HiHI Partnership and Resource Mobilization Specialist

The HiHI Partnership and Resource Mobilization Specialist will lead the formulation and implementation of strategies to mobilize financial and technical resources, focusing on climate finance, sustainable development, and inclusive agrifood transformation. The specialist will support the implementation of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative TCP project and coordinate related activities including the OCOP programme implementation in Lao PDR.

Responsibilities

• 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 and strategic trends.
• Support the Assistant FAOR in researching donor priorities, funding mechanisms, and alignment with FAO's strategic framework and national development priorities.
• Maintain good relationships with key donors, government agencies, embassies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to enhance partnership opportunities.
• 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 support for the preparation of tailored investor briefs and partnership packages for priority commodities consistent with HIHI investment cases.
• Facilitate 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.
• 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.
• Liaison with OCC to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• Ensure all communication materials follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards.

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.
• 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.
• Candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

Skills

• Resource Mobilization
• Partnership Development
• Project Management
• Proposal Development
• Donor Engagement Strategies
• Climate Finance
• Agriculture Development Projects
• Rural Development Policy
• International Development
• Territorial Development Approaches
• Rural Economic Development
• Multi-cultural Team Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical Skills
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Project Management Tools
• Microsoft Office Suite

Languages

English, Chinese