Agribusiness Development and Marketing Specialist

Organizational Setting 
 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems   transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  
For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

The Philippines has faced six devastating cyclones (Trami, Kong-rey, Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi and Man-yi) during October–November 2024, striking the country in rapid succession, affecting over 13 million people across 17 regions. Among the hardest hit is the province of Cagayan where major crops were wiped out, particularly rice and high value crops (HVCs). Floods inundated farmlands in a time when the wet planting season had just started. Farmers narrated that they had initiated land preparation and set up seedbeds, anticipating transplanting by mid-December, only to see their efforts and investments washed out. Since fields were totally damaged with no chance of recovery until after the next cropping cycle in 6 months, respondents have been coping by reducing the number of meals per day or borrowing money for food to compensate for lost income streams. 

The road to recovery and resilience for smallholder farmers, fisherfolk and livestock owners requires a medium to long-term strategy drawing on the ‘build back better’ philosophy. Focusing interventions on Cagayan Province, FAO is implementing the project “Rebuilding agricultural livelihoods affected by multiple cyclones in Cagayan province”, which will provide support to affected farmers and fisherfolk, noting that it is in these sectors where impacts of disasters are most significant, vulnerability is high, and recovery period longer.

Reporting Lines 

The Agribusiness Development and Marketing Specialist will report to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme in coordination with the Project Team Coordinator.

Technical Focus  

The incumbent will focus mostly on Output 1.1 and 1.2 of the project OSRO/PHI/085/AUL in collaboration with the Grants Management and Cash Specialist. He/She will be responsible for the project’s component to achieve its objective to enhance the economic resilience of small-scale farmers and fisherfolks, particularly women, by restoring and diversifying their agriculture and fishery based livelihoods affected by disasters.

 
Tasks and responsibilities 

•    Develop and implement tools for profiling and validating beneficiaries to ensure that small farmers and fisherfolk most affected by disasters are accurately identified, with special attention to gender and social inclusion.
•    Conduct thorough market and value chain analyses to identify viable agricultural and fishery products, assess market demand, and uncover opportunities for value addition and sustainable enterprise development.
•    Lead training needs assessments to identify gaps in technical, business, and marketing skills among farmers, fisherfolk, and women’s groups, ensuring that all capacity-building efforts are relevant and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.
•    Design and facilitate training sessions focused on climate-smart agriculture, improved aquaculture practices, food processing, product development, branding, and marketing to build the capacity of farmers, fisherfolk, and women entrepreneurs.
•    Assist women-led groups and community associations in developing sound business plans that cover product development, market access, cost analysis, and sustainability strategies to support alternative livelihoods.
•    Support the development and improvement of value-added products by guiding producers on quality control, innovative packaging, and branding to help them meet market standards and attract consumers.
•    Establish and strengthen market linkages by connecting local producers with buyers, traders, cooperatives, and digital platforms, while also facilitating participation in trade fairs and collective marketing initiatives.
•    Monitor the use and impact of livelihood grants and startup support by ensuring that recipients apply the resources effectively toward productive activities and by identifying areas for additional support or improvement.
•    Coordinate with microfinance institutions and insurance providers to support farmers and fisherfolk in accessing affordable financial services and agricultural insurance, helping them manage risks and improve financial resilience.
•    Document good practices, success stories, and lessons learned throughout the implementation of agribusiness interventions and share these insights with project partners to promote learning and replication.
•    Perform any other related duties as required.  

 
 
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 
 
Minimum Requirements 
 
•    Advanced university degree in one of the following disciplines: agriculture, economics, agriculture economics, agribusiness, development studies, and related fields
•    At least 9 years professional and practical experience in project implementation preferably with a UN agency; 
•    At least 5 years experience working with rural communities and agri-enterprises;
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    National of the Philippines

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, particularly in agriculture development and agri-enterprises is an advantage. 
•    Experience in field operations is desired.   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION