Consultant on Agricultural Investment

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

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 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 risksharing 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 bachelors 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.

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

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 These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

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.

If you need help or have queries please create a one-time registration with FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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

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.