Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and other relevant partners are incepting the project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims at building climate resilience in vulnerable watersheds and communities through increasing climate resilience of watershed ecosystems, stabilizing productivity and farmers’ incomes and enhancing enabling environment. Total cost of the project is estimated at USD 53.2 million, which will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO and the Government of Malawi. The project will be implemented in 11 targeted districts in different regions in Malawi over a period of 6 years. Around 575,000 vulnerable people in rural communities will benefit from project interventions and more than 83,000 heIPOres of land will be restored through application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach.

The positions are located in Lilongwe.

Reporting Lines

The National Agribusiness and Financing Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, the direct supervision of the EbAM Technical Advisor, and will work closely with the EbAM National Project Manager (NPM) and other project team members.

Technical Focus

The National Agribusiness Specialist will provide technical support and service for identification and implementation of EbAM agribusiness development interventions for promotion of sustainable and resilient livelihoods in the targeted EbAM communities; identification and adoption of innovative financing models for agricultural business development; and capacity development for government staff, private sector and lead farmers in agribusiness development and innovative financing.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Lead assessments of value chains, products and financing markets, and propose interventions on agribusiness. development and innovative financing which are suitable to local conditions and in compliance with EbA approach for adoption of the EbAM project for promotion of resilient livelihoods in targeted project areas.
•    Support the formulation, regular updating, implementation, monitoring and reporting of detailed EbAM work plan related to agribusiness development and innovative financing.
•    Support capacity development for FAO EbAM project team, other EbAM Executing Entities, government counterparts and beneficiary groups on strategies, approaches and practices related to agribusiness development and innovative financing.
•    Support establishment of market linkages and access to micro-finance for farmer groups targeted by EbAM project, in collaboration with relevant partners, including government institutions, private sector and NGOs.
•    Support the development of institutional, technical and financial capacities of farmers groups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their inclusiveness and competitiveness in ago value chains.
•    Design and implement training activities for government extension workers, farmers groups, cooperatives and MSMEs on business development, finance management, market access and risk management.
•    Support brand building for products of farmers groups, cooperatives and MSMEs through promotion of Global Good Practices (GPA), traceability technologies and marketing approach.
•    Facilitate dissemination of concepts and approaches on ecosystem-based adaptation, responsible investment, sustainable development, climate-smart practices, biodiversity conservation and social inclusion in agribusiness development.
•    Provide technical inputs and support in the preparation of project reports to partners, donors, counterparts, FAO and GCF, including the formulation of reports on the results of the execution of the planned activities.
•    Support preparation of technical reports, presentations, terms of reference and any other document related to agribusiness development and innovative financing under EbAM project, including successful stories and good experiences for recording, communication and dissemination.
•    Establish and maintain good partnerships with government departments, donor community, other development partners, NGOs and private sector in the areas of agribusiness development and rural financing.
•    Any other relevant task assigned by the Technical Advisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness development, rural financing or any other related field.
•    Five years of experience working in agribusiness development, value chain development, rural financing, or other related areas.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Chichewa.
•    Nationality of Malawi.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Relevance of experience in working with UN agencies and other international organizations.
•    Knowledge and skills in agribusiness development and rural financing.
•    Experience and strength in implementing investment project related to agribusiness development and innovative financing.
•    Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team and build good partnerships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION