Economist (Environment)

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, financial 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.

Job Purpose

This role provides analytical and technical support on financial and economic aspects of agricultural and food systems policies, public sector strategies, and investment operations. It involves formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies, strategies, programs, and projects in areas like food security, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. The objective is to deliver effective investment and finance support solutions, collaborating with stakeholders to transform agrifood systems in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Responsibilities

The Economist (Environment) will contribute to identifying, designing, and appraising investment operations, including developing analytical studies, results frameworks, and costing, with a focus on environmental and climate dimensions. This involves assessing feasibility through market analysis, financial and economic evaluations, and considering environmental externalities. Responsibilities include evaluating project performance, assessing policy implications for food security and climate change, conducting economic and financial analysis of environmental investments, and assessing environmental risks and trade-offs. The role also involves supporting the application of environmental economics, analyzing climate finance options, and developing knowledge products on environmental economics in agrifood systems.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant experience is required in the practical application of economic analysis to development issues, value chain analysis, agribusiness, and market development, including analytical studies. Experience in formulating and implementing investment operations in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing in developing or transition countries is also necessary.

Skills

Experience in multiple work locations, particularly field positions, is desirable. Expertise in public and private sector areas such as agriculture, agribusiness, agro-processing, public-private partnerships, natural resource management, and greening agrifood systems is important. Experience in multidisciplinary teams for strategy preparation, technical support, and evaluation of investment programs, with a focus on environmental and climate aspects, is crucial. Familiarity with major development partners like ADB, World Bank, and IFAD, and experience in capacity development for investment design and implementation are also valued.

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