National Rural Finance Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production better nutrition a better environment and a better life leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAOs goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union) FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO facilitated through partnerships resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically FAO Country Offices:
(i)advocate inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOs mandate;
(ii)provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Jordan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be based in the FAO Jordan Country Office and will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Jordan (FAOR). The position will be technically supervised by the programme Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and will receive day-to-day guidance and oversight from the International Agribusiness Consultant. Operational supervision will be conducted by the Project Coordinator in close collaboration with the project team and consultants as well as the relevant counterparts in the Ministry of Agriculture and the PUNOs. regional and headquarters levels ensuring alignment with FAO strategies operational procedures and fiduciary standards.

The incumbent will collaborate extensively with national stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) microfinance institutions commercial banks municipalities private sector partners and producer organizations. Regular engagement with the Project Steering Committee and relevant technical units will be required to ensure timely appraisal of proposals effective risk management and compliance with project requirements.

Technical Focus

The assignment will focus on strengthening the financial and socio-economic performance of Rural Alliances through the design and application of blended finance tools rigorous appraisal of investment proposals and systematic monitoring of project outcomes. The role supports the establishment and operationalization of Rural Alliances with economically feasible and financially sustainable investment plans that deliver inclusive benefits to target communities.

Key technical priorities include conducting socio-economic and financial assessments of sub-project proposals facilitating linkages between alliances and financial institutions tracking development impacts such as employment and income generation and ensuring at least 30 percent participation of women and youth. The incumbent will also contribute to risk identification and mitigation promote compliance with FAO standards and generate evidence-based reports to inform decision-making and improve alliance performance.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring that financing mechanisms are transparent efficient and results-oriented ultimately supporting resilient agrifood market systems and sustainable rural development in Jordan

Tasks and responsibilities

Lead the design and operationalization of the Blended Finance Tool ensuring it is economically viable inclusive and aligned with project objectives and financing modalities for Rural Alliances.
Contribute with the assessment of the financing tool(i.e. investments of about USD 30000. Financing consists of 30% JP grant 10% private contributions and 60% soft loans.
Conduct socio-economic and financial appraisal of CfP applications and sub-project proposals for Rural Alliances assessing economic feasibility profitability cost-effectiveness and potential socio-economic impacts on local communities.
Contribute to the preparation review and finalization of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) ensuring clear financial and economic appraisal guidelines eligibility conditions co-financing requirements and risk mitigation measures are included.
Provide technical guidance to Rural Alliances in the design and strengthening of investment plans ensuring economic sustainability market relevance and inclusive benefits particularly for women and youth.
Monitor the socio-economic and financial performance of supported Rural Alliances and investment plans tracking key indicators such as income generation employment effects cost efficiency financial sustainability and participation of women and youth.
Facilitate linkages and collaboration with ACC MFIs commercial banks World Bank initiatives and other financiers ensuring Rural Alliances have access to finance and investment support.
Prepare analytical notes monitoring reports and recommendations for the Project Coordinator and FAO on the performance of the blended finance mechanism and Rural Alliance portfolio highlighting bottlenecks and proposing corrective actions.

Deliverables

Establishment of Rural Alliances: Support the creation and operationalization of at least 50 Rural Alliances including investment plan development.
Blended finance tool implementation: Contribute to the development and application of the blended finance appraisal tool for CfP proposals
Proposal appraisal: Conduct socio-economic and financial assessments of proposals and investment plans.
Monitoring and reporting: Support performance monitoring and timely reporting on alliance activities and results.
Finance linkages: Facilitate connections between Rural Alliances and financial institutions to improve access to finance.
FOR MAR POLOs clearance

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced degree in Agribusiness Agricultural Economics Development Studies Economics Business Administration Rural Development or related field. A first-level university degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.
At least 5 years of professional experience in financial and economic appraisal investment analysis rural finance and project/programme related agriculture agrifood systems value chain development and rural development.
Working knowledge of English and Arabic is required.
Jordanian national.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Proven experience in designing and / or implementing blended finance mechanism. Matching grants rural credit schemes or similar financing tools involving multi-stakeholder coordination (government financial institutions municipalities private sector producer organizations).
Proven experience in financial appraisal of projects or investment plans blended finance operations or grant mechanisms is highly desirable.
Proven experience working with financial institutions (MFIs. Banks) development funds. And public/private stakeholders in rural finance and investment support.
Experience in monitoring socio-economic impacts financial sustainability and socio-economic performance indicators performance tracking and reporting for development interventions.
Familiarity with inclusive approaches gender mainstreaming youth participation and social safeguards in project implementation.
Knowledge of Jordans agrifood sector financial landscape and rural development context is an asset.
Familiarity with Jordans work in local community context .
Excellent writing skills excellent interpersonal skills with liaising with different stakeholders and presenting ideas and exchanges
Strong analytical organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION