Investment Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a specialized unit within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on providing investment and finance solutions aimed at creating more efficient, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems. Established to support FAO members, the Centre operates in over 120 countries, partnering with various stakeholders including governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, research institutions, and academia. Its mission is to enhance the quality and quantity of agrifood investment through strategic investment planning, policy support, public and private investment, and innovative finance. The Centre also emphasizes knowledge sharing and capacity development to strengthen investment programs at the country level. For more information about the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, and its organizational structure, interested parties can visit the FAO's official website.

Job Overview:
The Investment Support Officer position is integral to the West and Central Africa Service (CFIE) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI), located in the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The role involves providing analytical and technical support across various domains related to 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 that impact food and agriculture, rural development, and agrifood systems. The position requires collaboration with country stakeholders and partners to deliver effective investment and finance support solutions, contributing to the transformation of agrifood systems in line with the FAO Strategic Framework. The specific focus of the role will depend on the candidate's expertise, which will be evaluated during the selection process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investment Support Officer will participate in and potentially lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support initiatives in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. Responsibilities include participating in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, leading teams for the implementation and evaluation of investment solutions, and providing technical expertise for the preparation of studies and strategies related to food and agriculture. The officer will also support the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems, formulate capacity development initiatives, prepare documentation in accordance with FAO and partner requirements, and promote international cooperation to create new investment opportunities. Additionally, the officer will engage in resource mobilization activities and provide guidance to junior staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, agribusiness management, natural resource management, irrigation and drainage engineering, rural infrastructure engineering, social sciences, business administration, or related areas. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required, specifically in conducting analytical studies in the agricultural/rural sector, planning, designing, and supervising agricultural and rural investment operations, including feasibility studies and implementation in developing countries or countries in transition. Candidates should demonstrate a strong working knowledge of English (full proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Investment Support Officer position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as economics, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, agribusiness management, natural resource management, irrigation and drainage engineering, rural infrastructure engineering, social sciences, or business administration. This educational foundation is essential to equip candidates with the necessary analytical and technical skills required for the role.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the agricultural and rural sectors. This experience should encompass conducting analytical studies, planning, designing, and supervising investment operations, as well as implementing agricultural and rural investment projects in developing countries or countries in transition. The level of experience should also reflect a familiarity with the complexities of agricultural development and investment strategies.

Languages:
The position requires candidates to have a working knowledge of English at full proficiency (level C) and intermediate proficiency (level B) in another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in French is particularly advantageous, as it may be necessary for communication and documentation within the context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and is part of the FAO's efforts to enhance agrifood systems in the West and Central Africa region. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, candidates should be aware that the role may involve full-time commitments and could require international collaboration with various stakeholders. The position may also entail responsibilities that include capacity development initiatives and resource mobilization activities, contributing to the overall mission of the FAO Investment Centre.