Agribusiness Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is implementing the project Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM).  The project aims to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities through integrated watershed planning and management, investment in diversified agricultural value chains, agricultural and agroforestry systems and institutional capacity consistent with Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches.  The potential for ecosystems to support the sustainable production of commodities, goods and services for subsistence and commercial use by individual farmers, farmer groups and MSMEs will be enhanced. The project will be implemented in 11 districts in Malawi over a period of 6 years, benefitting over 500,000 vulnerable people in rural communities, restoring, conserving or improving the management of over 250,000 ha of land and achieving net emission reductions or removals of 2.75 MtCO2e within the lifetime of project interventions.

The position is located in Lilongwe.

Reporting Lines

The Agribusiness Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi and the direct supervision of the CTA of EbAM , in close coordination with the EbAM Component 2 team, including National Agribusiness and Finance Specialist, National Business Development Specialists and National Institutional Development Specialists; other project team members and implementing partners. 
Technical Focus

In collaboration with the EbAM Component 2 team of National Specialists, the consultant will provide technical and advisory support for the implementation of the Agribusiness Strategy of the EbAM project.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide strategic and technical advisory support on the design and implementation of EbAM agribusiness and private sector engagement approaches, ensuring alignment with FAO priorities, and the operational and market context of Malawi’s agricultural sector.
•     Support and provide quality assurance for value chain assessments, business models, financing mechanisms, and public–private–producer partnership (4Ps) concepts developed by national teams, with particular attention to commercial viability, scalability, and smallholder inclusion. 
•     Advise on innovative financing and market-based approaches, including agribusiness/SME engagement models and risk-sharing mechanisms that enhance smallholder inclusion, climate resilience, and private investment mobilisation.
•     Provide analytical inputs and strategic oversight to high-level agribusiness outputs, including investment briefs, concept notes, synthesis papers, and learning products linking ecosystem restoration, livelihoods, and markets.
•     Provide substantive inputs to donor and FAO reporting, including GCF annual reports, progress reports, reviews, and other strategic documents related to agribusiness and private sector engagement under EbAM.
•     Support the development of communications and knowledge products, including case studies, policy briefs, presentations, and success stories, to strengthen external recognition and learning around EbAM agribusiness activities.
•     Contribute to regional knowledge-sharing across FAO programmes in Southern Africa, supporting EbAM engagement in learning events and cross-country knowledge products.
•     Support high-level engagement and coordination with FAO teams, development partners, donors, and private sector stakeholders, as requested by the Chief Technical Advisor.
•     Support internal FAO processes related to project design and pipeline development for future agribusiness and private sector engagement initiatives linked to EbAMPerform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Rural Economy or any other discipline relevant to the work of the organization.
•     At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness, private sector development or rural enterprise development roles in emerging markets. 
•     At least 3 years of relevant experience working in sub-Saharan Africa; experience in Malawi is an advantage.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Demonstrated expertise in agriculture value chain analysis.
•     Experience of developing public private partnerships involving small-scale producers of agriculture or forestry products.
•     experience in private sector, finance or advisory roles considered relevant.
•     Knowledge and experience of the rural economy of Malawi is an advantage.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with private sector bodies, government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and donors.