About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking an Economist (Markets and Trade) to provide specialized economic and market expertise to support the analysis of selected socially significant food products in Kazakhstan. The assignment is carried out within the framework of an FAO project implemented in cooperation with the Government of Kazakhstan to strengthen agricultural market analysis, food supply chain resilience, and evidence-based decision-making. The project includes a pilot implementation in the Akmola Region focusing on warehouse infrastructure inventory, supply chain analysis, and commodity balances. The total duration of the assignment is 30 working days, which includes an 8-day field mission to Kazakhstan.
Salary and benefits
- Remuneration as a Consultant or PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
- Professional engagement with United Nations experts and national stakeholders
- Field mission to Kazakhstan including around 8 working days
Who can apply?
- For Consultants: Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, development economics, agribusiness, food economics, or a related field (a bachelor's degree may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience)
- For PSAs: University degree in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, development economics, agribusiness, food economics, or a related field
- Degrees must be from an institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, food markets, commodity market analysis, international trade, price analysis, food security economics, or related fields
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English
Required documents
- Online profile containing accurate employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 07 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2026 at 6:59 PM (UTC)
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile with employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- Qualifications must be obtained from an institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO WHED list and aligned with ISCED mappings
- Selected candidates are subject to background checks, medical clearance, and security clearances
- Knowledge of Russian and experience in Central Asia or Kazakhstan are considered distinct assets
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with an advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, international trade, development economics, agribusiness, or food economics (or a bachelor's degree with two additional years of experience for consultants).
- Candidates possessing at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, food markets, commodity market analysis, or food security.
- Individuals with a working knowledge (Level C) of English.
- Experts familiar with or open to conducting an 8-day field mission to Kazakhstan.
What should you think carefully about?
- The assignment is strictly limited to a total duration of 30 working days.
- Although home-based, the role requires an 8-day field mission to Kazakhstan, requiring short-term travel feasibility.
- Compensation is tied strictly to the completion of the 30-working-day milestone rather than a recurring salary.
- Knowledge of Russian and prior experience in Central Asia are distinct assets that may disadvantage applicants lacking them.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 30-day assignment fits independent agricultural economists and trade experts seeking a targeted, high-impact consulting engagement. It aligns well with professionals who want to contribute specialized food supply chain analysis to government-backed resilience projects without committing to a full-time staff role.
Our take
Experienced trade and agricultural economists available for short-term deliverables and a field mission to Kazakhstan should apply. Those seeking ongoing employment or lacking commodity market expertise will find it unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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