Institutional Development Specialist – MSMEs

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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.

Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and other relevant partners are incepting the project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims at building climate resilience in vulnerable watersheds and communities through increasing climate resilience of watershed ecosystems, stabilizing productivity and farmers’ incomes and enhancing enabling environment. Total cost of the project is estimated at USD 53.2 million, which will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO and the Government of Malawi. The project will be implemented in 11 targeted districts in different regions in Malawi over a period of 6 years. Around 575,000 vulnerable people in rural communities will benefit from project interventions and more than 83,000 heIPOres of land will be restored through application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach.

Reporting Lines

The Institutional Development Specialist - MSMEs will work under direct supervision of the technical supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of EbAM in-country supervision and guidance of the FAOR Malawi, and in close coordination with the EbAM National Agribusiness & Finance Specialist (NAFS) and other project team members and national-level counterparts in government and technical partner institutions.

Technical Focus

The Institutional Development Specialist-MSMEs will provide technical support for the inception, development, and long-term sustainability of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) for production, processing, and marketing in agriculture and forestry-based value chains that align with EbAM objectives. These enterprises will depend on sustainable ecosystem services and/or contribute to ecosystem restoration and resilience. The Specialist will directly contribute to the establishment or strengthening of approximately 270 MSMEs, engaging an estimated 5,400 farmers and smallholders over the six-year duration of the project.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• •    Design and implement participatory processes to identify farmers, groups, and organizations with potential for MSME development.
• •    Map and prioritize value chains with strong ecosystem-based adaptation potential (e.g., agroforestry, climate-smart crops, eco-tourism).
• •    Build partnerships with government, community organizations, and private sector actors to support MSME mobilization and investment.
• •    Conduct institutional and capacity needs assessments of MSMEs, covering governance, leadership, and financial literacy.
• •    Develop and deliver tailored training in business management, financial planning, market access, product development, and quality assurance.
• •    Strengthen MSMEs’ compliance with legal registration, taxation, and regulatory requirements, including environmental and social safeguards.
• •    Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching for MSME leaders and members throughout the project cycle.
• •    Identify barriers to women’s and youth participation in MSMEs and design targeted measures to enhance inclusivity.
• •    Facilitate MSMEs’ access to finance through linkages with financial institutions, and support preparation of bankable business plans.
• •    Strengthen MSME integration into value chains through aggregation, forward contracts, and market linkages, including digital solutions.
• •    Ensure MSMEs align with EbA principles, contributing to ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable land/water management.
• •    Support innovation and diversification in agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem service-based enterprises.
• •    Establish monitoring systems to track MSME performance, inclusivity, profitability, and ecological impact.
• •    Document and disseminate lessons, success stories, and contribute to knowledge management and policy dialogue on MSMEs and EbA.
• •    Prepare regular progress reports and a final report summarizing achievements, lessons, and recommendations for sustainability.
• •    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• •    Advanced university degree in economics, agribusiness, agronomy, business administration or related field.
• •    Five years of experience in agronomy, agribusiness, rural commerce or related fields
• •    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Chichewa.  
• •    Nationality of Malawi.

Fao Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Knowledge of Tumbuka is an advantage.
•    Experience of working with UN agencies and other international organizations.
•    Strong background in, and experience of, small-scale institutional development
•    Knowledge and skills in designing and delivering capacity building packages for MSMEs
•    Demonstrated success in establishing sustainable MSMEs
•    Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team and build good partnerships.
 

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 http://www.whed.net/  
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ 
•  Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

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.

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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