Junior Professional Officer (Agribusiness and Value Chains)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 120 countries and has a mission to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of rural populations. FAO's Investment Centre (CFI) plays a crucial role in providing investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems, focusing on efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, collaborating with governments, private sectors, and various stakeholders to improve agrifood investments and policies.

Job Overview:
The Junior Professional Officer (Agribusiness and Value Chains) position is designed to provide analytical and technical support in the area of agribusiness and value chains. The role is pivotal in mobilizing and de-risking private sector investments, which are essential for enhancing agribusiness competitiveness and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The officer will be involved in formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies and strategies that aim to strengthen the agrifood sector. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, as the officer will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to value chains and sub-sectors, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of FAO's investment initiatives. The role also involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure that investment projects are aligned with the needs of the agrifood sector and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Professional Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Collecting and analyzing relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological information to support program delivery.
• Providing technical input for plans and reports, and editing/revising technical documents.
• Participating in the development of improved work methods, tools, and systems.
• Updating databases and web pages to ensure information is current and accessible.
• Collaborating in the development of training tools and materials, and organizing workshops and seminars.
• Assisting in the organization, conduct, and follow-up of meetings, consultations, and conferences, including the development of required materials.
• Supporting value chain and sub-sector analysis by collecting and analyzing trade, production, and market data.
• Identifying key trends, bottlenecks, investment needs, and opportunities for policy reform.
• Contributing to market systems assessments that inform the design of investment programs. 1
• Preparing reports and technical documentation in line with corporate standards and government requirements. 1
• Assisting in mapping, reporting, and communicating value chain analysis activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, business economics, agribusiness, MBA, development or rural finance, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in agribusiness or agrifood investments, preferably with experience in the private sector, consulting, or a development finance institution. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language being desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as agriculture, business economics, agribusiness, MBA, development or rural finance, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agribusiness and investment strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agribusiness or agrifood investments. Candidates should ideally have experience working in the private sector, consulting, or within development finance institutions. Experience in multidisciplinary teams and field positions is highly valued, as it contributes to a well-rounded understanding of the agrifood sector.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Junior Professional Officer role, which typically involves a fixed-term contract. The level of seniority is considered junior, and the position is full-time. The FAO is committed to recruiting internationally, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that employees are supported in their professional development and well-being.