National Rural Finance Specialist - SC 9

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a technical knowledge-based organization marching forward with policy dialogues and advocating for the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations in the underdeveloped countries. Our three main goals are : the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Reporting Lines

The National Rural Finance Specialist is a SC 9 and works under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programme. The assignment envisages taking stock of national rural finance service delivery system, including policy, institutional arrangements and capacity, rural finance instruments and key stakeholders (service providers, recipients, oversight actors and others) to identify key impediments and potential areas of support for the development of an effective rural finance system. The Specialist shall be working collaboratively with the programme/operations and administrative units to implement the project activities.

The incumbent will lead the implementation of project activities for the programme/operations and administrative units.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review and take stock of latest developments in national rural finance service delivery system; • Collect and collate all relevant studies, policy papers, strategies, assessments and any other documents, data and information from stakeholders in the country; • Regularly consult with the international consultant on work progress and any impediments; • Consult with key stakeholders in the national rural finance ecosystem including public, private and civil society institutions as well as international partners; • Contribute to the development of the country assessment report in close consultation with the international consultant; • Organise the international consultant’s mission and ensure key stakeholders are fully engaged in the consultation process; • Support the organisation of the national HIH donor roundtable; • Ensure that the proposed roadmap for the establishment of an effective and inclusive rural finance service system is fully endorsed and owned by the relevant national authorities; • Support the identification and participation of national experts for capacity development and study tours outside the country envisaged under the project; • Identify and support Hand and Hand Initiative (HiHi) to prioritise key private sector players likely to be relevant for the Agricultural Sector Transformation. • Collect and collate all relevant studies to the private sector development from the country stakeholders and coordinating with the UN-Bangladesh Private Sector Working Committee (UNBPSWC). • Support with the anticipated large volume of follow-up meetings to attract interest in the work and investment in agribusiness. • Engage with the private sector to tightly prioritize policy needs that will accelerate the investments in agriculture. • Use feedback from the private sector to advice FAO Bangladesh team about the private sectors priorities for investment. • Participate in organizing workshop related to the Investment opportunities preparation for the Investment Forum. • Prepare draft Private Sector Strategy Development • Any other task assigned by the Supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree/ University degree in Agriculture economics, Poverty and development studies, Finance, development, resource economics, and/or climate change business, Agri-business management, business administration, or related field. • At least 10 years of relevant professional and practical experience in private sector/climate adaptation budgeting, cost-benefit analysis process, and project planning expertise for international finance with vertical funds. • Working knowledge of English (Level C) and Bangla • National of Bangladesh or a legal resident in the country

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to work independently and participate in team-based environment • Good leadership capacity • Demonstrable analytical skills • Knowledge management and learning. Constantly build and apply thematic expertise • Integrity and modelling of UN corporate values. • Proven experience in working with the private sector, preferably in climate change, energy etc. • Experience in drafting similar strategy/plan/drafting of business case for international funding. • Experience/Knowledge of private sector engagement and development in Bangladesh, including but not limited to, opportunities, challenges, stakeholders and the political economy impacting the private sector. • Experience/knowledge of, and technical competency in, broad and cutting-edge issues in climate change and private sector development. • Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office software, email, internet, spreadsheets. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, team-oriented work style, interest and experience of working in multi-cultural environment.