Agribusiness Finance Officer
Organizational Context
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) in Rome, Italy, provides investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems globally. Operating in over 120 countries, CFI partners with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and research bodies to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. Its work spans strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs to build expertise at the country level.
Job Purpose
The Agribusiness Finance Officer will deliver investment and finance support solutions through technical assistance and capacity development, collaborating with country stakeholders and partners to transform agrifood systems within the FAO Strategic Framework. The role involves participating in multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment solutions in food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. Key functions include supporting the implementation of these solutions, preparing studies and strategies, developing national investment plans, fostering inclusive food systems, and contributing to capacity development for government staff and private sector organizations.
Responsibilities
The Agribusiness Finance Officer will support the design and appraisal of agrifood investment and finance operations, focusing on financial viability, sustainability, and development impact in collaboration with International Financial Institutions and development partners. This includes participating in multidisciplinary teams for project preparation and implementation, providing technical expertise on agrifinance, rural finance systems, and private sector engagement. The role involves analyzing constraints to finance access across value chains, identifying solutions, and supporting the design of innovative blended finance solutions to attract private capital. Additionally, the officer will contribute to analytical work and knowledge products, provide technical support during project implementation, and assist in developing financing strategies and investment pipelines to scale up investment and mobilize private sector participation.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required in the practical application of agribusiness finance, particularly with financial institutions, agribusiness investments, and the formulation or implementation of agrifood investment and finance solutions in developing countries.
Skills
Experience in multiple work locations, especially field positions, is desirable. Expertise in agribusiness finance, rural finance, value-chain development and analysis, business planning, agriculture marketing, blended finance, and private sector development is essential. Experience in multidisciplinary teams for strategy preparation, sector studies, and the formulation, implementation support, or evaluation of agrifood investment solutions is also important. Capacity development experience in financing agrifood investments, particularly for financial institutions, is required. Knowledge of blended finance and rural finance stakeholders, including IFIs and donors, and demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials and development partners are necessary. Strong technical report writing skills in English are essential.