National Hand in Hand Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO has secured funding under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to implement the project titled “Support to Promote Investments for Agri-Food System Transformation in Sri Lanka under the Framework of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HIH)” (TCP/SRL/4004). The goal of the project is to modernize Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector through the adoption of technology, innovation, and strategic investments, with the aim of enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting rural development. It also seeks to address climate-related challenges and improve market access. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports this transformation by advancing precision agriculture, building institutional and technical capacity, and mobilizing targeted investments to reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth.

Key Outputs of the Project:

•     Mapping of HIH investment opportunities and preparation of a list of potential commodities for investment.
•     Development of investment proposals and engagement with potential investors.

For this purpose, FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a National Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Consultant to lead the implementation of the project at the national level, ensuring effective coordination and supervision of all project activities, leading the agriculture investment planning and project design process, engaging with relevant stakeholders to identify priority areas and opportunities, and supporting the Government of Sri Lanka and the HIH team in developing the Sri Lanka HIH Investment Plan and proposals in alignment with national development objectives and investment priorities.

Reporting Lines

The National Hand in Hand Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes). He/she will work in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) team at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

•     Agricultural Investment Planning 
•     Data Analysis 
•     Financial and Economic Analysis

Tasks and responsibilities  

•     Analyse typologies based on the guidance note provided by FAO HQ.
•     Identify and map potential synergies with other relevant agrifood initiatives, programmes and projects to ensure alignment and coherence. 
•     Lead implementation of the project at the national level including oversight of the national expert team and monitoring the day-to-day implementation and progress of the project activities.
•     In close consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and other collaborating institutions and specialised institutions of the Government, collect baseline information required for typologies updating and prepare an inception phase report.
•     Assist CO focal points for the coordination of the agriculture investment planning and project design process including national roundtables on the prioritised agrifood investments in preparation for the Government of Sri Lanka participation in the HIH IF 2026.
•     Support GoSL and the HIH team to develop Sri Lanka HIH Investment Plan and proposals.
•     Lead the organizing of National Agriculture Investment Forum.
•     Support national participation in national and regional level trainings, workshops and knowledge exchanges.
•     Support the FAO team and the Government in the prioritization of territories and Investment cases.
•     Provide technical support for development of the economic and financial analysis for each of the identified investment cases based on realistic on-the-ground costings, risks and mitigation measures. 
•     Work with international experts to implement national level HIH prioritization of investments and related planning and costings.
•     Provide technical support the preparation of the detailed Investment note/PowerPoint presentation in close consultation with the Government and ensure timely reviews and delivery of the final ppt by end of February 2026.
•     Support in establishment of collaborations with other banks, partners and investors who may be interested to support these investments.
•     Explore linking HIH initiatives to other FAO corporate initiatives.
•     Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
•     Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in agricultural investment planning, agribusiness development, or related fields .
•     Experience in working with government, regional and international development agencies.  
•     Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.   
•     National of Sri Lanka or resident in the country with a valid work permit..

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     A strong understanding of agricultural concepts, along with the ability to interpret and visualize data to support informed decision-making.
•     Familiarity with effective use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point). 
•     Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups. 
•     Ability to work/deliver independently with minimal supervision.  

Selection Criteria

•     Working knowledge in the fields of GIS, statistics, data analytics, etc., will be an added advantage.
•     Extensive experience in Agriculture and Economics, with proven ability to integrate these fields into sustainable agricultural investment and development planning.
•     Experience in coordinating and liaising with industry, national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. 
•     Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.