Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
This assignment aims to understand the dynamics and rationale behind the Government of Kazakhstan's approach towards borrowing from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the agricultural and food sector, analyse the government's borrowing policies and develop strategic recommendations for engagements with IFIs in terms of borrowing.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the Investment Support Officer/OiC FAO Kazakhstan.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the role is to conduct a thorough analysis of Kazakhstan's borrowing policy from IFIs within the agricultural and food sector, examining terms, conditions, and impact assessments. Identify factors influencing the government's decisions to secure or avoid IFI loans, including political, economic, and social considerations. Develop targeted recommendations for loan structures and allocation strategies that align with Kazakhstan's national development priorities in the agriculture and food sector, aiming to optimize benefits and secure government endorsement.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Review and analyze existing policies, reports, and data on Kazakhstan's borrowing in the agri-food sector.
•    Conduct interviews and consultations with relevant government officials, financial experts, IFIs and other stakeholders in the agri-food sector.
•    Identify key factors influencing the government's decision-making process in borrowing from IFIs.
•    Prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings and providing clear recommendations on loan types and purposes that align with Kazakhstan's agri-food sector needs. The report should include brief information on the recent development projects implemented by IFIs (last 5 years) in the agri-food sector.
•    Prepare Power Point Presentation and keynotes outlining key findings and recommendations of the assessment to be discussed with the relevant sector stakeholders.
•    Participate in technical discussions and roundtables with the sector stakeholders to present the assessment. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Economics, International Relations, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy or any other related field.
•    Proven 10 years of experience in financial analysis, particularly in government borrowing policies and international development banking.
•    Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the official UN languages (Russian, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese).

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Excellent communication skills
•    Experience in working with and maintaining effective partnership with national and international stakeholders from the government and non-governmental sector
•    Experience with working district/oblast government, national and international experts and local communities;
•    Strong understanding of Kazakhstan's agricultural and food sector, including its financing needs and challenges.
•    Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
•    Ability to conduct interviews and gather data effectively.