Specialist on Access to Finance

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Roma; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An international organization specializing in agriculture is seeking a Specialist to support the financial inclusion and investment opportunities for rural producers. The role requires an advanced degree in a related field and at least 7 years of experience in rural finance. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to strengthen financial literacy and manage financing initiatives for forest and farm producer organizations, contributing to sustainable practices.

Competenze

• At least 7 years of experience in rural finance or development finance program operations.
• Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C).

Mansioni

• Provide strategic guidance on financial inclusion and investment opportunities.
• Design and support mechanisms for channeling finance through FFPOs.
• Build capacity of FFPOs on financial literacy and investment readiness.

Conoscenze

Rural finance

Cooperative banking

Development finance

Financial analysis

English proficiency

Formazione

Advanced university degree in economics, finance, management, international relations

First-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience

Descrizione del lavoro

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview processing).
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU / UNESCO list.
• 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 the FAO employment website.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation of any residency or visa requirements and security clearances.

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 FAO’s 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 world’s 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 women’s 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 strengthening FFPOs access to financial services and investment opportunities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• 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 FFF finance‑related pilots and initiatives.
• Build capacity of FFPOs on financial literacy, investment readiness and internal financing instruments.
• Provide support to the preparation of matchmaking events in the countries and in the implementation of the follow‑up.
• Support the preparation of PPP and other materials to show FFF’s 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, organise and synthesize all FFF NFO and partner‑developed materials related to finance, investment and blended finance mechanisms, business incubation and acceleration for forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs) (e.g. 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 / cultivating relationships with selected financing institutions that participate in blended finance meetings and matchmaking events (possibly with focus in selected countries / regions).

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / UNESCO with a specialization in economics, finance, management, development, international relations or a related field; alternatively a first‑level degree plus two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
• For non‑Consultants: University degree or specific technical specialization in economics, finance, management, development, international relations or related field.
• At least 7 years of 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
• 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 the Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of your personal device.

FAO Commitment to Diversity

• 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 persons 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 FAO’s 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.

FAO Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

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 authorisation 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 FAO’s 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 a 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 FAO’s client support team for further assistance.

Employment Information

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1

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