Agriculture Finance Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The project “Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition in Lebanon” (043/CAN) supports smallholders, cooperatives, and agri-MSMEs in the apples and vegetables value chains through technical assistance, collective-action strengthening, capacity development, and improved access to inputs and services.

Within this framework, FAO Lebanon will develop and pilot an inclusive rural finance model to unlock working capital and small assets for targeted value chains while reinforcing farmer groups and cooperative structures. The model will align with national counterparts (MoA/GDC) and engage financial service providers and value-chain partners to test practical, low-risk mechanisms (clear product parameters, simple SOPs, light monitoring) that are gender-responsive, climate-smart, and that safeguard against over-indebtedness.

This position operates within FAO Lebanon (PIU), with day-to-day technical coordination with ESP (Rural Finance) to ensure consistency with FAO guidance on rural financing. The assignment localizes tools, supports field assessments, validates feasibility with partners, and helps launch and follow up on the pilot in target districts.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Liaison and Resilience Officer and the program lead ( output 1), and in consultation with the Senior Policy Officer/Head of the RISE Team (ESP), the incumbent will work under the technical guidance of the Rural Finance Officer and in coordination with other FAO units involved in the delivery of matching grants.

Technical Focus

The Agricultural Finance Specialist will translate agro-economic analysis into practical financing solutions by co-designing product parameters, localized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and risk controls with partners, and supporting a gender-responsive, climate-smart pilot targeting farmer groups, cooperatives, and agri-MSMEs.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will\:
• Conduct assessments of agricultural finance ecosystem, including supply-demand dynamics, institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks and market infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to enhance financial inclusion and propose interventions that address gaps and constraints
• Support the design and implementation of agricultural finance programmes and instruments, including product development, operational procedures, risk management frameworks and performance monitoring systems.
• Ensure alignment with international best practices, sustainability principles and FAO corporate guidelines.
• Promote synergies and resource mobilization to expand rural financial services.
• Provide technical assistance and training to financial institutions, producer organizations, and partners on agricultural lending methodologies, value chain financing approaches, digital finance solutions, and sustainable financial service delivery models. Document experiences, analyze results, and disseminate knowledge products to inform policy dialogue, support evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to the global body of knowledge on agricultural and rural finance
• Perform any other related duties as required to ensure effective project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agricultural economics, finance, development economics, agribusiness management, or closely related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in agricultural finance, rural finance, or development finance, with demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing financial programs for agricultural and rural development. Experience should include practical involvement with various financial instruments and delivery mechanisms such as microfinance, value chain finance, warehouse receipt systems, agricultural insurance, or digital financial services
• Working knowledge (level C) in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• National of Lebanon or resident with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
• Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Proven experience in partnership development, capacity building, and knowledge management. Understanding of agricultural production systems, value chains, and rural development dynamics. Familiarity with international development practices and donor procedures is an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other relevant languages is an advantage
• Proven skills of report writing and communication

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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