Economist

Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 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 FAO Investment Centre (CFI) aims to be the go-to place for investment and finance solutions that lead to more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. Working in over countries, CFI provides a full suite of investment and finance support to FAO members. It partners with governments, international financing institutions, national and international organizations, the private sector, research institutions, academia and producer organizations to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investment.

The Centre's four main areas of work include support to strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment, and innovative finance. These are complemented by the knowledge for investment and capacity development for investment programmes that serve to share knowledge more widely and position the Centre as a trusted voice on investment and finance.CFI is a multidisciplinary Centre comprising the Director's office, which leads on strategy and business development, knowledge management, communication and administration, and five regional services: Asia and the Pacific; Near East and North Africa, and Europe and Central Asia; West and Central Africa; East and Southern Africa; and Latin America and the Caribbean. The post is located in the Latin America and the Caribbean Service, CFIF at the FAO Subregional Office for Mesoamerica, SLM in Panama City, Panama. Reporting lines The Economist reports to the Chief, Latin America and the Caribbean Service of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI).

Technical FocusProvide analytical and technical support on economic and financial aspects for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of investment policies, strategies, programmes and projects in food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing. Key ResultsDelivering investment and finance support solutions through the provisions of technical expertise/assistance and support capacity development, in collaboration with country stakeholders and cooperating partners, to achieve impact at scale in the transformation of agrifood systems in the scope of the FAO Strategic Framework. Key Functions - Participates in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in the identification and preparation of investment and finance support initiatives in the fields of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing, and participates in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions. Supports the implementation and the preparation of final evaluation of investment and finance support solutions. Participates in the preparation of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing studies and strategies, in the formulation of national sector and/or sub-sector investment plans and programmes. Supports the development of inclusive and sustainable food systems involving producers, their organizations, other private sector actors, civil society organizations and governments. - Contributes to capacity development initiatives in the areas of food and agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing investment support to government staff, non-state actors and private sector organizations. Prepares reports in accordance with the requirements of FAO, governments and financing partners.
- Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences, and interacts with international and national partners. Establishes, promotes and maintains relationships with relevant Strategic Programmes, FAO Technical Units and Decentralized Offices in order to ensure best synergies between investment, policy and innovation work in support to Member Nations. Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy. Specific Functions
- Provides inputs for the design of investment operations including, for the development of the project logical/results framework, the monitoring and evaluation system, and the costing of investment operations. Analyses the feasibility and viability of investment proposals through studying market prospects, prices, costs and risks, and carrying out financial and economic analysis. Supports the evaluation of the performance of investment projects or programmes during implementation and their impact after completion. Supports the review of investment implications of food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing policies, national plans and programmes including, poverty allev