Senior Technical Adviser

Senior Technical Adviser role at FAO. Organizational Setting FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis and provides evidence-based support to national, regional and global policy processes and initiatives related to monitoring and analysing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness and value chain development, rural transformation, food security and nutrition, information and analysis, resilience, bioeconomy and climate-smart agriculture. The Division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI). It also leads the technical work on the Roadmap to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) without breaching the 1.5°C threshold. The post is located in the Strategic Foresight, Structural transformation and Bioeconomy Pillar of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Reporting Lines The Senior Technical Adviser reports to the Director, ESA. Technical Focus This position leads the division's work on Strategic Foresight across global, regional, and national levels, with a particular emphasis on the long-term structural transformation of agrifood systems and economies, especially in the context of the bioeconomy. The role involves managing and contributing to technical analyses under the Strategic Foresight, Structural Transformation, and Bioeconomy pillar, ensuring that evidence-based insights are effectively integrated into reports and related outputs. A key responsibility is to facilitate collaboration with other FAO units, particularly technical divisions focused on agricultural production and natural resources, to ensure that the organization's biophysical expertise is appropriately embedded within the economic analysis and modeling conducted by ESA. The position also coordinates the editorial and publication work for the Future of Food and Agriculture report series and the FAO Global Roadmap to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of climate actions. It fosters partnerships with UN agencies, research centers, academic institutions to strengthen the analytical foundation of foresight and bioeconomy-related work. In addition, the role provides policy advice grounded in rigorous evidence to support national and international efforts aimed at the long-term sustainability of agrifood systems and the promotion of an effective science-policy interface. Key Results Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework. Key Functions Leads the development, implementation and evaluation on technical issues of assigned programmes/projects; directs the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessment of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects as well as the preparation of impact evaluations or equivalent studies. Supervis preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports as well as studies, and inputs to publications. Directs substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, to include the proposition of agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars; and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. Provides advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work. Specific Functions Provides strategic oversight for the development and implementation of innovative methodologies and analytical tools to conduct strategic foresight exercises that strengthen sustainable development, enhance food security and nutrition, and build resilience. Leads multidisciplinary horizon-scanning initiatives to monitor scientific advancements relevant to the long-term economic transformation of agrifood systems. Ensures the integration of evidence-based analysis into foresight and bioeconomy-related workstreams, maintaining analytical rigor, policy relevance, and internal consistency. Oversees editorial production of the Future of Food and Agriculture (FOFA) report series, the FAO Global Roadmap for achieving food security and nutrition in the context of climate actions, and other analytical outputs including technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products focused on foresight, the economic impact of scientific innovation, and structural shifts driven by the bioeconomy. Translates strategic foresight findings into actionable recommendations that inform FAO's strategic framework and programmatic priorities. Provides technical leadership and mentorship to staff, supporting the application of advanced scientific techniques such as systematic evidence reviews, modeling, and quantitative science-policy analysis. Fosters collaboration with UN agencies, UN Country Teams, development partners, and national governments to promote integrated policy approaches across agriculture, food security, nutrition, and sustainable development. Builds and sustains partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, and think tanks to strengthen the scientific foundation of foresight and bioeconomy work. Contributes to the development of policy advice and technical assistance grounded in robust evidence, supporting Member Nations in designing and monitoring long-term agrifood strategies. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, physics, chemistry or biology, or a related field. Ten years of relevant experience in using various economic analysis methods across a wide range of topics, including food security and nutrition. Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Competencies Results Focus Leading, Engaging and Empowering Communication Partnering and Advocating Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Strategic Thinking Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential. Extent and relevance of experience in drafting and coordinating high-level analytical and flagship reports in a multilateral or intergovernmental context. Extent and relevance of experience in performing multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral economic analysis across various thematic areas. Strong understanding of policy processes at global, regional, and national levels, particularly those related to food security and nutrition, sustainable development, resilience and agrifood systems. Excellent capacity to assess the quality of scientific evidence and translate them into actionable recommendations for decision makers. Extent and relevance of experience in policy analysis and the provision of policy advice on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) and resilience, including at the individual, household, community, and agrifood systems levels. Knowledge of resilience concepts, metrics, and measurement approaches as they relate to agrifood systems, livelihoods, and shocks. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, building consensus and fostering partnerships across sectors and institutions. Job Information Job Posting: 17/Dec/2025Closure Date: 08/Jan/2026, 1:59:00 AMOrganizational Unit: ESAJob Type: Staff positionType of Requisition: ProfessionalGrade Level: P-5Primary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extensionPost Number: 0087769CCOG Code: 1A11 FAO Diversity and Inclusion FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values. FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr