Agribusiness Officer
Organizational Context
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) in Rome, Italy, provides investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems' efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Operating in over 120 countries, CFI collaborates with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and research bodies to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. Its work encompasses strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, supported by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs.
Job Purpose
The Agribusiness Officer will provide analytical and technical support for agribusiness and value chain development, focusing on agricultural support services. This role is crucial for formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies, strategies, programs, and projects in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Key results involve delivering investment and finance support solutions through technical assistance and capacity development, aiming to transform agrifood systems in line with the FAO Strategic Framework. The officer will participate in multidisciplinary teams, conduct studies, develop investment plans, foster inclusive food systems, and contribute to resource mobilization efforts.
Responsibilities
The Agribusiness Officer will analyze selected agrifood value chains, identifying constraints and opportunities for investment, including private sector engagement, support services, trade policies, risk management, and food safety standards. The role involves analyzing agricultural investment policy issues, identifying factors hindering private investment, and proposing agribusiness solutions. Responsibilities include designing country-level interventions and investments in collaboration with international financial institutions and local stakeholders. The officer will also analyze agrifinance constraints, develop solutions for improved access to finance, support the creation of knowledge products, and participate in policy dialogues to strengthen the enabling environment for scaling up investments. This includes preparing high-quality technical reports and contributing to capacity development activities.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, specifically in the practical application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, and processing. Experience in formulating and/or implementing agrifood investment operations in developing countries is essential.
Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills for value chain and agribusiness analysis, including understanding policy frameworks and financial mechanisms. Experience in developing investment strategies, participating in multidisciplinary teams, and engaging with public and private sector stakeholders is crucial. Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical reports in English is essential. Experience in capacity development and working with international financial institutions is desirable. Familiarity with diverse work locations, particularly field positions, is also beneficial.