Agricultural Economics specialist

The overall objective of the assignment is to develop at least five (5) (up to ten (10)) investment cases by conducting a comprehensive Situational, Financial and Economic Analysis of key investments for priority value chains (VCs) with agro ecological potential and defining the appropriate inclusive business models for each selected impact investment cases.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• In close collaboration with the National Consultant for the Status Assessment And Scoping Of Potential Sites For Establishment Of Agricultural Hubs And Youth Farmer Business Groups, Review the National Agricultural Investment Plan, 12 SDPAs, Irrigation Master Plan Phase 1 reports and other investment
• Conducts an assessment for the Selection of highest potential investment cases;
• Recommends high potential investment cases and rank according to their economic and agroecological potential from the 10 identified.
• Presents recommended investment cases to senior management of the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO & other relevant stakeholders at a pre-validation meeting;
• Presents recommended investment cases at a national validation meeting;
• Produces investment briefs with detailed economic & financial analysis (IRR, NPV & ROI) on the high priority investment cases;
• Assesses and recommend financing options available for the agricultural investments: including government support programmes, subsidies or private sector financing;
• Conducts a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of different scenarios on priority investment cases
• Designs and propose a resource mobilization strategy for operationalization of high priority investment cases;
• Conducts reviews and analysis of related legislative frameworks, policies and other market related bottlenecks;
• Defines inclusive business models for each investment case.

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Agribusiness, Marketing, Economics, Finance, or a closely related Field
• At least 5 (Five) years of concrete experience in market analysis, value chain analysis, agriculture enterprise modelling, aggregation of farmers and anchor farm model and policy guidelines.
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Eswatini or a legal resident of Eswatini

Technical/Functional Skills: 

• Experience and strong knowledge of national context, framework and interventions with reference to food,   agriculture sector and rural development.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective and independent consultant.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400761