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.
The project “PROMOVE Agribiz” is financed by the European Union and jointly implemented by the FAO and GIZ. The objective of the project is to contribute to sustainable, inclusive and broad-based economic growth and poverty reduction in the context of national food and nutrition security as well as climate change. The specific objectives are: i) to improve food and nutrition security and resilience of smallholders through climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agriculture development in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia; and ii) to enhance rural competitiveness through increased participation of smallholders and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic activities, economic diversification, improved access to rural services and improved rural investment climate in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia.
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.
The position is located in the FAO Representation in Maputo, Mozambique.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Mozambique, the Agribusiness Consultant reports directly to the Technical Adviser/ Coordinator of the project.

Technical Focus 

Support to the know how transfer in financial literature and implementation of a match making strategy between supply and demand of agricultural products and agricultural investment operations with a focus on agribusiness development.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Design and implementation of the program for set up and follow up of agribusiness development, promote networking with public and private sector stakeholders.

•    Coordinate and participate in trainings delivery and capacity building and curriculum development programs for FBS. Assure the quality of FBS model implementation and outreach.

•    Support aggregation of farmers and farmer’s associations to increase quality control, bargaining capacity for input purchase and output sales, storing capacity etc.

•    Ensure the successful scaling of an Agricultural Market Information System, developed in partnership with the Government, to facilitate demand and supply of agricultural products.

•    Lead and scale the Beneficiary Grants modality for the operationalization of investment projects at primary production level.
•    Provide support in drafting strong investment proposals, lead operationalization of selected projects from inception upon closure throughout the investment lifecycle.
•    Coordinate with the FFS, Seed Component and e-voucher and experts.
•    Coordinate with the M&E officer assuring proper knowledge management, design of research, data analysis and stockpiling of the findings in the field.
•    Coordinate with the C&V officer to design appropriate knowledge sharing campaigns of market prices, market aggregation models adopted and sharing success stories. Support the identification, documentation and dissemination of good practices at different levels.
•    Coordinate with relevant Public Institutions at Central, Provincial and District levels.
•    Develop (evidence-based) investment models for agribusiness development and align public and private investment capacities.
•    Disseminate relevant knowledge for different agribusiness models and initiatives generated by the programme.
•    Represents FAO in technical discussions in the national and provincial and district relevant events.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, economics or a related field;
•    Seven years of relevant experience in the areas of agro-industry system development, agri-food industry economics/management or a related field;
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered a strong asset
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agribusiness, agro-industries and food systems
•    Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings as well as workshops.