Director, FAO Investment Centre

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 120 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve agricultural productivity and food systems. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agrifood systems, better nutrition, and environmental sustainability. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) plays a crucial role in providing investment and finance solutions to enhance the efficiency and resilience of agrifood systems, partnering with various entities to improve investment quality and quantity.

Job Overview:
The Director of the FAO Investment Centre is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the Centre's operations and strategic direction. The role involves significant independent judgment and decision-making authority, with the Director expected to provide strategic vision and guidance for the organization's investment support work. The Director will coordinate the planning and implementation of the Centre's program of work, ensuring technical quality and effective use of resources. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including FAO Member Nations, international financing institutions, and private sector partners, to promote investments in food security and rural development. The Director will also represent the organization in high-level meetings, advocating for the Centre's mandate and areas of work, and ensuring that the Centre's activities align with FAO's broader strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing strategic vision and quality assurance for the investment support work of the organization.
• Coordinating the planning of the program of work, ensuring its technical quality and implementation through effective management of staff and resources.
• Managing the Division’s biennial Programme of Work and Budget, ensuring quality control and progress monitoring.
• Liaising with FAO Member Nations and other partners to provide information and support related to the Division’s program of work.
• Formulating large and complex field projects and programs in collaboration with other divisions and regional offices.
• Advising senior management on relevant areas of competence.
• Collaborating with member countries and development partners to promote investments in food security and rural development.
• Representing the organization in high-level meetings and events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as economics, agricultural sciences, rural infrastructure engineering, environmental sciences, natural resources management, public services management, business administration, or public policy. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of extensive experience in planning and managing agricultural and rural development projects in developing countries. Familiarity with international financing policies and procedures, particularly those of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is essential. Proven intellectual, managerial, and technical leadership in relevant subject areas is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in disciplines closely related to the responsibilities of the role. This may include economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or public policy, among others. The emphasis is on obtaining a degree that provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices relevant to agricultural and rural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of extensive experience in the planning and management of agricultural and rural development projects and programs, particularly in developing countries. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities involved in managing such projects and the ability to navigate the challenges that arise in these contexts.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on strategic leadership and management within the FAO Investment Centre. The Director will be involved in high-level decision-making and will have significant responsibilities in shaping the direction of investment support initiatives. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and may include various allowances and support for relocation, if applicable.