Agricultural Borrowing Policy Specialist

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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
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• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
This assignment aims to understand the dynamics and rationale behind the Government of Kazakhstan's approach towards borrowing from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the agricultural and food sector, analyse the government's borrowing policies and develop strategic recommendations for engagements with IFIs in terms of borrowing.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the Investment Support Officer/OiC FAO Kazakhstan.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the role is to conduct a thorough analysis of Kazakhstan's borrowing policy from IFIs within the agricultural and food sector, examining terms, conditions, and impact assessments. Identify factors influencing the government's decisions to secure or avoid IFI loans, including political, economic, and social considerations. Develop targeted recommendations for loan structures and allocation strategies that align with Kazakhstan's national development priorities in the agriculture and food sector, aiming to optimize benefits and secure government endorsement.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review and analyze existing policies, reports, and data on Kazakhstan's borrowing in the agri-food sector.
• Conduct interviews and consultations with relevant government officials, financial experts, IFIs and other stakeholders in the agri-food sector.
• Identify key factors influencing the government's decision-making process in borrowing from IFIs.
• Prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings and providing clear recommendations on loan types and purposes that align with Kazakhstan's agri-food sector needs. The report should include brief information on the recent development projects implemented by IFIs (last 5 years) in the agri-food sector.
• Prepare Power Point Presentation and keynotes outlining key findings and recommendations of the assessment to be discussed with the relevant sector stakeholders.
• Participate in technical discussions and roundtables with the sector stakeholders to present the assessment.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Economics, International Relations, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy or any other related field.
• Proven 10 years of experience in financial analysis, particularly in government borrowing policies and international development banking.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the official UN languages (Russian, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in working with and maintaining effective partnership with national and international stakeholders from the government and non-governmental sector
• Experience with working district/oblast government, national and international experts and local communities;
• Strong understanding of Kazakhstan's agricultural and food sector, including its financing needs and challenges.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to conduct interviews and gather data effectively.

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

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.

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