Agricultural Economics specialist

Organizational Setting

Through FAO support, Eswatini is now concluding development of its second generation National Agricultural Investment Plan (E-NAIP), with the current draft now ready for Independent Technical Review led by the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA –NEPAD). The E-NAIP encapsulates a process with a network of institutions aimed at achieving the vision for the agricultural, natural resources sector and food security in the country within the auspices of the African Union and the AUDA-NEPAD’s, Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). FAO Eswatini has been supporting this process through the Agrinvest programme where a number of achievements have been attained including i) the Agricultural Development Fund and its regulations, ii) 12 draft sector development plans agreements (SDPA), iii) support to the formation of Eswatini Horticultural, Grain and Livestock industry Associations and investment platforms all feeding into the NAIP process. The overall objective of the project is to increase private investment in the agricultural and food sectors (production, aggregation, processing, and distribution) and its associated services industries (e.g., logistics, inputs, testing services) through roll out of Hand-in-Hand (HiH) initiative that facilitates risk reduction mechanisms, the adaptation of investment financial products, and improvement in the effectiveness of investment support measures in the national agricultural investment process in Eswatini. This HiHi process will build on the ongoing work in Eswatini by i) conducting a comprehensive Technical Financial and Economic analysis of key investments for priority value chains (VCs) with agro ecological potential, ii) Definition of appropriate inclusive business models for each selected impact investment cases; iii) Awareness/Roadshows /matchmaking to facilitate private sector investment into these selected areas of investment. Beneficiaries will be hundreds of thousands of farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, especially young people and women, and population of Eswatini in general. Data informed technical, financial & economic studies are crucial for documenting interventions, impacts and lessons learnt. However, such information is too often saved into administrative databases and is difficult to retrieve and to make use of it for decision making on future projects in a quantitative manner. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive technical financial and economic analysis report for least five (5) (but up to ten (10) Investment cases which will create an enabling environment to facilitate private sector investment including farmer linkages to export markets.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Eswatini, (FAOR), guidance of the Assistant FAOR Program and the technical supervision of the National Programme Coordinator. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with FAO officers that will form a project management team task force consisting of the Lead Technical Officer (FAO Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa).

Technical Focus

The overall objective of the assignment is to develop at least five (5) (up to ten (10)) investment cases by conducting a comprehensive Situational, Financial and Economic Analysis of key investments for priority value chains (VCs) with agro ecological potential and defining the appropriate inclusive business models for each selected impact investment cases.

Tasks and responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the National Consultant for the Status Assessment And Scoping Of Potential Sites For Establishment Of Agricultural Hubs And Youth Farmer Business Groups, Review the National Agricultural Investment Plan, 12 SDPAs, Irrigation Master Plan Phase 1 reports and other investment • Conducts an assessment for the Selection of highest potential investment cases; • Recommends high potential investment cases and rank according to their economic and agroecological potential from the 10 identified. • Presents recommended investment cases to senior management of the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO & other relevant stakeholders at a pre-validation meeting; • Presents recommended investment cases at a national validation meeting; • Produces investment briefs with detailed economic & financial analysis (IRR, NPV & ROI) on the high priority investment cases; • Assesses and recommend financing options available for the agricultural investments: including government support programmes, subsidies or private sector financing; • Conducts a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of different scenarios on priority investment cases • Designs and propose a resource mobilization strategy for operationalization of high priority investment cases; • Conducts reviews and analysis of related legislative frameworks, policies and other market related bottlenecks; • Defines inclusive business models for each investment case.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Agribusiness, Marketing, Economics, Finance, or a closely related Field • At least 5 (Five) years of concrete experience in market analysis, value chain analysis, agriculture enterprise modelling, aggregation of farmers and anchor farm model and policy guidelines. • Working knowledge of English • National of Eswatini or a legal resident of Eswatini

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience and strong knowledge of national context, framework and interventions with reference to food, agriculture sector and rural development. • Demonstrated ability to work as an effective and independent consultant.