Organizational Setting 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 the Pacific Service (CFIB) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines The Agribusiness Finance Officer reports to the Chief, Asia and the Pacific Service of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI). Technical Focus Provide analytical and technical support on agribusiness finance in the context of public and private investment operations. This includes technical focus on financial institutions, rural finance, agricultural risk management, blended finance and private sector investment. Key Results Delivering investment and finance support solutions through the provision of technical 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 multidisciplinary teams for the identification and preparation of investment and finance support solutions in the fields of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing, and participates in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions. Supports the implementation of investment and finance support solutions and the preparation of final evaluations. Participates in the preparation of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource 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 governments. Contributes to capacity development activities in the areas of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing investment support to government staff, non-state actors and private sector organizations. Prepares reports in accordance with governments and financing partners' requirements. Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences, and interacts with international and national partners. Supports the promotion and maintenance of relationships with relevant Programme Priority Areas, FAO technical units and Decentralized Offices in order to ensure best synergies between investment, policy and innovation work in support to Members. Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific Functions Supports the design and appraisal of agrifood investment and finance operations in collaboration with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and development partners, with a focus on financial viability, sustainability, and development impact. Participates in multidisciplinary teams to support the preparation and implementation of investment projects and programmes, providing technical inputs on agrifinance, rural finance systems, and private sector engagement. Analyses constraints to access to finance across selected value chains and identifies solutions to unlock financing, including strengthening linkages with financial institutions, improving bankability of investments, and addressing risk perceptions. Supports the design and application of innovative and blended finance solutions, including guarantees, concessional financing, risk-sharing facilities and other de-risking instruments aimed at crowding in private capital. Contributes to analytical work and knowledge products on agrifinance, rural finance and private sector investment, including lessons learned from international experience and practical tools to support project design and implementation. Provides technical support to project implementation, including advising on financial mechanisms, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring alignment with project objectives and partner requirements. Supports the development of financing strategies and investment pipelines, identifying priority opportunities to scale up investment and mobilize private sector participation in agrifood systems.
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Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, agribusiness, finance, agriculture, agro-industry, business administration or a closely related field. Five years of relevant experience in the practical application of agribusiness finance (particularly as it relates to financial institutions), agribusiness investments and, more generally, formulation and/or implementation of agrifood investment and finance solutions in developing countries. Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies 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 finance, rural finance, value-chain development and analysis, business planning, agriculture marketing, blended finance and private sector development. 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 agrifood investment and finance support solutions, with a focus on rural finance, value chain development and agribusiness. Extent of experience in capacity development activities related to financing agrifood investments, namely capacity development to support financial institutions. Knowledge of the stakeholder context including partners and institutions in the blended finance and rural finance space (including impact fund managers, investors, development finance institutions), as well as of the work of IFIs and donors like the European Union. Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials, development partners and other country stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to write technical reports in English.
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