Technical Advisor (Agribusiness and Investment)

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 agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes 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.

FAO has launched a flagship programme “Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative” in 2019. The HiHi initiative supports the implementation of nationally led programmes to accelerate investments for agrifood systems transformations using advanced geospatial modelling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR), the Technical Advisor (Agribusiness and Investment) reports to the FAOR in Cambodia and works under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), and in cooperation with the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and the operational guidance of the Operations Officer of FAO Cambodia and in collaboration with all FACMB staff and governmental counterparts.

Technical Focus

Provision of technical advice and capacity development for strategic investment planning and programmes for agribusiness, public investment, private investment, and innovative financing; market analysis and research; investment facilitation and promotion for agrifood systems

Tasks and responsibilities

• Undertake research and analysis of the Cambodian agrifood system investment landscape including policy and regulatory framework, infrastructure, opportunities and risks; • Identify investment opportunities considering enabling environment, market demand, sustainability, and comparative advantage; • Contribute to the development of sub-sector investment plans and programmes including the Hand-in-Hand investment cases; • Develop strategies to attract public and private investment; • Recommend improvements to the investment climate for agrifood systems, including regulatory environment and infrastructure development; • Liaise with government agencies, industry associations, and development partners to promote investment opportunities; • Provide technical expertise and advice on agricultural policies, regulations, and incentives to create a conducive environment for investment; • Facilitate linkages and partnerships between investors, farmers, industry groups and other key actors in the Cambodian agrifood systems; • Lead the preparation of conceptual design of the Cambodian Agricultural Investment Forum to be organized late 2024; • Organize workshops and seminars to raise awareness about investment opportunities in Cambodian agriculture; • Develop and disseminate knowledge products to inform stakeholders about investment opportunities, trends and best practices; • Represent FAO in meetings, workshops and conferences related to agribusiness, value chain development and investment. • Carry out any other relevant duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, economics, or a related field; • At least ten years of experience in business case development, investment facilitation and promotion, and technical and capacity development supports to SMEs particularly agribusinesses; • Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of the Cambodian agrifood systems and investment climate; • Proven experience in conducting market research and feasibility studies; • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills; • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions; • Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis; • Extent and relevance of experience in one or more of the following areas: business case development, agricultural marketing, value chain development, analysis of agricultural investments, value chain analysis or diagnostic and feasibility studies for agro-industries; • Relevance and extent of experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams; • Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines; • Experience in working and/or coordinating with governmental organizations, the private sector, NGOs and other partners; • Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing forums, workshops and trainings events; • Ability to write clear and concise technical documents; • Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.