Agrifood Business Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to support the transformation of resilient agrifood systems to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure access to quality food for active and healthy lives. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The organization focuses on various aspects of agriculture, food security, and rural development, working closely with governments and local stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and policies.
Job Overview:
The Agrifood Business Specialist position is designed to address the critical youth employment challenge in Bhutan, where youth represent a significant portion of the unemployed population. The role aims to enhance youth engagement in the agrifood sector, which is vital for the country's economy and food security. The specialist will work to transform the perception of agriculture among young people, promoting it as a viable and attractive career path. This position involves providing technical support and mentorship to youth-led agrifood enterprises, helping them develop business plans, improve product quality, and connect with markets. The specialist will also facilitate the introduction of technology and digital tools to enhance productivity and market access, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the agrifood sector in Bhutan.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agrifood Business Specialist will undertake several key tasks, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Agrifood Business Specialist position should possess a strong background in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, or a related field. They should have a deep understanding of the agrifood sector, particularly in the context of youth engagement and development. Strong analytical skills are essential for assessing business opportunities and providing sound advice to youth-led enterprises. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with young entrepreneurs and stakeholders. A commitment to sustainable development and a passion for empowering youth in agrifood systems are also crucial.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in entrepreneurship or youth development may be advantageous. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agrifood sector, particularly in developing contexts like Bhutan.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have several years of experience working in agribusiness, entrepreneurship development, or related fields. Experience in providing technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the agrifood sector, is highly desirable. Familiarity with youth entrepreneurship initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing youth engagement in agriculture will be beneficial. Candidates should also have experience in project management and capacity-building activities, demonstrating their ability to lead and support youth-led initiatives effectively.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in professional settings in Bhutan. Knowledge of local languages, such as Dzongkha, would be an asset, as it can facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may also be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the agrifood sector or youth engagement.
Additional Notes:
This position is a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) role, which may involve a contract duration that aligns with specific project timelines. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to volunteerism and community engagement. The living conditions in Thimphu are generally safe and comfortable, with a moderate cost of living. Housing options are available, and the city offers a range of amenities and services. The position may also provide opportunities for professional development and networking within the UN system and the broader agrifood community.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to support the transformation of resilient agrifood systems to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure access to quality food for active and healthy lives. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The organization focuses on various aspects of agriculture, food security, and rural development, working closely with governments and local stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and policies.
Job Overview:
The Agrifood Business Specialist position is designed to address the critical youth employment challenge in Bhutan, where youth represent a significant portion of the unemployed population. The role aims to enhance youth engagement in the agrifood sector, which is vital for the country's economy and food security. The specialist will work to transform the perception of agriculture among young people, promoting it as a viable and attractive career path. This position involves providing technical support and mentorship to youth-led agrifood enterprises, helping them develop business plans, improve product quality, and connect with markets. The specialist will also facilitate the introduction of technology and digital tools to enhance productivity and market access, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the agrifood sector in Bhutan.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agrifood Business Specialist will undertake several key tasks, including:
- Supporting youth-led agrifood enterprises in developing comprehensive business plans that outline their goals, strategies, and financial projections.
- Assisting these enterprises in managing their basic business finances, including budgeting, cost assessment, and identifying potential benefits.
- Guiding youth-led enterprises in identifying and utilizing appropriate technologies and practical digital tools that can enhance production efficiency, business management, and marketing efforts.
- Helping improve the products, packaging, and branding of youth-led enterprises to make them more competitive in the market.
- Facilitating connections between these enterprises and potential markets and business partners to foster growth and sustainability.
- Documenting and sharing good practices, lessons learned, and success stories from the supported enterprises to promote knowledge sharing and inspire others.
- Engaging in volunteerism activities and contributing to the UNV community by promoting local forms of volunteerism and participating in reflection activities.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Agrifood Business Specialist position should possess a strong background in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, or a related field. They should have a deep understanding of the agrifood sector, particularly in the context of youth engagement and development. Strong analytical skills are essential for assessing business opportunities and providing sound advice to youth-led enterprises. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with young entrepreneurs and stakeholders. A commitment to sustainable development and a passion for empowering youth in agrifood systems are also crucial.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in entrepreneurship or youth development may be advantageous. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agrifood sector, particularly in developing contexts like Bhutan.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have several years of experience working in agribusiness, entrepreneurship development, or related fields. Experience in providing technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the agrifood sector, is highly desirable. Familiarity with youth entrepreneurship initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing youth engagement in agriculture will be beneficial. Candidates should also have experience in project management and capacity-building activities, demonstrating their ability to lead and support youth-led initiatives effectively.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in professional settings in Bhutan. Knowledge of local languages, such as Dzongkha, would be an asset, as it can facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may also be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the agrifood sector or youth engagement.
Additional Notes:
This position is a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) role, which may involve a contract duration that aligns with specific project timelines. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to volunteerism and community engagement. The living conditions in Thimphu are generally safe and comfortable, with a moderate cost of living. Housing options are available, and the city offers a range of amenities and services. The position may also provide opportunities for professional development and networking within the UN system and the broader agrifood community.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.