Rural Finance Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its 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.

In pursuit of these aspirations, the Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) structures its work around three core Objectives: 1). Build sustainable and resilient livelihoods for vulnerable people in agrifood systems; 2). Achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in agrifood systems; and 3). Promote equitable, inclusive and sustainable climate action and natural resource management.

The Inclusive Rural Finance Team works to address the micro-, meso- and macro level constraints to the efficient, inclusive and sustainable functioning of the rural financial market. Its main priorities are: financial inclusion, focusing on smallholder farmers, fishers, agri-MSMEs, rural youth and women; access to green finance to facilitate the transition to sustainable agriculture and food systems; effective risk management and de-risking of agrifood systems and value chains to enhance financial inclusion for the agrifood players; successful and inclusive adaptation of digital financial solutions; and financing for development. The experts selected under this Call will be working in the Inclusive Rural Finance Team in ESP.

Reporting Lines

The specialists work under the direct technical supervision of the responsible technical officer, the overall supervision of the Inclusive Rural Finance Team Leader.

Technical Focus

FAO frequently engages international specialists to carry out specific tasks or develop products based on their expertise, skills or knowledge. Their functions are results-oriented and normally involve carrying out analyses and research, drafting research papers, directing seminars or training courses, preparing documents for conferences and meetings, or writing reports on matters within their area of expertise. The assignments may involve full-time or part-time work and can last from one to 11 months. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the resources and needs of the Organization The Technical Focus of the roster encompasses five specific technical areas, each integral to the successful implementation of the Inclusive Rural Finance programme:

Investment and Financial Instruments: The incumbent is expected to support the Inclusive Rural Finance programme of work by focusing on the development, implementation and analysis of a range of investment instruments, such as Matching Grants, Revolving Funds, and Guarantee Funds, within the rural and agricultural finance sector.

Green Finance: The incumbent is expected to support the Inclusive Rural Finance programme of work by focusing on the development and promotion of inclusive green and climate finance to enable sustainable investments in the agrifood sector, with a focus on the small-scale actors such as smallholder farmers, MSMEs, women and youths.

Gender Finance: The incumbent is expected to contribute to the Inclusive Rural Finance programme of work by contributing to integrate gender perspectives into rural finance activities, products and programmes to promote rural women’s access to finance that addresses their unique needs and characteristics.

Agricultural Insurance: The incumbent is expected to support the Inclusive Rural Finance programme of work by contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies and agricultural insurance schemes for agricultural stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural enterprises.

Digital Finance: The incumbent is expected to contribute to the Inclusive Rural Finance programme of work by assessing, promoting and integrating digital finance solutions in FAO programmes to improve financial service delivery and inclusion for rural communities.

Tasks and responsibilities (for level В and C consultants)

• Research and analyze technical, social, economic, and institutional information, data, and policy issues in Rural and Agriculture Finance to support programme, projects, products, and services. • Produce a variety of technical reports, briefs, factsheets, infographics, and contribute to technical documents and web pages. • Provide technical support and analysis for the development of various assessments, studies, guidelines, learning modules, methodologies. • Contribute to the development and updating of tools, systems, processes, databases, and technical documents. Support the design and implementation of rural finance interventions and mechanisms in the framework of FAO field projects and programmes. • Participate in multi-disciplinary teams, collaborate with other FAO units, partner agencies, and promote best practices. • Contribute to the design and delivery of capacity development activities, including training workshops, seminars and meetings. Prepare related information, materials, online tools, and information kits. • Prepare and disseminate information products for advocacy and awareness-raising on trends and priorities in rural and agricultural finance and related areas. • Provide technical support for the formulation and implementation of field projects responsive to country needs. Prepare concept notes for resource mobilization. • Participate in technical meetings, international events, and undertake missions to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and good practices. • Coordinate or support the organization of meetings and events with internal and external stakeholders. Facilitate discussions, pool knowledge products on the IRF team's work, and provide updates and briefs for online platforms. • Perform other relevant duties as required, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to evolving program needs.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Finance, Rural Finance and/or related fields, including Agribusiness, Agriculture/ Agricultural Economics, Economics. • At least 5 years for Level В and at least 1 year for Level C of relevant work experience in rural finance and investment. • Working knowledge of English (C-level) and limited knowledge (В-level) of one of the other official languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian or Arabic).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in rural finance, preferably in the context of agricultural and rural development in developing countries. • Extent and relevance of experience in some of the following areas: rural finance and investment, financial inclusion, women and youth’s access to finance, investment and finance mechanisms, agricultural insurance, green finance, policy and enabling environment for rural and agribusiness finance, food value chain finance, and related fields. • Good conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrated ability to write technical and policy briefs and reports. • Experience in designing and delivering capacity building activities in an international development context. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with FAO’s mandate, objectives and procedures is desirable.