Technical Adviser (Agribusiness Incubation Expert)

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO 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. The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project 'UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA's Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme' is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA's capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods. The position is located in the PMU of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme and based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Lines The Technical Adviser reports to the Programme Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the overall guidance of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative, Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE).

Technical Focus Capacity development and knowledge management for agri-enterprises and value chain development.

Key Results Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions • Provides technical leadership assistance on the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; assists in the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions. • Coordinates programme-related activities and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. • Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. • Provides advice regarding the development of policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.

Specific functions • Leads comprehensive situation analysis for small and medium scale agribusiness enterprises to give directions to the sustainable development of the sector. • Assesses the status of rural agribusiness enterprises and local skills available in target commodities and identifies its development scope and constraints. • Undertakes technical capacity needs assessment for small producers, their cooperatives, agri-entrepreneurs, and value chain actors on agribusiness management, and value chain development. • Undertakes entrepreneurship skills needs assessment for small producers, rural youth and women to start and manage agri-business enterprises. • Establishes agribusiness incubation programme as a viable mechanism for promotion of small agribusiness entrepreneurship particularly among youth and women. • Develops commodity/enterprise specific viable business plans for each of the targeted commodities. • Establishes models for small businesses for the development and dissemination of rural traditional agricultural food enterprises and develops a mentoring programme to promote rural agribusiness and traditional food enterprises. • Develops agripreneurs models to demonstrate and promote rural youth and women involvement in small agribusinesses. • Designs and delivers need-based training programme on entrepreneurship agribusiness management, and value chain development for small producers and their cooperatives and other value chain actors including youth and women. • Identifies and promotes innovative, cost effective technologies for traditional/indigenous agrifood production among productive families and indigenous food producers and facilitates development of infrastructure and logistics needed for production and processing of rural agrifood and traditional commodities. • Establishes partnership and collaborations to sustainably provide the platform with technologies and practices appropriate for each commodity, small agricultural producers and agribusiness entrepreneurs. • Contributes in development of knowledge products and awareness campaigns for promotion of small and medium agribusiness enterprises. • Oversees the preparation of quarterly and semi-annual project component progress reports and identifies lessons learnt, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and presents recommendations for improving the performance. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agribusiness management, agricultural economics, development economics or a related field. • Seven years of relevant experience in agribusiness incubation and value chain development. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of Arabic.

Competencies • Results Focus • Team Work • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. • Extent and relevance of experience in in technical cooperation's related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes. • Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams. • Extent and relevance of experience related to implementation and management of technical assistance for capacity strengthening in the field of agribusiness incubation and value chain development. • Demonstrated capacity to coordinate country level activities and to organize and lead consultative processes involving several partner institutions and stakeholders. • Strong project management skills including familiarity with the development of results frameworks, logical framework, project work plans and budget. • Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports.