Economist (Environment)

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is 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 a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and academic institutions. The FAO Investment Centre focuses on four main areas: strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment, and innovative finance. Additionally, it emphasizes knowledge sharing and capacity development to improve investment quality and quantity at the country level. For more information about the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, and its organizational structure, please visit their official website.

Job Overview:
The Economist (Environment) position is situated within the Asia and the Pacific Service (CFIB) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role involves providing analytical and technical support on financial and economic aspects related to agricultural and food systems policies, public sector strategies, and investment operations. The Economist will be responsible for formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies and strategies in various sectors including food and agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. The position aims to deliver impactful investment and finance support solutions through collaboration with country stakeholders and partners, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework to transform agrifood systems effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist (Environment) will participate in and potentially lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and related fields. Responsibilities include leading implementation support and final evaluations of investment operations, providing technical expertise for the preparation of studies and strategies, and developing inclusive and sustainable food systems. The role also involves formulating capacity development initiatives, preparing reports for government and financing partners, and promoting international cooperation for new investment opportunities. Specific functions include assessing the feasibility of investment operations, conducting economic and financial analyses, evaluating project performance, and supporting the application of environmental economics to inform sector strategies and public investment plans. The Economist will also contribute to the development of knowledge products and analytical tools on environmental economics in agrifood systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, natural resources economics, agribusiness management, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required, particularly in applying economic analysis to development issues, value chain analysis, and formulating and implementing 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 educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, natural resources economics, or agribusiness management. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complex economic and environmental factors that influence agrifood systems and investment operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the practical application of economic analysis to development issues, including value chain analysis and agribusiness development. Experience in formulating and implementing investment operations in food security, agriculture, and natural resource management is crucial, particularly in developing countries or countries in transition. Additionally, experience working in multidisciplinary teams and with public and private sector stakeholders is highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English (level C). Candidates should also have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration in an international context.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Rome, Italy. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The role may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and development partners. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and the position may offer opportunities for professional development and capacity building.