultural census implementation, monitoring and improvement
•    Agricultural data dissemination

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will assist the National Institute of Statistics of the Ministry of Planning (NIS-MOP) with the data validation, analysis and reporting of the CAC 2023, the consultant will carry out:
•    Assist in conducting consistency checks and validation of the census outputs and support the finalization of the Data Tabulation for the CAC 2023;
•    Provide advice on selecting important tables for the final census report;
•    Prepare and conduct training in data validation, analysis, and reporting;
•    Strengthen the capacity of NIS and MAFF staff to analyze, report on and present census data independently;
•    Organize trainings and other meetings as required with other national counterparts, international and national programs, stakeholders, and partners, in accordance with FAO policy guidelines;
•    Support NIS in drafting the final census report in English;
•    Coordinate and support NIS to align agricultural surveys within a broader suite of statistical activities to ensure synergies, including CAMSTAT, the Cambodia Agriculture Survey and other data dissemination efforts;
•    Prepare a mission report summarizing the work done, findings, conclusions and recommendations for follow-up.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in applied mathematics, statistics, economics, or related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant working experience in statistical data analysis, preferably applied to agriculture
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Strong experience in data analysis and national statistics (preferably within the agricultural sector)
•    Demonstrated experience with data management and reporting, training and capacity building
•    Ability to engage and deal with technical partners at FAO and within the Cambodian government
•    Experience working in multicultural teams is desirable

Selection Criteria 

•    Experience in the agriculture sector in Cambodia, including agricultural policy, economics, statistics or analysis
•    Experience in data dissemination strategy development and knowledge management
•    Qualifications meeting the minimum requirements
•    Demonstrate qualification and experience meeting technical focus and functional skills
•    Demonstrate capacity to address the FAO core competencies