Agribusiness Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (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 includes improving agricultural productivity, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. The organization is involved in various projects globally, including the Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM), which focuses on enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Specialist position is crucial for the successful implementation of the EbAM project, which aims to enhance climate resilience through integrated watershed management and diversified agricultural practices. The specialist will provide technical and advisory support to the project team, ensuring that agribusiness strategies align with FAO priorities and the operational context of Malawi's agricultural sector. This role involves collaborating with national specialists to design and implement effective agribusiness and private sector engagement approaches, focusing on commercial viability and smallholder inclusion. The specialist will also contribute to high-level agribusiness outputs and support the development of communication and knowledge products to promote the project's activities and successes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agribusiness Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic and technical advisory support on the design and implementation of agribusiness strategies within the EbAM project.
• Supporting value chain assessments and ensuring the quality of business models and financing mechanisms developed by national teams.
• Advising on innovative financing and market-based approaches that enhance smallholder inclusion and climate resilience.
• Contributing analytical inputs to high-level agribusiness outputs, such as investment briefs and concept notes.
• Assisting in donor and FAO reporting, including GCF annual reports and progress reviews.
• Developing communication materials, including case studies and policy briefs, to enhance recognition of agribusiness activities.
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing across FAO programs in Southern Africa.
• Engaging with development partners, donors, and private sector stakeholders to foster collaboration.
• Supporting internal FAO processes related to project design and future agribusiness initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Rural Economy, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in agribusiness or private sector development roles in emerging markets. Experience in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Malawi, is highly advantageous. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, as effective communication is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a relevant field such as Economics, Business, Agribusiness, or Rural Economy. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of agribusiness and rural development, as well as for effectively contributing to the project's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in agribusiness, private sector development, or rural enterprise development roles. Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa is essential, with a preference for candidates who have specific experience in Malawi. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector and to effectively engage with various stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is crucial for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and in the preparation of reports and documentation. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of local languages in Malawi may be considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Agribusiness Specialist position is part of a project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is expected to last for a duration of 6 years. The role is full-time and will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners. The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and may require travel to project sites across the 11 districts involved in the EbAM project. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and the specific terms of the contract.