Technical Advisor (Agribusiness and Investment)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. In Cambodia, FAO focuses on supporting the government in developing policies and programs to enhance food security and reduce malnutrition, while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor (Agribusiness and Investment) will play a crucial role in providing technical advice and capacity development for strategic investment planning and programs related to agribusiness. This position involves conducting thorough analyses of agriculture value chains and promoting investments that align with both local and international interests. The advisor will be responsible for developing viable investment models and ensuring that these models are informed by comprehensive research and stakeholder engagement. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, development partners, and the private sector, to facilitate investment opportunities and enhance the agrifood sector in Cambodia. The advisor will also be involved in organizing outreach events to communicate investment opportunities and gather feedback from potential investors, ensuring that the investment cases are tailored to meet their needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: conducting desk research to validate and refine prioritized agri-investment opportunities; designing investment case templates that include business models, investment requirements, and risk assessments; leading the formulation of investment cases in alignment with national priorities; identifying potential domestic and foreign investors; maintaining a detailed investor database; advising on the organization of investment outreach events; assessing the needs and readiness of Cambodian agribusinesses and cooperatives; creating links between investment cases and interested investors; coordinating matchmaking engagements; working with FAO teams and partners to unlock incentives and de-risking tools; preparing regular progress reports; documenting lessons learned; and carrying out any other relevant duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, economics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in investment case development, investment facilitation, and providing technical support to SMEs, particularly in agribusiness, is required. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Cambodia. The role demands a strong understanding of the Cambodian agrifood systems and investment climate, as well as proven experience in conducting market research and feasibility studies.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, or economics. Candidates should have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in investment case development, investment facilitation, and providing technical and capacity development support to SMEs, particularly in the agribusiness sector. Experience in working in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is highly valued. The role also requires experience in technical cooperation activities, policy advice, and analysis, as well as familiarity with agricultural marketing and value chain development.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.