The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with regionwide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The position is located in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Agribusiness Officer reports to the Regional Programme Leader under the overall supervision of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative for Africa (ADG/RR, RAF). He/she will work in consultation with other Technical Officers in Partnerships and South-South Cooperation at headquarters and RAF.

Technical Focus

Coordinate and lead the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies, policies and agricultural investment operations with a focus on agribusiness development and the creation of an enabling environment for efficient and inclusive agriculture and food systems, including functioning agricultural support services to rural markets and finance institutions.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of regional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the regional priorities and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams; leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policies, as well as standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices, as well as technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation, advocates for best practices and increased policy dialogue; provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Special Functions

• Contributes to the design of strategies, agricultural marketing, logistics, operations, agri-financing, business advisory and policies related to agribusiness, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Provides thought leadership for design and implementation of interventions for inclusive and sustainable agrifood value chain development.
• Develops concepts, methodologies, guidelines and indicators for agribusinesses and MSMEs related to agricultural marketing, logistics, operations, agri-financing and business advisory.
• Advises Member Nations through reviews and the provision of technical advice, as well as capacity development on agricultural marketing, MSMEs and agrifood value chain development.
• Performs the analysis of selected agricultural sectors/food chains, including food security and food safety issues, as well as assesses the feasibility of agribusiness investment projects.
• Analyses the constraints and opportunities related to agribusiness investment options with emphasis on the functionality of markets; supports services, trade policies, market institutions, organizations, agri-financing, risk management systems, MSMEs and private sector engagements.
• Organizes and facilitates discussions on agribusiness investment-related policy issues, involving representatives of the private and public sectors with a view to reach a consensus on improved policies for enhancing the enabling environment for private investments.
• Provides technical assistance and advice to agribusiness investment projects in the field of marketing, MSMEs and value chain development.
• Analyses and provides technical advice on regional as well as international trade facilitation, policy and investment promotion.
• Maintains and develops strong partnerships with private sector organizations, cooperatives, partners, collaborators, development finance institutions and private financing and impact investors.
• Assesses constraints and opportunities for investment at all levels of selected value chains in relation to the functionality of private sector engagements, markets and market institutions, existence and performance of support services, trade policies, agri-financing and risk management systems, as well as food safety control systems when applicable.
• Identifies and analyses agricultural investment-related policy issues and develops public, as well as private platforms, aimed at promoting an enabling environment for investment along the value chain.
• Provides contributions to the development of knowledge products, including analytical work and practical tools, related to agribusiness, marketing, MSMEs and value chain development.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agro-industry, economics, agricultural economics or a closely related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in the areas of agro-industry systems development, agrifood industry, economics, management or a related field, application of value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, including experience in the formulation and/or implementation of agricultural investment operations.
• Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, French, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of French is considered an asset.
• Previous experience in supporting the design, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy development for agricultural investment operations with a focus on agribusiness development and the creation of an enabling environment for efficient and inclusive agricultural and food systems, including functioning agricultural support services to MSMEs, rural markets and financial institutions.
• Provision of technical expertise and capacity development for (i) the design of investment operations to mobilize resources for investment along agricultural value chains, in collaboration with country stakeholders and cooperating partners; and (ii) support the implementation and evaluation of investment operations, in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
• Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support planning, development and implementation of regional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with regional objectives and FAO Strategic Objectives.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of strategies, programmes and projects related to agrifood industries development.