Agribusiness 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, CFI operates in over 120 countries, collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, research institutions, and academia. 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 investment quality and quantity at the country level. For more information about the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, partners, and organizational structure, please visit their official website.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Officer 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 agribusiness and value chain development, as well as the functioning of agricultural support services. This support is delivered in close collaboration with relevant public and private sector stakeholders, focusing on the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of investment policies, strategies, programs, and projects in food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. The officer will be responsible for delivering investment and finance support solutions through technical assistance and capacity development, aiming to achieve significant impacts in transforming 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, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation of these solutions, preparing final evaluations, and contributing to the development of studies and strategies related to food security and agriculture. The officer will also support the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems, 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 efforts. Additionally, the officer will support resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, agribusiness, economics, agricultural economics finance, or a closely related field. They should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, and processing, including experience in formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations in developing countries. A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) 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 fields related to agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, agribusiness, economics, or agricultural economics finance. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and investment strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the practical application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness, and market development. Candidates should have experience in formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations, particularly in developing countries. Experience in working in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Agribusiness Officer position is a full-time role based at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The position may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and development partners. The specific contract duration and compensation details are not provided in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for a role that demands a high level of engagement and commitment to improving agrifood systems.