Reporting LinesThe Agribusiness Officer (Market Linkages and Value Chains) reports to the Chief, Asia and the Pacific Service of the FAO Investment Centre.
Technical FocusProvide analytical and technical support on agribusiness and value chains development, functioning of agricultural support services, market linkages, and rural market and finance institutions aspects, in close collaboration with the relevant private sector stakeholders, for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of investment policies, strategies, programmes and projects in food and agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing.Key ResultsDelivering investment and finance support solutions through the provision of technical expertise/assistance and support to capacity development, in collaboration with country stakeholders and cooperating partners, to achieve impact at scale in the transformation of agrifood systems within the scope of the FAO Strategic Framework.Key Functions• Participates in, and eventually leads, multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in the identification and preparation of investment and finance support initiatives in the fields of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing, and participates in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions.• Participates in, and eventually leads, multidisciplinary teams for the implementation support and the preparation of final evaluation of investment and finance support solutions.• Provides technical expertise for the preparation of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing studies and strategies, in the formulation of national sector and/or sub-sector investment plans and programmes.• Supports the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems involving producers, their organizations, other private sector actors, civil society organizations and government.• Formulates and delivers capacity development strategies and activities in the areas of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing investment support to government staff, non-state actors and private sector organizations.• Prepares documents in accordance with the requirements of FAO, governments and financing partners' requirements.• Provides support in task organization, selection of consultants, preparation of terms of reference and in ensuring the quality of outputs.• Promotes international cooperation and collaboration leading to new investment opportunities and cooperative agreements, advocates best practices and effective policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international meetings.• Establishes, promotes and maintains relationships with relevant Strategic Programmes, FAO technical units and Decentralized Offices in order to ensure best synergies between investment, policy and innovation work in support to Members.• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.• Provides guidance and advice to junior staff.Specific Functions• Contributes to the analysis of selected agrifood value chains, with high interaction with relevant public, private and civil society stakeholders.• Assesses constraints and opportunities for investments along selected value chains, in relation to private sector engagement, markets and market institutions, existence and performance of support services, trade policies, risk management systems, food safety standards adoption and control systems, among others.• Identifies and analyses agricultural investment-related policy issues and provides agri-business related solutions.• Engages with private sector stakeholders, including upstream and downstream value chain actors, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), farmers and their organizations, agribusiness companies, agro-industries and their associations, to strengthen and validate recommended investment and policy options.• Contributes to the development of knowledge products, including analytical work and practical tools, related to agribusiness, marketing and value chain development.• Develops public-private platforms and designs strategies to strengthen the enabling environment for scaling up investments along the value chain.______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, economics, agricultural economics or a closely related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in the practical application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, agro-processing, including experience in the formulation and implementation of agrifood investment operations in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.• Extent and relevance of experience in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing analytical studies, feasibility studies and programme evaluation, including participation in public-private policy dialogue to promote investment.• Extent and relevance of experience in participating in multidisciplinary teams for the preparation of strategies and sector studies, as well as formulation, implementation support or evaluation of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing investment and finance support solutions, with focus on financial and economic aspects.• Extent and relevance of experience in the design, implementation support and evaluation of investment operations with FAO's main development partners, in particular the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other partner international financial institutions.• Knowledge of the context, as well as partners and institutions of the Asia and the Pacific region would be an important asset.• Relevance of experience in capacity development for the design and implementation of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resources management and agro-processing investments.• Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials, development partners and other country stakeholders.• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical reports in English._________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATION Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:• Dependency allowances• Rental subsidy• Education grant for children• Home leave travel• 30 working days of annual leave per year• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund• International health insurance; optional life insurance• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce.
FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization.
This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies• flexible working arrangements• standards of conduct._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
