Agribusiness Finance Officer

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions to FAO Members in over 120 countries, partnering with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and research bodies. CFI focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs to enhance agrifood investment.

Job Purpose

The Agribusiness Finance Officer will provide analytical and technical support for agrifood lending and value chain development. This role is crucial for formulating, implementing, and evaluating technical assistance activities within the food and agriculture sectors, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework. The officer will contribute to delivering investment and finance solutions by offering technical expertise and capacity development support in collaboration with country stakeholders and partners, aiming for large-scale impact in transforming agrifood systems. The position involves leading multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives, supporting implementation, and conducting evaluations.

Responsibilities

The Agribusiness Finance Officer will participate in and potentially 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. This includes participating in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, as well as supporting implementation and final evaluations of investment solutions. The role involves providing technical expertise for studies and strategies, formulating national investment plans, and supporting the development of inclusive food systems with various stakeholders. The officer will also formulate and deliver capacity development initiatives for government staff and non-state actors, prepare project documents, and ensure the quality of outputs. Promoting international cooperation, establishing relationships with FAO units, and participating in resource mobilization are also key functions. Specific duties include supporting the TERRA programme, assessing financial institutions' agrifood portfolios and lending practices, identifying technical assistance needs, and preparing Terms of Reference for assignments.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant experience is required in the practical application of agrifood lending, value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, and agrifood processing. Experience in formulating and/or implementing agricultural investment and finance solutions in developing countries or countries in transition is essential.

Skills

Key skills include experience in multiple work locations, particularly in field positions. Extensive experience in agribusiness development, agrifood finance, rural finance, value-chain development and analysis, business planning, agriculture marketing, blended finance, and private sector development is crucial. The ability to participate in multidisciplinary teams for strategy preparation, sector studies, and the formulation, implementation, or evaluation of investment solutions is important. Experience working directly with the private sector and commercial financial institutions, as well as formulating and delivering capacity development initiatives in relevant fields, is required. Knowledge of stakeholder contexts, including Development Finance Institutions and commercial financial institutions, is beneficial. Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials and development partners, along with strong technical report writing skills in English, is also necessary.

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