Climate Investment and Value Chain Economist

About the role

The FAO, with support from the Green Climate Fund, implements the CS-FOR project on carbon sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Climate Investment and Value Chain Economist supports Component 3, focusing on climate-smart and green value-chain development, economic and market analysis, green finance, bankable business models, monitoring of green investments, financial literacy, market access, certification and inclusive business development. Activities are concentrated in selected districts of Naryn, Jalal-Abad and Osh regions. The position is a 6-month contract with possible extension, under the FAO representation in Kyrgyzstan.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain data on economic, social, environmental and gender-related results of supported green businesses and value chains, review partner data and support monitoring, reporting and evaluations.
• Design or adapt training materials on green investment, climate finance, market access, business management, sustainable sourcing and financial literacy, and support training for partners.
• Map and assess climate-smart and green value chains, integrating gender-responsive analysis with the gender specialist.
• Review methodologies and templates for bankable business plans, and give technical support on financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis, investment planning and risk assessment.
• Support appraisal of business and investment proposals and give input to green financial instruments such as loans, grants, guarantees and blended finance.
• Support environmental, social and governance screening, promote certification systems (FSC, HACCP, Fair Trade, Organic, Global G.A.P.) and help prepare for assessments and audits.
• Provide economic inputs to Integrated Natural Resources Management and Climate-Resilient Plans and support alignment with national green-growth priorities and the Nationally Determined Contribution.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural economics, finance, business administration, value-chain development, rural development, environmental economics, development studies or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in economic analysis, green finance, value-chain development, business development, market assessment, investment planning or access to finance.
• Working knowledge of English and Russian; working knowledge of Kyrgyz is highly desirable.
• National of the Kyrgyz Republic or legal resident with authorization to work in the country.
• Previous experience with FAO, GCF, the UN system, international financial institutions or donor-funded projects.

Required skills

• Value-chain analysis, market assessment, business planning or investment appraisal.
• Financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis, feasibility assessment and enterprise risk analysis.
• Monitoring indicators and tools for economic, social and environmental results.
• Gender-responsive approaches to value-chain and enterprise development.
• Experience with E&S screening, certification systems, geographic indications, traceability, geotagging or digital value-chain platforms.
• Good computer skills, including spreadsheet analysis, presentations and data-management tools.