Agribusiness Officer (Market Linkages and Value Chain)

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is dedicated to providing investment and finance solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience of agrifood systems. Established to support FAO Members, CFI operates in over 120 countries, collaborating with various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and academic institutions. The Centre focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, while also emphasizing knowledge sharing and capacity development to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Officer (Market Linkages and Value Chain) plays a crucial role within the Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia Service (CFIC) of the FAO Investment Centre, located in Cairo, Egypt. This position involves providing analytical and technical support for the development of agribusiness and value chains, focusing on the functioning of agrifood markets and linking smallholders to market opportunities. The officer will work closely with private sector stakeholders to formulate, implement, and evaluate investment policies and strategies in food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. The role is pivotal in delivering investment and finance support solutions, ensuring that agrifood systems are transformed effectively in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agribusiness Officer will participate in and potentially lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support initiatives across various fields including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development. Responsibilities include conducting pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, providing technical expertise for the preparation of studies and strategies, and supporting the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems. The officer will also formulate and deliver capacity development strategies, prepare necessary documentation, and promote international cooperation to create new investment opportunities. Additionally, the role involves establishing relationships with relevant FAO units and participating in resource mobilization activities, while also providing guidance to junior staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in value chain analysis and development, agribusiness, and market development is required, particularly in the context of agrifood investment operations in developing countries. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields related to agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, economics, or agricultural economics. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly in the practical application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness, and market development. Experience in formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations in developing countries is crucial, as is the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and engage with various stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in French or Arabic would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the regional context.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Cairo, Egypt, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders in the agrifood sector. The role may require travel to different locations for fieldwork and meetings. The FAO Investment Centre emphasizes a results-oriented approach, teamwork, and effective communication, and candidates will be assessed based on their competencies in these areas. The position is likely to be full-time, and while specific compensation details are not provided, candidates can expect a competitive salary and benefits package in line with FAO standards.