Food and nutrition security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is highly influenced by national, regional, and global economic trends. Policies, strategies, and programmes to address food insecurity and malnutrition in MENA region therefore need to be based on sound economic analysis.

Recognizing this, the World Food Programme (WFP) regionally is seeking to further enhance its internal capacity related to economic analysis/forecasting. The position of Senior Economist will spearhead that effort.

The post-holder will be based in the WFP Regional Bureau in Cairo, Egypt reporting to the Regional Head of Programme. S/he will also be expected to travel frequently, including to hard-to-reach and insecure environments.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Programme and working in coordination with other parts of the Regional Bureau and field-based teams, the Senior Economist will be responsible for the following tasks (among other things):

Economic analysis and forecasting

• Ensure that WFP is systematically monitoring economic trends across the region and that WFP strategies and programmes are based on sound economic analysis
• Contribute to WFP regional efforts to anticipate economic shocks that pose a threat to food security and nutrition, and identify appropriate early actions
• Support WFP to systematically monitor the cost-effectiveness of its food-, cash- and voucher operations in view of fluctuations in the economy (e.g. currency depreciation, inflation)

Policy and advisory

• Produce and circulate regular, “bite-size” economic briefings to WFP colleagues on economic trends that are of direct relevance to WFP’s mandate and work in the region
• Assist WFP’s government counterparts to understand the potential impact of economic policy choices (e.g. subsidy reforms) on food security and nutrition

Capacity building

• Provide remote and on-site support to field-based colleagues, with a view to building their capacity in economic analysis and forecasting.

Partnership and representation  

• Represent WFP in relevant external fora and meetings, with a view to strengthening WFP’s visibility and partnerships with key stakeholders

Other tasks

• Any other duties, as required by the Head of Programme or RBC Management

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

University degrees in economics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels

Experience

• At least twelve (12) years of relevant professional work experience in total, of which at least three (3) years have been spent working in a middle-/low-income setting
• At least five (5) years working in the field of humanitarian/development assistance for IFIs, the UN, NGOs, donors, think tanks and/or another relevant entity

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of economics with considerable work experience in the field of economics at the international level
• Demonstrable track record of conducting economic analysis and providing policy guidance to governments and/or humanitarian/development practitioners
• Prior experience of leading, or contributing towards, empirical economic research projects in the field of economics
• Ability to write clear and concise advisory briefs for senior management on a range of economic issues.

Preferable

• Familiarity with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) context including prior experience of working in the region
• Technical expertise in food security and/or malnutrition

Languages:

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Intermediate knowledge of second official UN language, especially Arabic and/or French would be considered an advantage

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Sunday, 31 July 2022 (Midnight Egypt time)