National Business Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide. FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization supports countries in transforming their agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The National Business Development Specialist will play a crucial role in the FAO's project aimed at strengthening the capacity of artisanal fishery value chain actors within the blue economy sector. This position involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries, local cooperatives, and community organizations, to enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of fisheries and aquaculture value chains. The Specialist will be responsible for planning and implementing interventions that empower women and youth, ensuring that the benefits of economic development reach all segments of the population. The role requires a strong focus on business development, market access, and financial inclusion, as well as the ability to design and deliver training programs that meet the needs of local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Business Development Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening artisanal fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
• Designing and delivering training modules on entrepreneurship, cooperative management, and financial literacy in collaboration with INAPEM and other partners.
• Providing technical guidance to cooperatives and small enterprises on business planning, record-keeping, and investment readiness.
• Facilitating linkages among producers, processors, traders, and financial institutions to enhance value chain integration.
• Ensuring that capacity development programs mainstream gender equality and youth inclusion.
• Monitoring and evaluating business development components of the project, including data collection and reporting.
• Preparing technical and progress reports that document lessons learned and good practices.
• Collaborating with Field Officers and other partners to ensure effective project implementation.
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Chief Technical Advisor or the FAO Representative in Angola.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in business development, value chain strengthening, financial inclusion, or enterprise support, preferably within the fisheries, aquaculture, or agriculture sectors. A strong understanding of the local context and challenges in these areas is essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness, or Rural Development. Candidates must have obtained their qualifications from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should be in areas such as business development, value chain strengthening, financial inclusion, or enterprise support, with a preference for candidates who have worked in the fisheries, aquaculture, or agriculture sectors. The ability to demonstrate a successful track record in these areas will be critical for candidates to be considered for the role.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (Level C) of both English and Portuguese. Knowledge of other local languages will be considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions, as listed in the WHED.