International Agribusiness Consultant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR) , is to assist governments to develop policies, programs and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. Under FAO Ethiopia Value Chain Unit, FAO Ethiopia Country Office is currently supporting the Ministry of Agriculture of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in piloting Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks. The Government of Ethiopia identified the creation of agro-industrial parks as one of the key mechanisms for accelerating the development of the agro-industrial sector in Ethiopia, and it expects this sector to play key role in economic growth of the country.

FAO Ethiopia country Office is focusing its contribution to the following intervention areas. - Develop solutions that address systemic constraints that hinder the increase in production and productivity and the marketing of selected products around the agro industry parks - Develop program that promote livelihoods options and off-farm income-generating activities for Internal displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and hosting communities - Support establishment of digital agriculture solutions in support to transformation of agri-food systems, - Support implementation of the Hand in Hand Initiative to accelerate the eradication of poverty and end hunger (SDG 1 and SDG 2). To ensure adequate support to the planned support to GoE, FAO Ethiopia is seeking to recruit one International Agribusiness Consultant to lead the Value Chain Unit, based in Addis Ababa.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Ethiopia, the direct reporting line of the FAO Deputy Representative, the technical supervision of the Agribusiness Officer, Sub regional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE), and in collaboration with other members of the FAO Ethiopia and SFE multidisciplinary team.

Technical Focus

The role of the International Agribusiness Consultant is to provide technical and operational support to FAO Ethiopia and the Ministry of Agriculture of Democratic Federal Republic of Ethiopia counterpart in order to achieve FAO-MoA (Ministry of Agriculture) joint mission with regards to agriculture transformation and inclusive rural development in Ethiopia.

Tasks and responsibilities

The International Agribusiness Consultant will be in charge of the following specific tasks:

• Lead the management of FAO Ethiopia Value Chain Unit’ projects cycles : prepare concept notes, prepare work plans, prepare ToRs, Letters of Agreements ( LoA) and Contract documents with partner organizations and ensure that contractual terms are met, especially with respect to timing and quality of deliverables, prepare request for biddings and requests for proposals for consultants and service providers, secure the quality of service providers’ deliverable (delivery of goods, services and constructions among others), lead the monitoring and evaluation against deliverables; • Lead the Value Chain Unit in monitoring of annual work plans in accordance to the project plans; • Foster close collaboration with Government institutions (in particular with the federal and State Ministers of Agriculture and with regional bodies in Oromia, Sidama and SNNP (South Nations and Nationalities Populations)) and with development partners; • Lead and secure the quality of reports in accordance with FAO and donor’s requirements; • Lead the support for development of knowledge products, including analytical works and practical tools, related to the projects and other agribusiness and agri-food related initiatives; • Provide required technical assistance to the Agribusiness Team to promote knowledge sharing and best practices at meetings and conferences, and interacts with international and national partners; • Participate in multidisciplinary teams such as the Steering Committee and the technical Task Forces for the Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIP) initiative; • Maintain close communication with other FAO Ethiopia project consultants to ensure that all components and activities are interlinked; • Lead analytical works and researches related to technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technology with respect to Ethiopia agriculture and food system dynamics; • Participate actively in multi-disciplinary teams, and/or lead working groups/teams; collaborate with other departments and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes FAO best practices; • Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations; • Support resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy; • Ensure coordination with other development partners (multilateral, bilateral and UN agencies) in Ethiopia. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural development, agricultural economics, or closely related field • Ten years of relevant experience in the fields of agribusiness, rural development, value chains, support to producers’ organizations, and market linkages development; • Working knowledge (level C) of English with a limited knowledge (level B) of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French or Spanish (for Consultants).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in projects coordination, technical fields related to agribusiness, agro-industry and value chain development. • Extent of experience with UN agencies, intergovernmental and international organizations in technical assistance mechanisms. • Ability to work under pressure and willingness to travel frequently to rural areas of Ethiopia (Sidama SNNPR and Oromia). • Quality of both oral and written communication skills.