National Blended Finance Specialist

Reporting Lines The National Blended Finance Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Forestry Officer at NFO and the AFR Programme Manager Based in RAF.Technical Focus Support national-level engagement with financial institutions in the Supporting AFR programme countries, with the aim to improve the availability of and access to finance by smallholder forest and farm producers and small enterprises.Tasks and responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the FAO Forestry Officer at NFO and in collaboration with the AFR Programme Manager based at RAF, the National Blended Finance Specialist will: • Support national engagement with financial institutions to advance blended finance solutions for forest and landscape restoration, with particular attention to smallholders, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, FFPOs and MSMEs.• Contribute to the organization and delivery of matchmaking events and meetings of the blended finance working group.In these meetings, the incumbent will • Provide technical assistance for the preparation of case studies, speaking notes, terms of references, Letters of Agreements, reports, and related analytical products in support of the forest finance work of the country office, related to the theme of local finance institutions.• Contribute to strengthening partnerships with financial institutions, financing vehicles and initiatives that are piloting blended finance solutions for restoration in Africa, with attention to smallholders/local communities/FFPOs/SMEs.o Present the assessment of and analyses of relevant national financial institutions o Contribute on preparation of investment memos, concept notes and investment teasers o Engage with, motivate and prepare selected financing institutions for their active participation o Provide technical input, as relevant, to matchmaking events and blended finance working group meetings organized in other Supporting AFR programme countries, to promote cross-country learning and coherence.• Support in communication and knowledge exchange between national-level restoration finance initiatives FAO-supported international or regional blended finance working groups.• Support monitoring of the Supporting AFR Programme, specifically on the following indicators: o Amount of additional funding or investments mobilized for FLR, including grant and non-grant resources o Tracks grants, loans, investments, matching funds, and in-kind contributions leveraged by enterprises or partners beyond project resources.Includes both realised and earmarked funds.o Number of Local Communities (including FFPOs) and MSMEs with improved access to incubation, acceleration and services • In addition, the National Blended Finance Specialist may: o Support FAO personnel to liaise with the financial institutions partnering with FAO (example: CRDB in the ongoing pilot called the "capitalization of financing instruments" in Tanzania); o Support the blended finance focal point in the day-to-day activities related to co-design of financial instrument; definition of eligibility criteria; disbursement of funds; tracking loan performance; monitoring; dissemination of lessons through various means.o Support the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned through appropriate knowledge and communication products 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 -31: FAO social media policy and guidelines: style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Social Media Branding Guidelines: style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FAOSTYLE style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FAO terminology style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FAO Names of Countries style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 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 in economics, finance, development finance, environmental economics, sustainable finance, business administration or a related field.• At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in green finance, development finance, rural or SME finance, value chain finance or investment facilitation, with demonstrated relevance forestry, agroforestry, women and youth-led enterprises.• Working knowledge of English • National of the country of assignment or a resident in the country of assignment with a valid working permit FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Professional Experience in Multiple Locations or Fields of Activity and within an International Organization.• Extent and Relevance of Experience in Supporting Financial Institutions to Advance Blended Finance Solutions for Forest and Landscape Restoration Activities with Particular Attention to FFPOs and MSMEs • Demonstrated Ability to Analyse, Structure and adapt Blended Finance Interventions in line with the Operational realities of Local Financial Institutions and the Specific needs of Actors in the Forest Landscape Restoration (FFPO, MSMEs, Local Communities).• Ability to Provide Quality Technical Support to Produce Strategic and Analytical Deliverables, ensuring their Quality, Consistency and Relevance for Dialogue with Financial Institutions and National Partners (Guidance, Documents, Analytical Frameworks, Decision Support Tools) • Solid Experience in Developing and Consolidating Financial Partnerships including the Ability to Navigate between Different Types of Actors (Banks, Funds, Pilot Initiatives) and to Support Collaborative Processes Related to Experimentation of Innovative Financing Instruments.• Ability to Facilitate Technical Exchanges and Cross Learning Ensuring a Smooth Flow of Information and Good Practices Between National, Regional and International Initiatives on Restoration Financing.Selection Criteria • Demonstrated understanding of financial models and instruments, combined with experience working in development-oriented or blended finance contexts, including the use of grants, concessional loans, guarantees or technical assistance.• Proven experience engaging with financial institutions and financing vehicles that operate in emerging markets or development contexts (e.g. development banks, public financial institutions, impact investors, green funds, microfinance institutions).• Experience supporting or contributing to the preparation of investment-related documentation (e.g. concept notes, investment memos, pipeline assessments, teasers), particularly for projects with development, environmental or social objectives.• Experience in undertaking interviews/consultation with multiple stakeholders, and in field surveys.• Strong analytical synthesis and writing skills, with the ability to translate financial concepts into practical, context-appropriate recommendations.• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and focus on results.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.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 For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: style="font-family:Arial;">Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required.Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.