Agribusiness Finance Officer

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 various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and academic institutions. The Centre focuses on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by capacity development programs aimed at sharing knowledge and building capabilities at the country level. For more information about the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, and partners, please visit their official website.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Finance Officer plays a crucial role within the FAO Investment Centre, specifically in the Asia and the Pacific Service (CFIB). This position is responsible for providing analytical and technical support related to agribusiness finance, particularly in the context of public and private investment operations. The officer will focus on various aspects of financial institutions, rural finance, agricultural risk management, blended finance, and private sector investment. The overarching goal is to deliver impactful investment and finance support solutions that align with the FAO Strategic Framework, thereby transforming agrifood systems on a larger scale. The officer will work closely with country stakeholders and partners to ensure that the solutions provided are effective and sustainable, contributing to the overall mission of improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agribusiness Finance Officer will engage in a variety of key functions, including participating in multidisciplinary teams to identify and prepare investment and finance support solutions across sectors such as food security, agriculture, rural development, and agro-processing. The officer will support the implementation of these solutions and assist in the preparation of final evaluations. Additionally, the officer will contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems by engaging with producers, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and governments. The role also involves preparing reports that meet the requirements of governments and financing partners, promoting knowledge sharing at international meetings, and maintaining relationships with relevant FAO units to ensure synergy between investment, policy, and innovation efforts. Furthermore, 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 degree or equivalent) in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, agribusiness, finance, agriculture, agro-industry, or business administration. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in agribusiness finance, particularly in relation to financial institutions and the formulation or implementation of agrifood investment and finance solutions in developing countries, is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO 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 areas closely related to agribusiness finance, economics, or agricultural studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and the financial mechanisms that support them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of agribusiness finance. This experience should include practical applications related to financial institutions and agribusiness investments, as well as the formulation and implementation of agrifood investment and finance solutions in developing countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in diverse environments and engaging with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for level C proficiency. Additionally, candidates should possess intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves working within a multidisciplinary team. The role may require travel for field missions and participation in international meetings. The FAO emphasizes the importance of results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, which are essential competencies for this position. The contract duration and specific seniority level are not mentioned in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for a full-time commitment to support the FAO's mission.