Продовольча та сільськогосподарська організація ООН (ФАО) шукає Field National Technical Expert on Business Development.

Duty Station:

Various Duty Stations, Ukraine

Duration:

 Various durations

Organizational Setting

 FAO’s work in Ukraine focuses on three priority areas: Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources; Improved agriculture and rural development policy and programming, considering Ukraine’s role in contributing to regional and global food security in the EU context; Strengthening of value chain development.

Reporting Lines

The selected candidate will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia/Budget Holder, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme in Kiev, the Lead Technical Officer in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and in close coordination with the rest of FAO project’s team.

Technical Focus

The Field Technical Expert on Business Development will be responsible to identify and assess opportunities and needs for further investments by agricultural MSMEs in the target value chains, establish eligibility criteria for different investment projects and beneficiaries within the project area in Ukraine, and provide capacity building in agri-business and finance to project beneficiaries and service providers.

Tasks and responsibilities

1. Create the list of the agriculture MSMEs and individual farmers in the regions considered by the project.
2. Assess the needs including in financing and training of the agriculture-related businesses of the prioritized value chains.
3. Assess opportunities for further investments by agribusinesses in target value chains.
4. Analyse and develop the list of existing funding sources/opportunities.
5. Based on the results of the assessment, provide recommendations on developing of grant products for agribusiness MSMEs.
6. Provide support in the form of group trainings and individual consultations for grant call participants including in the on-line format.
7. When applicable, provide technical support to the evaluation committees of the grants and loans in assessing the feasibility of the business plans received for allocation of funds to support development of the identified value chains.
8. Contribute to updated eligibility criteria for the agricultural grants disseminated under the project.
9. Based on the assessment, develop detailed training programmes for the agricultural MSMEs and other agribusinesses on business planning, financial literacy and investments. The training should contribute to institutional sustainability of local agricultural micro-, small and medium businesses, individual farmers, extension services, VET institutions and other participants of agri-business and contain information on available financial and credit instruments and requirements for their acquisition.
10. Develop guidelines, make inputs to booklets and leaflets and other project information and training materials.
11. Promote experience sharing among micro, small and medium enterprises and organise study-tours and ensure participation in fairs and exhibitions of the local MSMEs. Assist in reaching new markets.
12. Support the coordination of the project’s technical activities, dissemination of results, guidance to the project team and contribute to reporting.
13. Provide day-to-day technical consultancy support and guidance to Office Coordinator.
14. Perform any other related duties as required.
15. Undertake frequent travels in the region, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•  Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, financial science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of work experience in the field of private sector development (development of agricultural MSMEs will be an asset).
• Working knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian and English (speaking and writing).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of Ukraine’s socio-economic context.
• Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of medium/long term projects.
• Experience in development activities in rural areas, desirably in the east of Ukraine.
• Experience in organizing/ supporting of grant schemes is an advantage.

 Selection Criteria

• Candidates to be called for interviews will be shortlisted against the Minimum Requirements

 Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: 

  FAO-UA@fao.org

  
  
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• For further information on categories, contract duration and honoraria, please refer to the  Conditions page

HOW TO APPLY

The following documentation should be sent, no later than Wednesday 27 May 2020, to the following e-mail address: 

FAO-UA@fao.org

•  Curriculum Vitae
•  Cover letter.

  FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT