National Public Private Partnerships Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports Member States in mobilizing responsible, results-oriented private-sector engagement and public–private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate agrifood systems transformation, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework and Sustainable Development Goals. FAO promotes PPPs as practical delivery mechanisms that mobilize resources and deploy private-sector capabilities for joint implementation, especially in resource-constrained contexts like Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Under the TCP project 'Innovative Pathways for Agrifood Systems: A SIDS Perspective', FAO is supporting the establishment of an Agrifood Public–Private (AgriPP) Coalition in Mauritius to foster implementable collaborations.

Job Purpose

The National PPP Specialist will work in close coordination with national counterparts to operationalize concrete, mutually beneficial public–private collaborations within the agrifood sector. Key objectives include designing and launching the Agrifood Public–Private (AgriPP) Coalition, establishing practical partnership instruments to define public and private sector commitments, and supporting resource mobilization from the private sector. The specialist will ensure that at least an initial set of PPP collaborations reach a formal agreement and are ready for implementation, contributing to the agrifood sector's transformation.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive stakeholder mapping within the agrifood sector, identifying and assessing high-potential private-sector partners based on their investment interests and capacity. Design and develop the Agrifood Public-Private Coalition's documentation package, including expressions of intent, terms of reference, work plans, and engagement templates. Facilitate stakeholder consultations to establish the Coalition and validate its governance. Develop and maintain an interactive Agrifood Investment Tracker to monitor public and private investments and PPP initiatives, preparing periodic reports. Identify, develop, and structure at least three bankable PPP concepts aligned with national priorities and regional trade objectives. Prepare investment pitch decks and facilitate engagement sessions to promote PPP opportunities. Provide technical support during the negotiation and formalization of PPP agreements. Support the development of implementation action plans and monitor the readiness of formalized PPP partnerships, ensuring clear roles, resource commitments, and timelines.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in public-private partnerships (PPPs), private sector engagement, investment promotion, agribusiness development, or related fields. Experience in negotiating or operationalizing PPPs or private-sector agreements is essential. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder mapping, partnership development, and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue is also required.

Skills

Strong analytical, facilitation, and results-oriented negotiation skills. Proven experience in stakeholder mapping, partnership development, and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue involving public and private sector actors. Ability to prepare investment proposals, concept notes, business cases, or PPP-related documentation. Experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Strong organizational and coordination skills. Ability to work independently and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners.

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