National Agricultural Investment Plan Specialist

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 FAO Representation in Ghana is the body in charge of ensuring liaison between FAO and the Government of Ghana and is the first port of call for analyzing and appraising government assistance requests; identifying, formulating, implementing and monitoring all FAO programmes and projects; managing all phases of the project cycle for national projects for which operational and budget holder responsibilities have been assigned by the Technical Cooperation Department; identifying opportunities for collaboration, and mobilizing technical and operational support from the Regional Office, Headquarters and other funding sources as appropriate.

In Ghana, the agricultural sector investment plans are developed to align and implement the agricultural component of the National Medium-term Development Policy Framework of the government. The current Agricultural Sector Medium-Term Plan is the ‘Investing for Food and Jobs: An Agenda for Transforming Ghana’s Agriculture (IFJ II, 2022 – 2025)’. This emanates from the current sector policy (FASDEP II) through extensive stakeholder engagement for the achievement of the government’s objective of modernizing Ghana’s agri-food system. The IFJ II which ends December 2025, is currently being implemented through several ongoing programmes and projects.

To ensure that national priorities for the agriculture sector are identified effectively and pursued, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) is facilitating the development of the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (NMTDPF, 2026-2029). This is especially imperative as the Agenda for Jobs (2022-2025) comes to an end this year. The successor agriculture sector medium term plan is therefore to be developed out of the NMTDPF taking into cognizance all the international commitments.

The Food and Agriculture Organization is thus supporting the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to develop the agricultural sector medium-term development plan (SMTDP), which is also known as the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) for the period 2026-2029.

Reporting Lines

The National Agriculture Investment Plan Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the office of the FAO Representative, and the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

The National Agriculture Investment Plan Specialist will lead the development of Ghana’s national agriculture investment plan (NAIP, 2026-2029) by providing technical, strategic and facilitation support. The incumbent will conduct a situational analysis of the sector to assess and analyze the performance of the sector to inform strategic interventions for the medium-term.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     In close collaboration with FAO Technical Officers, engage and collaborate with MoFA Chief Director through the Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (PPMED) to agree on a roadmap for the development of the plan in accordance with the national development planning guidelines.
•     Lead and coordinate technical committee (comprising representatives from line and technical directorates of the Ministry), ensuring that outputs from various sub-sectors and thematic areas are consolidated, harmonized, and aligned with national priorities and continental commitments.
•     Undertake situation analysis and performance assessments of the sector in the past medium-term.
•     Engage with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology, Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, etc. to ensure that the NAIP reflects a multi-sectoral and integrated development perspective in line with Kampala Declaration of agro-industrialization and food systems transformation goals.
•     Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary expert groups in the preparation of essential background reports as prescribed by the African Union Commission (AUC) NAIP Guidelines. Ensure active and structured engagement with sub-sectoral teams (crops, livestock, fisheries, agribusiness, etc.) in conducting gap analysis, situational assessments, and priority-setting exercises.
•     Review and analyze key documents (both national and international) relevant to the sector. The key documents should include policy and strategy documents as well as reports. 
•     Synthesize and aggregate results of studies undertaken by Development Partners and other stakeholders to identify strategic options and areas of focus for the SMTDP. 
•     Draft the new investment plan and costing of programmes, as well as suggestions of policy instrument options to enable implementation.
•     Lead the development of the M&E plan in collaboration with the technical committee for the agricultural sector medium-term development plan (NAIP).
•     Develop a communication plan for sensitization and dissemination of the NAIP.
•     Propose implementation arrangements for the NAIP.
•     Aggregate and consolidate inputs and contributions made by stakeholders to the drafting of the Sector Medium Term Development Plan (NAIP) using the national development planning guidelines. 
•     Lead the identification of stakeholders (public sector, private sector, development partners, research & academia, civil society, and FBOs) and facilitate stakeholder workshops using participatory methodologies.
•     Prepare presentations, workshop reports and proceedings for stakeholder engagements.
•     Review and refine plan with inputs from stakeholder consultations/workshops
•     Any other relevant tasks necessary for the success of the assignment

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University Degree in Agriculture Economic, Agribusiness, Agriculture Policy and Planning, Development Economics, Rural Development, Agriculture Sciences or in development related Science
•     12 years of relevant work experience in Public Policy Planning, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or M&E
•     At least 8 years’ experience in the development of policies and plans
•     Working knowledge of English
•     A national of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building effective relationships
•     Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Knowledge and proven expertise in preparation/development of sector investment plans or policies, agriculture development, planning, programme design and monitoring and evaluation.
•     Knowledge and work experience in the agriculture/agribusiness sector in Ghana
•     Extent and relevance of experience in the public sector
•     Familiarity with UN policy and procedures is an asset
•     Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION