Consultant on Agricultural Investment

FAO supports Member Countries in Asia and the Pacific in advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems transformation in line with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and the Four Betters.

Countries in the region face growing challenges in mobilizing adequate, well-structured public and private investment for agrifood systems transformation. While FAO initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative, provide strong analytical foundations, additional technical expertise is often required to translate analytics into bankable, investment-ready proposals aligned with the requirements of development finance institutions and private investors.

To ensure timely access to investment expertise across a range of programmes and countries, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) seeks to establish a roster of International Consultants on Agricultural Investment who may be mobilized on a call-down basis.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Officer, FAO RAP; technical supervision by the relevant Lead Technical Officer (LTO), in coordination with FAO technical divisions, FAO Investment Centre (CFI), and FAO Country Offices, as applicable.

Technical Focus

•    Supporting investment prioritization and the identification of public and private investment opportunities in the agrifood sector
•    Contributing to the preparation of agricultural and agrifood investment projects, notes and proposals
•    Applying blended finance and other innovative financing approaches, including PPPs and risk‑sharing mechanisms, where relevant
•    Integrating financial, environmental and climate considerations into investment planning and project design
•    Providing technical backstopping, quality support and contributing to capacity development and investment dialogue with relevant stakeholders

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Review national strategies, sector policies, HIH analytics, agricultural typologies and value-chain diagnostics to inform investment prioritization.
•    Conduct investment opportunity mapping and rapid assessments for public and private investment.
•    Provide technical inputs to agricultural investment notes, concept papers and project proposals.
•    Integrate financial, economic, environmental and climate screening, including blended finance or other innovative financing approaches, where relevant.
•    Advice on financing structures, including blended finance, PPPs, risk-sharing or innovative financing mechanisms.
•    Provide technical backstopping and quality assurance to national consultants and government teams.
•    Contribute to capacity-building activities, training workshops and investment dialogues.
•    Prepare technical notes, briefing materials and end-of-assignment reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, development finance, agribusiness, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•    At least 1 year for category C, or 5 years for category B of relevant professional experience in agricultural or agrifood investment, project preparation, financing, or related analytical work. 
•    Working knowledge of English is required;

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Experience or exposure to blended finance, innovative financing mechanisms, or investment structuring is an asset
•    Experience working with governments, international organizations, DFIs or the private sector is desirable
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•    Familiarity with Asia and the Pacific region is an advantage

Selection criteria

•    Knowledge of additional FAO languages is considered a strong asset.
 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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