Investment Operations Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides crucial investment and finance solutions, partnering with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and research bodies in over 120 countries. CFI focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs to enhance agrifood investment quality and quantity.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical expertise and capacity development for member countries, collaborating with International Financial Institution (IFI) partners. It involves advising on policy, designing investment operations to mobilize resources for food security, nutrition, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation/mitigation. The position also supports the implementation and evaluation of these investment operations, ensuring alignment with the FAO Strategic Framework and contributing to sustainable agrifood systems.

Responsibilities

Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying, assessing, and preparing investment operations related to food security, nutrition, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation/mitigation. Conduct pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, and support implementation and final evaluation of investment operations. Advise governments on preparing relevant studies and strategies, and formulating national investment plans. Support the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems involving various stakeholders. Formulate and deliver monitoring, evaluation, communication, and capacity development strategies. Prepare reports for governments and financing partners, promote international cooperation, and advocate for best practices and policy dialogue.

Work Experience

Requires at least one year of professional experience in conducting agricultural/rural sector analytical studies, or in planning, designing, and supervising agricultural and rural investment operations. This includes experience in elaborating feasibility studies and implementing operations in developing countries or countries in transition. Proficiency in English, French, or Spanish is necessary.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Essential experience involves leading or participating in multidisciplinary teams for strategy and sector study preparation, and formulation, implementation support, or evaluation of investment operations in areas like food security, agriculture, and climate change. Experience with investment design and evaluation procedures of major development partners is highly valued, as is demonstrated experience with government officials and diverse stakeholders.

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