HiHI Partnership and Resource Mobilization Specialist

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• 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

FAO Lao PDR is implementing its Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2022–2026, which prioritizes climate change adaptation, resilient livelihoods, sustainable natural resource management, and inclusive rural development. In line with the CPF and global FAO initiatives, Lao PDR is actively participating in the Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative, which promotes targeted investment and partnerships in areas with the greatest potential for rural transformation and poverty reduction.
In alignment with national development priorities, FAO Lao PDR is supporting the implementation of the One Country One Product (OCOP) programme, which aims to enhance rural livelihoods through value chain development, product certification, and market linkages. The OCOP initiative serves as a practical vehicle for inclusive economic growth and agrifood system transformation at the grassroots level.
To support the mobilization of resources, strategic partnerships, and effective implementation of key initiatives—particularly for climate change adaptation, agrifood system transformation, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, OCOP — FAO is recruiting a Partnership and Resource Mobilization Officer. This position is funded under the national TCP Enabling inclusive and effective blended investment in agri-food systems in the context of the Hand in Hand Initiative (HIH) to support the HiHI implementation, advancing agriculture investments in Laos.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct guidance of the FAO Representative in Laos, and working closely with the Assistant FAOR (Programme), in close collaboration with the National Agronomist, National Policy Expert and Advisor, relevant project teams, and technical guidance from the LTO and relevant technical colleagues from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), the incumbent will be primarily responsible for the following tasks and duties:

Technical Focus

The incumbent will lead the formulation and implementation of strategies to mobilize financial and technical resources, with a focus on climate finance, sustainable development, and inclusive agrifood transformation. The specialist will also support the implementation of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative TCP project.

Tasks and responsibilities

Resource Mobilization & Donor Engagement

• Support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive donor intelligence map, analyzing funding opportunities from bilateral/multilateral donors, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), private sector entities, foundations, and vertical funds.
• Support Assistant FAOR on the regular reviews of the donor landscape, identifying emerging opportunities (e.g., GEF funding windows, climate finance mechanisms and bilateral donors including China, Korea, Australia, France, Japan, among others) and strategic trends.
• Support the Assistant FAOR in researching donor priorities, funding mechanisms, and alignment with FAO's strategic framework and national development priorities.
• Support in maintaining good relationships with key donors, government agencies, embassies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to enhance partnership opportunities.

Hand-in-Hand Initiative Implementation

• Assist in identifying and mapping potential international investors, development partners, financing institutions, and private‑sector actors aligned with priority value chains and Green Growth Economic Corridor (GGEC) objectives.
• Support the development of a partnership engagement strategy for agricultural investment promotion using the HIHI approach.
• Provide appropriate support for the preparation of the tailored investor briefs and partnership packages for priority commodities consistent with HIHI investment cases.
• Provide assistance in facilitating business‑to‑business (B2B) and public‑private‑community (PPC) dialogues, including bilateral matchmaking sessions.
• Support AFAOR and project technical team in providing technical support and recommendations to MAF and MOIC in negotiating provisional investment partnerships ensuring compliance with RAI, ESG and FPIC principles.
• Support knowledge‑sharing, documentation of lessons learned, and development of practical guidelines, toolkits, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for partnership and resource mobilization.
• Support the use of FAO CONNECT portal and other global platforms for partnership brokering.
• Provide support to FAO and national experts to ensure investment case documents incorporate financing options, partnership structures, co investment schemes, and impact projections.
• Contribute to planning and implementation of the National Green Agriculture Investment Forum (2026).
• Support organization of related investment promotion events and provide logistic facilitation to ensure smooth participation of international investors, donors, and regional business associations.
• Support preparation of presentations, investment materials, and promotional content.

OCOP Programme Coordination and Implementation

• Support the primary focal point for OCOP programme implementation at the national level, in close coordination with the OCOP Focal person in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).
• Support the development and execution of OCOP project activities, including value chain analysis, product development, certification processes, and market linkage facilitation.
• Collaborate with government counterparts, local communities, producer groups, and private sector actors to strengthen OCOP implementation mechanisms.
• Facilitate capacity building initiatives for OCOP stakeholders, including training on quality standards, branding, marketing, and enterprise development.
• Coordinate technical assistance and knowledge exchange between FAO RAP, national institutions, and OCOP beneficiaries.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from OCOP implementation for replication and scaling.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

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 international development studies, economics, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, rural development, international affairs, or related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, partnership development, or project management in development contexts.
• Working knowledge of English and/or Chinese.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian is considered an asset.
• Proven experience in proposal development and donor engagement, particularly related to climate finance, agriculture, or rural development.
• Experience working with or supporting the implementation of OCOP (One Country One Product) programmes or similar rural economic development initiatives is highly desirable.
• Experience with Hand-in-Hand Initiative, territorial development approaches, or rural transformation programmes is an asset.
• Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, bilateral donors, or development programmes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Lao PDR development context and regional development priorities is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Lao language is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and MS Office applications.

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 any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• 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

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• 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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