Investment Support Officer

Organizational Context

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems, working in over 120 countries. It partners with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, and research bodies to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. The Centre focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs. This position is based in Accra, Ghana, within the West and Central Africa Service (CFIE) of the FAO Investment Centre.

Job Purpose

The role involves delivering investment and finance support solutions by providing technical expertise and capacity development assistance. This is achieved through collaboration with country stakeholders and partners to foster large-scale transformation of agrifood systems, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework. Key functions include participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives in food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. The position also supports the implementation and evaluation of investment solutions, contributes to studies and strategies, and develops inclusive food systems involving various actors.

Responsibilities

Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support initiatives in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Support the implementation and final evaluation of investment and finance solutions. Contribute to studies, strategies, and the formulation of national sector investment policies, plans, and programmes. Foster the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems by engaging producers, private sector actors, civil society, and governments. Provide investment support for food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing to government staff, non-state actors, and private sector organizations. Prepare technical reports for FAO, governments, and financing partners. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and interact with national and international partners. Establish and maintain relationships with FAO units to ensure synergy between investment, policy, and innovation work. Support resource mobilization activities in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of relevant 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 investment operations in developing countries or countries in transition.

Skills

Proficiency in English (Level C) is essential, along with intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Experience in diverse work locations, especially field positions, is desirable. Experience in formulating, supporting, or evaluating strategies, policies, studies, and investment programmes/projects related to food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management is important. Familiarity with main development partners like the World Bank and IFAD is beneficial. Demonstrated ability to interact with government officials and stakeholders, and capacity to write technical reports in English are required. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

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