Specialist on Access to Finance

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

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAOs work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental social and economic dimensions of forestry including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with Members civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects analyses and disseminates information on the worlds forest resources and on the production trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products. The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team is a partnership between FAO the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and AgriCord housed in the NFO and supported under an umbrella programme and a multi-donor Trust Fund focusing on climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods. FFF sees the Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) which represent smallholders rural womens groups local communities and indigenous peoples institutions as the key agents of change in rural landscapes. The position is located in the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Manager/OiC of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) and the direct supervision of the Lead FFF Forestry Officer. They may be called upon to collaborate with other FAO Divisions and teams.

Technical Focus

The Specialist will support in strengthening FFPOs access to financial services and investment opportunities.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will contribute to and/or take responsibility for one or more of the following tasks:

For Consultants only: Provide strategic guidance on financial inclusion and investment opportunities for small producers and FFPOs engaged in sustainable forest and farm activities
Design and support mechanisms to channel finance through FFPOs (e.g. SACCOs cooperatives blended finance models)
Support the design monitoring and reporting of FFFs finance-related pilots and initiatives
Build capacity of FFPOs on financial literacy investment readiness and internal financing instruments
Provide support to the preparation of the matchmaking events in the countries and in the implementation of the follow-up
Support the preparation of PPP and other materials to show FFFs work on access to finance for smallholder farmers and for discussion with potential partners and donors.
Contribute draft material and assist in coordinating the packaging and publishing of NFO FFF financial tools and knowledge products on FAO/FFF online platforms to ensure easy global access.
Collect organize and synthesize all FFF NFO and partners-developed materials related to finance investment and blended finance mechanisms business incubation and acceleration for forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs) for example in draft PPTs and briefs.
For Consultants: Liaise with financial institutions donors partners and other FAO teams and Divisions to leverage resources for FFPOs
For Consultants: Assist in maintaining contacts/cultivate relationships with selected financing institutions that participate in blended finance meetings and matchmaking events (possibly with focus in selected countries/regions).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO with specialization in economics finance management development international relations or related alternative a first-level degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
For : University degree or specific technical specialization in economics finance management development international relations or related field
At least 7 years experience in rural finance cooperative banking development finance programme operations preferably in international development
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English

FAO Core 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
Strong analytical and partnership-building skills

Selection criteria

Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic Chinese French Russian or Spanish) would be considered an asset
Knowledge of FAO administrative and financial procedures is an asset
Proven experience in designing/implementing financial mechanisms for smallholders or producer organizations preferable in forest landscapes

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender nationality background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAOs values
• FAO as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status objectives and mandate including sexual exploitation and abuse sexual harassment abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO 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
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 FAOs 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.

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