Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions that lead to more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. Working in over 120 countries, the Centre provides a full suite of investment and finance support to FAO members. It partners with governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector and farmers, research institutions and academia to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investment. The Centre’s four main areas of work include support to strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment, and innovative finance. These are complemented by the knowledge for investment and capacity development for investment programmes that serve to share knowledge, learn and build capacities at country level. For additional information on the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, partners and the organizational structure please visit the following link.

The position is located in the Asia and Pacific Service (CFIB) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting lines

The Junior Professional Officer (Agribusiness and Value Chains) reports to the Service Chief, CFIB.

Technical Focus

The Junior Professional Officer (Agribusiness and Value Chains) provides analytical and technical support on value chain and sub-sector assessments, with a strong focus on mobilizing and de-risking private sector investment. The role supports the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of investment policies, strategies, programmes, and projects that strengthen agribusiness competitiveness, enable private and blended finance solutions, promote producer and cooperative enterprises, and scale agriculture SMEs and related business development services.

Key Results

Collection, analysis and review of information, data and statistics, and project/meeting services to support programme products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions

·       Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programmes, projects, products and services;

·       Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents;

·       Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems;

·       Updates databases and web pages;

·       Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams;

·       Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.;

·       Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/ production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

·       Supports value chain and sub-sector analysis by collecting and analyzing trade, production, and market data; mapping value chain actors and structures; and assessing the enabling environment, including policies, regulations, logistics infrastructure, and access to finance. Identifies key trends, bottlenecks, investment needs, opportunities, and areas for policy and regulatory reform.

·       Contributes to market systems and competitiveness assessments, providing analytical inputs that inform the design of IFI-funded investment programmes, with a focus on commercially viable, climate-resilient, and inclusive value chain development.

·       Participates in multidisciplinary teams and field missions for the preparation, implementation support, and evaluation of investment operations, including background studies, stakeholder consultations, private sector engagement, and drafting of programme components and technical sections.

·       Supports the design of programmes and investment projects that create enabling conditions for private agrifood investment, including through blended finance mechanisms, de-risking instruments, and PPP frameworks.

·       Prepares reports and technical documentation in line with corporate standards and the requirements of governments and financing partners.

·       Contributes to the development of technical briefs, learning products, analytical tools, and guidance materials to support FAO’s advisory work with IFI partners.

·       Assists the FAO Investment Centre in mapping, reporting, and communicating its value chain analysis and development activities, including preparation of related communication materials and knowledge products.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

·       Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture or business economics, agribusiness, MBA, development or rural finance, agriculture or a related field.

·       Three years of relevant experience in agribusiness or agrifood investments or closely related field, preferably with experience in the private sector, consulting or a development finance institution.

·       Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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 Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

·       Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions;
 

·       Extent and relevance of experience in technical fields related to agribusiness, agrifood investments, value chain analysis and competitiveness assessments.

·       Knowledge and application of tools for value chain and competitiveness analysis to inform and shape investments in the agriculture sectors and food systems.

·       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 investment projects in agriculture sectors and food systems, with a focus on agribusiness and value chain development.

·       Extent and relevance of experience in policy and private sector dialogue and capacity development for investments and finance in the agriculture sectors and food systems.

·       Experience of working in the private sector and with International Financial Institutes is considered an asset

·       Demonstrated capacity to write technical reports in English.