Investment Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a specialized unit within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, dedicated to providing investment and finance solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience of agrifood systems. Established to support FAO Members, the Centre operates in over 120 countries, collaborating with various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, and academia. The CFI focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, while also emphasizing knowledge sharing and capacity development to improve agrifood investment outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Investment Support Officer position is situated within the West and Central Africa Service (CFIE) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana. This role involves providing analytical and technical support across various domains such as agricultural development, economic and financial aspects, water resource management, and rural infrastructure. The officer will engage in formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies and strategies related to food and agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. The position requires collaboration with country stakeholders and partners to deliver impactful investment and finance support solutions that align with the FAO Strategic Framework, ultimately transforming agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investment Support Officer will participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation and evaluation of investment solutions, preparing studies and strategies for food and agriculture, and formulating national investment policies. The officer will also contribute to capacity development activities, prepare reports for FAO and partners, promote knowledge sharing at international meetings, and maintain relationships with relevant FAO units to ensure synergy in investment and policy work. Additionally, the officer will support resource mobilization activities in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, environmental sciences, or business administration. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in agricultural or rural sector analysis, investment operations, and feasibility studies is required. 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 educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, agribusiness management, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural investment and rural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in conducting analytical studies in the agricultural or rural sectors, as well as experience in planning and supervising agricultural investment operations. Experience in developing countries or countries in transition is particularly valuable, as is experience working in multidisciplinary teams on investment strategies and policies.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate proficiency (level B) in another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in French is considered an important asset, especially for writing technical reports.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Accra, Ghana. The role may involve international collaboration and requires the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and development partners. The FAO Investment Centre emphasizes results-oriented work and values teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing among its staff.