col-wideJob Description:Reporting LinesUnder the overall guidance of the FAO Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, the technical supervision of the FAO SLC Trade and Markets Officer, and in close consultation with concerned technical officers, the incumbent will provide technical support to FAO's Value Chain Development and Agribusiness project portfolio in the region.Technical FocusThe objectives of the assignment are threefold. Firstly, to support the developing of financial models for agricultural business opportunities across the region, particularly for small holder farmers. Areas of focus include ongoing work on insect rearing, fish silage, cocoa, horticulture, fruits, livestock, and aquaculture interventions. Secondly, this assignment also aims to complement, contribute to and further develop FAO's Value Chain Development methodology across the Caribbean region by increasing financial and business strategy information available to farmers and agribusinesses to promote increased investment in the agricultural sector. Finally, this assignment also aims to work with, develop and train national public officers, private stakeholders, and lead farmers in the design, and application of those tools.Tasks and responsibilities• Compile, analyze, synthesize, and package agricultural business case information for target audiences (farmers, processors, financial institutions).• Provide agribusiness and financial advisory support to farmers/agribusinesses to develop targeted business models, improve feasibility in their operations, provide guidance in business development options, and development of relevant business risk mitigation options.• Engage with agricultural sector stakeholders, target banks, companies, development banks and investors to attract increased financing and investment in targeted agricultural value chains and agribusinesses.• Connect with stakeholders including farmers, production experts, processors, financial institutions, and impact investors to gather data and intelligence to prepare and validate business profiles for investment.• Train national agricultural extension and other technical officers to provide accounting, record keeping, costs of production, and basic business development support to farmers.• Provide support to maintain and strengthen relationships with target public institutions including agriculture ministries, export promotion agencies, and development and investment banks to support the adoption of the case for action for finance.• Promote increased access of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to suitable commercial financial services.• Provide agribusiness and access to finance support to FAOs value chain development projects and programme across the Caribbean region.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements• University degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness business management and operations, finance management or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.• Minimum five years of experience working in agribusiness development and financing, development of microfinance products, rural finance, and/or agri-insurance.• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBSFAO Core Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Experience in development of cost of production assessments in agriculture is an advantage.• Experience in agricultural production and/or farm management is an asset.• Experience in providing business strategy advice to small businesses.• Work experience working in the Caribbean is preferred.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and TransparencyADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO listPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the FAO employment websiteAppointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
