Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains)
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 has over 12,000 employees and operates in more than 130 countries. The organization aims 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 FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a key component of FAO's mission, providing investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems globally. CFI collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, international financing institutions, and the private sector, to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. The Centre's work is focused on strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Agribusiness Officer (Value Chains) position is integral to the FAO Investment Centre's mission of transforming agrifood systems through investment and finance support. The officer will provide analytical and technical support for the development of agribusiness and value chains, working closely with public and private sector stakeholders. This role involves formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment policies and strategies in food and agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. The officer will also be responsible for delivering capacity development initiatives and ensuring that investment solutions are aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework. The position requires participation in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives, as well as leading evaluations of these initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agribusiness Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in and leading multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment initiatives in food security, agriculture, and rural development.
• Providing technical expertise for the preparation of studies and strategies related to food and agriculture, rural development, and agro-processing.
• Supporting the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems by engaging with producers, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
• Formulating capacity development strategies and activities to support government staff and private sector organizations.
• Preparing documents in accordance with FAO and partner requirements, ensuring quality outputs.
• Promoting international cooperation to create new investment opportunities and advocating for best practices in policy dialogue.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with FAO technical units and decentralized offices to ensure synergy in investment and policy work.
• Participating in resource mobilization activities to support the FAO Strategic Framework.
• Providing guidance to junior staff and contributing to their professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in value chain analysis, agribusiness development, and agro-processing is required. Experience in formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations in developing countries is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, economics, or agricultural economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and the investment strategies needed to enhance them.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the practical application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness, and market development. This experience should include working in developing countries and formulating and implementing agrifood investment operations. Experience in multidisciplinary teams and public-private policy dialogue is also highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a level C proficiency required. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role that may involve international travel to engage with stakeholders and support investment initiatives. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Candidates should be prepared to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate a commitment to the FAO's mission of achieving food security and sustainable agrifood systems.