Investment Support Officer

Organizational Context

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) supports agrifood systems transformation by providing investment and finance solutions. Operating in over 120 countries, CFI partners with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, and research bodies to enhance agrifood investment quality and quantity. Its core activities include strategic investment planning, policy support, public and private investment facilitation, and innovative finance. CFI also focuses on knowledge sharing and capacity development for investment at the country level.

Job Purpose

The Investment Support Officer will deliver investment and finance support solutions by providing technical expertise and capacity development assistance. This role involves collaborating with country stakeholders and partners to achieve large-scale impact in transforming agrifood systems, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework. Key functions include participating in and leading multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. The officer will also contribute to pre-appraisal, appraisal, implementation support, and final evaluations of investment solutions, and prepare relevant technical documents.

Responsibilities

Participate in and lead 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. Engage in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions. Support the implementation and final evaluation of investment and finance solutions. Provide technical expertise for studies and strategies related to food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Assist in formulating 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. Design and deliver capacity development initiatives for government staff, non-state actors, and private sector organizations. Prepare project documents according to FAO, government, and financing partner requirements. Support task organization, consultant selection, and terms of reference preparation, ensuring output quality. Promote international cooperation, advocate best practices, and provide technical expertise at international meetings. Maintain relationships with FAO units and offices to ensure synergy between investment, policy, and innovation work. Participate in resource mobilization activities and provide guidance to junior staff.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant experience in conducting agricultural/rural sector analytical studies, and/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

Experience in diverse work locations, particularly in field positions. Proven experience in formulating, supporting implementation, or evaluating strategies, policies, studies, and investment programmes/projects in food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams for strategy and investment programme preparation. Familiarity with FAO's key development partners like the World Bank, IFAD, and the EU. Demonstrated experience interacting with government officials, development partners, and country stakeholders. Ability to write technical reports in French is an asset, as is working proficiency in French.

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