Specialist on Access to Finance

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with Members, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects, analyses and disseminates information on the world's forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products. The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team is a partnership between FAO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and AgriCord, housed in the NFO and supported under an umbrella programme and a multi-donor Trust Fund, focusing on climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods. FFF sees the Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) which represent smallholders, rural women's groups, local communities and indigenous peoples' institutions as the key agents of change in rural landscapes. The position is located in the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Manager/OiC of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) and the direct supervision of the Lead FFF Forestry Officer. They may be called upon to collaborate with other FAO Divisions and teams.

Technical Focus

The Specialist will support in strengthening FFPOs’ access to financial services and investment opportunities.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will contribute to and/or take responsibility for one or more of the following tasks:

•     For Consultants only: Provide strategic guidance on financial inclusion and investment opportunities for small producers and FFPOs engaged in sustainable forest and farm activities  
•     Design and support mechanisms to channel finance through FFPOs (e.g., SACCOs, cooperatives, blended finance models) 
•     Support the design, monitoring, and reporting of FFF’s finance-related pilots and initiatives 
•     Build capacity of FFPOs on financial literacy, investment readiness, and internal financing instruments 
•     Provide support to the preparation of the matchmaking events in the countries and in the implementation of the follow-up 
•     Support the preparation of PPP and other materials to show FFF’s work on access to finance for smallholder farmers and for discussion with potential partners and donors. 
•     Contribute draft material and assist in coordinating the packaging and publishing of NFO, FFF financial tools and knowledge products on FAO/FFF online platforms to ensure easy global access. 
•     Collect, organize, and synthesize all FFF, NFO and partners-developed materials related to finance, investment, and blended finance mechanisms, business incubation and acceleration for forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs), for example in draft PPTs and briefs. 
•     For Consultants: Liaise with financial institutions, donors, partners, and other FAO teams and Divisions to leverage resources for FFPOs 
•     For Consultants: Assist in maintaining contacts/cultivate relationships with selected financing institutions that participate in blended finance meetings and matchmaking events (possibly with focus in selected countries/regions).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO with specialization in economics, finance, management, development, international relations or related field. In alternative, a first-level degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.  
•     For PSA.SBS: University degree or specific technical specialization in economics, finance, management, development, international relations or related field
•     At least 7 years’ experience in rural finance, cooperative banking, development finance, programme operations, preferably in international development 
•     Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•     Strong analytical and partnership-building skills  

Selection criteria

•     Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be considered an asset
•     Knowledge of FAO administrative and financial procedures is an asset 
•     Proven experience in designing/implementing financial mechanisms for smallholders or producer organizations preferable in forest landscapes