FAO Agricultural Statistician (Consultant/PSA) 2026 – Apply Now
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is currently accepting applications for the position of Agricultural Statistician (Vacancy No. 2600638). This opportunity is offered under a Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA) and is ideal for professionals with expertise in agricultural statistics, survey design, and data analysis.
The position is home-based, with a contract duration of up to 11 months, extendable based on performance and project needs. The application deadline is 7 April 2026 (23:59 local time).
This role provides a unique chance to contribute to sustainable agricultural development, food security, and data-driven policy-making in Moldova while collaborating with FAO, regional partners, and national institutions.
About FAO and the Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized United Nations agency that supports global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on building efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems.
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads programs that improve agricultural productivity, rural development, and food security. In Moldova, FAO works closely with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to modernize agricultural statistics, align methodologies with European Union standards, and improve data quality and comparability.
The Agricultural Statistician will directly support these initiatives, providing technical guidance and strengthening national agricultural data systems.
Role Overview
The Agricultural Statistician serves as a technical expert, offering support across the agricultural statistics production cycle. This includes survey design, data collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination.
The role involves collaboration with FAO teams, national authorities, and regional partners, ensuring that data systems meet international standards and support evidence-based policy-making.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will undertake a variety of technical and coordination tasks, including:
• Supporting capacity-building activities through virtual or in-person training workshops
• Assisting in planning and implementing agricultural censuses and surveys
• Designing sampling frameworks and survey methodologies
• Developing Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) tools
• Managing data collection, processing, and statistical analysis
• Computing agricultural indicators based on survey data
• Preparing statistical reports and micro-data sharing tools
• Contributing to methodological documentation and technical notes
• Coordinating with national stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation
This position combines technical expertise with practical collaboration, making it ideal for candidates who enjoy both data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
Reporting Structure
The Agricultural Statistician will report to:
• FAO Representative in Moldova (overall supervision)
• REU Statistician (technical supervision)
• Collaborate closely with the National Bureau of Statistics and other national partners
This structure ensures strong support and clear guidance while enabling the consultant to contribute effectively to national and regional objectives.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Background
• University degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, or a related field
• PhD is considered an advantage, reducing required professional experience
Professional Experience
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in agricultural statistics, economics, or survey management
• Experience in survey design, data processing, and capacity-building programs
• Candidates with a PhD may qualify with 2 years of experience
• Language Proficiency
•Working knowledge of English or Russian (Level C)
Core Competencies
FAO seeks candidates who demonstrate:
• Results focus and accountability
• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
These qualities are essential for successfully navigating complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
Technical Skills
Ideal candidates will also possess:
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively
• Proficiency in statistical tools and data analysis
• Experience with R programming, GIS software, and Google Earth Engine
• Prior experience with FAO or other international organizations is an advantage
• Knowledge of an additional FAO language (French, Spanish, or others) is a plus
These technical skills enable the Agricultural Statistician to analyze data efficiently, produce high-quality outputs, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply via the FAO online recruitment portal. The process involves:
• Completing an online profile with personal, academic, and professional details
• Submitting a letter of motivation
• Ensuring all required information is complete before submission
Important notes:
• Only applications submitted through the official FAO portal are considered
• Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified
• Candidates may be required to provide references and undergo background checks
• FAO does not charge any fees during recruitment
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Additional Information
FAO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from:
• Women
• Nationals of underrepresented member countries
• 42Persons with disabilities
All employees are expected to uphold FAO’s core values of integrity, transparency, and 11k respect. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, discrimination, or misconduct.
FAO also emphasizes environmental sustainability in its operations and programming.
Why Apply?
This position provides a unique opportunity to:
• Contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural development
• Work within a leading United Nations agency
• Engage in high-impact statistical and policy-related work
• Collaborate with international experts and national institutions
• Strengthen agricultural data systems and capacity in Moldova
This role is particularly suited for candidates who are passionate about data-driven decision-making, agricultural development, and international collaboration.
Key Highlights
• Position: Agricultural Statistician (Consultant / PSA)
• Location: Home-based (remote)
• Contract Duration: Up to 11 months, extendable
• Application Deadline: 7 April 2026 (23:59)
• Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN
Tips for a Strong Application
• Demonstrate technical expertise in agricultural statistics and survey design
• Highlight previous experience in capacity-building and data systems development
• Showcase skills in data analysis tools like R, GIS, and CAPI
• Emphasize collaboration experience with national institutions or international organizations
• Clearly communicate motivation and alignment with FAO’s mission
A well-prepared application will significantly increase the chances of selection in this competitive recruitment process.