Investment Support Officer

Organizational Context

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) offers investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems, making them more efficient, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Operating in over 120 countries, the Centre supports FAO Members with comprehensive investment and finance services. It collaborates with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and research bodies to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investments. Key activities include strategic investment planning, policy support, public and private investment initiatives, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs.

Job Purpose

The Investment Support Officer will provide analytical and technical expertise in areas such as agriculture, rural development, agribusiness, natural resource management, and finance. This role is crucial for formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies, strategies, programs, and projects within the agrifood sector. The officer will contribute to delivering effective investment and finance solutions by offering technical support and fostering capacity development in collaboration with country stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to achieve significant impact in transforming agrifood systems, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework and promoting sustainable and inclusive food systems.

Responsibilities

The Investment Support Officer will participate in and potentially lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support initiatives. This includes contributing to pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, as well as supporting the implementation and final evaluation of investment solutions. The role involves providing technical expertise for studies and strategies related to food security, agriculture, rural development, and agro-processing, and formulating national investment policies and plans. The officer will support the development of inclusive food systems by engaging producers, private sector actors, civil society, and governments. Additionally, the position requires formulating and delivering capacity development programs for government staff and non-state actors, preparing project documents, and supporting task organization, consultant selection, and quality assurance. Promoting international cooperation, advocating best practices, and maintaining relationships with FAO units and partners are also key functions. Resource mobilization activities and providing guidance to junior staff are expected.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required. This should include conducting analytical studies in the agricultural or rural sectors and experience in formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations, preferably in developing countries.

Skills

Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) are required. Experience in diverse work locations, including field positions, is beneficial. Demonstrated experience in formulating, supporting the implementation of, or evaluating strategies, policies, studies, and investment programs/projects in agriculture, rural development, agribusiness, natural resource management, and irrigation is essential. Experience working with major development partners like the World Bank, IFAD, or the EU is advantageous. Direct experience in the private agriculture or agribusiness sector is a plus. Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, report writing, and knowledge of the Near East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia region are valuable.

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