Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains)

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is dedicated to providing investment and finance solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience of agrifood systems. Established to support the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CFI operates in over 120 countries, collaborating with various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and academic institutions. The 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 agrifood investment quality and quantity at the country level.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains) will be stationed in the Near East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia Service (CFIC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves providing analytical and technical support for the development of agribusiness and agrifood value chains. The officer will work closely with public and private sector stakeholders to formulate and implement investment-related policies and strategies, as well as capacity development activities. The position aims to deliver impactful investment and finance support solutions that transform agrifood systems in alignment with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agribusiness Officer will participate in multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment and finance support solutions in areas such as 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 of these solutions, preparing evaluations, and contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems. The officer will also engage in capacity development activities, prepare reports for governments and financing partners, promote knowledge sharing at international meetings, and maintain relationships with relevant FAO units to ensure synergy between investment, policy, and innovation work. Specific functions include analyzing agrifood value chains, identifying constraints and opportunities for investment, and supporting the development of knowledge products related to agribusiness and value chain development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, economics, or a closely related area. They should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in value chain analysis, agribusiness operations, or related topics, particularly in developing countries. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, agribusiness, economics, agricultural economics and finance, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and investment strategies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in areas such as value chain analysis, agribusiness operations, and investment operations in developing countries. Experience in public-private policy dialogue and working with various stakeholders in agrifood value chains is highly desirable. Additionally, experience in multidisciplinary teams and investment design is beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, and is likely to be a full-time role. Candidates should be prepared to adhere to FAO's values of commitment, respect, and integrity. The job may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders across different countries.