Organizational Setting

FAO India is implementing multiple projects across several states to improve livelihoods through more diversified, efficient, and higher value agricultural and livestock production. These projects aim to strengthen high potential agricultural value chains at the national and regional level to improve farmer livelihoods, increase food security, and contribute to the reduction in national food import bills. FAO is seeking an agriculture finance specialist to be part of a team working across different areas of the value chain, from production to post-harvest, value addition, marketing, and trade. Her/his primary role will be to collaborate with farmers, companies, lenders, and investors in the creation/adaptation of finance mechanisms that support farmers in the transition to high potential national value chains. This work will include development of costs of production analyses for farmers, government and service providers, and business investment profiles for lenders and investors, raising visibility and commitments to value chain finance, and, where possible, catalyzing the creation of new mechanisms and disbursements of capital.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in India (FAOR) and the Assistant FAOR Representative (Programme) and guidance of the Project Managers of FAO India Projects, the Agribusiness Specialist will support development of value chains in the specific project landscapes. This includes coordinating with other departments of the state government that have a mandate for value chain development including the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, etc. The locally sustainable value chain should be developed in close coordination with these departments as well as with private enterprises.

Technical Focus

Expertise in agricultural economics, agribusiness management or a closely related field.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Compile, analyse, synthesize, and package green value chain /agri-business product case information for target audiences (farmers, processors, financial institutions).
•    Propose and develop targeted business models, assess financial and operational feasibility, guide business development options and develop relevant business risk mitigation options.
•    Support the states in Identification and screening of agricultural sector stakeholders, financial institutions, private sector, development banks and investors to converge financing and investment in targeted value chains and agribusinesses.
Undertake field visits to gather data and intelligence to prepare and validate business profiles for investment.
•    Develop training content and pedagogical tools for potential Agri-entrepreneurs and orientation of business development service providers.
•    Identify pathways for accessing blended finance, broadened partnerships, Technical Assistance by promoting platform responsible for defining investment in agribusinesses by aligning with key stakeholders/players.
•    Ensure the integration of FAO ESS management framework in the Agribusiness cases.
•    Secure relevant inputs to strengthen and ensure relationships with target public institutions including market agencies, export promotion agencies, financial intermediaries, apex cooperatives, development and investment agencies/banks to support the adoption of the business model.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Masters in agricultural economics, agribusiness management or a closely related field.
•    At least five years of work experience in sustainable agricultural and Agri value chains or related fields with recognized technical expertise.
•    Working knowledge of English and Hindi (both written and spoken).
•    National of India  or a resident with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    At least five years of practical experience in the field of agriculture and rural development, working with local agriculture-dependent communities and development of enterprise support institutions.
•    Strong coordination/organization/networking skills and experience in coordinating expert teams.
•    Experience with value chain analysis in India.
•    Experience in conducting agricultural/rural sector/subsector analytical studies.
•    Experience in planning, design, supervision of agricultural and rural investment operations, including elaboration of agribusiness investment feasibility studies/food chain analyses/agricultural market studies in India.
•    Experience in use of FAO’s tool for small holder business development – Rural Invest.
•    Experience working with or in international non-governmental and donor organizations (UN agencies, World Bank, IFAD, Asian Development Bank, etc.) with implementation of participatory projects.
•    Outstanding inter-cultural communication, networking and coordination skills.
•    Good analytical and report writing skills.
•    Excellent knowledge of English language with strong oral, written and presentation skills and knowledge of local language will be an asset.