Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains)

Organizational Context

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) in Rome, Italy, provides investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems globally. It collaborates with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and farmers across over 120 countries to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investments. The Centre focuses on strategic investment planning, policy, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs.

Job Purpose

The Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains) will provide analytical and technical support for the development of agribusiness and agrifood value chains. This involves assessing economic competitiveness, sustainability, market requirements, policy environments, and financing opportunities. The role requires close collaboration with public and private stakeholders to formulate and implement investment policies, strategies, programs, and projects. The ultimate goal is to deliver investment and finance support solutions through technical assistance and capacity development, contributing to the transformation of agrifood systems in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Responsibilities

The Agribusiness Officer will participate in multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment and finance support solutions in areas such as food security, agriculture, rural development, and agro-processing, including appraisal missions. They will support the implementation of these solutions and final evaluations. Responsibilities include contributing to studies and strategies, formulating investment plans, and developing inclusive and sustainable food systems by engaging producers, private sector actors, civil society, and governments. The role involves capacity development activities for government staff, non-state actors, and private sector organizations, and preparing reports for governments and financing partners. Additionally, the officer will promote knowledge sharing, maintain relationships with FAO units, and support resource mobilization efforts. Specific functions include analyzing agrifood value chains, identifying constraints and opportunities for investment, analyzing policy and institutional factors, and developing knowledge products and practical tools for agribusiness and value chain development.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required in value chain analysis and/or development, agribusiness operations, processing, market access, or closely related areas. This must include experience in the analysis, formulation, and/or implementation of agrifood investment operations in developing countries.

Skills

Experience in more than one work location, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Experience in developing countries and/or the private sector is also desirable. Essential skills include extensive experience in agrifood value chain development, market dynamics analysis, competitiveness, food safety, resilience, sustainability standards, and public-private policy dialogue. Experience in multidisciplinary teams for strategy preparation, sector studies, capacity development, and technical assistance is crucial. Proficiency in investment design, implementation support, and advisory services with development partners like International Financial Institutions is important. Strong experience working with private sector stakeholders and multi-stakeholder partnerships, as well as dealing with public institutions and government officials, is required. Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical reports in English is essential.

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