Organizational Setting
FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAO’s technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).
Technical Focus
The National Specialist on Institutional and Business development will work in close coordination with the national counterpart and the National Project Coordinator. The Specialist will assess ASA’s institutional structure and coordination mechanisms and develop a restructuring strategy to enhance its management and operations, in collaboration with NCs, ICs, and relevant stakeholders.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Draft an overall development and restructuring roadmap and action plan document for the ASA in close collaboration with ASA management and other relevant stakeholders
• Cooperate closely with international and national legal consultants for coordinating the activities related to revision of the legislative base and establishment of an effective development plan for the ASA
• Support the organization and delivery of a workshop to assess the current organizational structure of ASA and suggest structural changes that would improve the services of the Agency and improve coordination with other governmental organizations
• Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges.
• Support senior colleagues in developing a business development strategy aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic goals.
• Identify potential partners, donors, and clients (both local and international) for ASA and identify potential funding opportunities.
• Support in the preparation of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and business pitches.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proposals align with organizational priorities and capabilities.
• Prepare Training materials for Business Development and proposal writing
• Support senior colleagues in developing and implementing processes and tools to streamline business development activities and regularly update on the progress.
• Prepare a final report with recommendations for resource mobilization options and further actions
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in law, business development, public administration, political science or other relevant fields
• At least 5 years of experience undertaking institutional reforms and business development
• Working knowledge of English (C1) and Azerbaijani
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships
• Experience with UN system is considered an asset.
• Excellent writing, communication and facilitation
• Good knowledge and experience of transition economies