Technical Specialist (Agri-Link) - Co-Terminus

The advertised position is Co-terminus, i.e., subject to a limited duration and contingent on project funding. The successful candidate will be offered a co-terminus appointment, the duration of which is strictly limited to the period of funding for the specific project and/or assignment. Any extension, if applicable, will be contingent upon the continued availability of the same funding source, the continued existence of the position, and operational needs. Co-terminus appointments are also subject to a maximum total duration of seven years, including any contract extensions. This type of appointment does not carry any expectation ¿ legal or otherwise ¿ of conversion to any other type of appointment with IFAD, regardless of length of service.

Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply for this co-terminus position, with their terms and conditions of employment, including contractual status, remaining unchanged. Given that the funding of this position is strictly limited in duration and conditional upon the availability of supplementary funds, should the funding cease, the position will be abolished and the staff member concerned will be subject to the relevant provisions set out in the HR Implementing Procedures

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Office of Technical Delivery is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in the design and implementation of projects and programmes to deliver the high technical quality investments that facilitate rural transformation, and which comply with IFAD's mandate and operational policies. The Office ensures IFAD applies and disseminates state of the art knowledge in its investments and evidence on strategic themes and encourages the innovative application of global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments. This helps countries tackle complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation including mainstreaming areas. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) is led by a Managing Director and is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Environment, Climate and Peoples Division (ECP) and the Production, Markets and Infrastructure Division (PMI).

The Production, Markets and Infrastructure Division (PMI) facilitates improved and efficient delivery of IFAD's corporate mandate, predominantly through the quality of the design and implementation of its policies, country strategies and projects.  Key functions and activities of PMI include Quality Enhancement, Policy Engagement, Networking and Strategic Partnerships. PMI's technical mandate covers a range of themes, all of which are key to deliver IFAD's strategic framework, including: agronomy, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, markets and value chains, agriculture research for development (AR4D), ICT4D, inclusive rural finance (including PARM, INSURED and remittances), rural institutions and farmers organizations, rural infrastructure, water, land and natural resources management.

PMI is led by a Divisional Director and is comprised of four (4) units: Production & Nutrition Unit; Land & Water Unit; Value Chains & Technology Unit; and Rural Finance Unit.

The Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link) creates direct partnerships between IFAD¿s donor partners, smallholder farmers and the private sector. Together with local and international agribusinesses, it implements targeted, time-bound interventions that strengthen these companies¿ supply chains by improving farmers¿ ability to meet market requirements. The facility supports private investment in rural areas and contributes to higher farmer income, improved food security and rural employment.

The incumbent is a professional in a specialized thematic area, reporting either to a more senior Technical Specialist or to the divisional Director. At this level Technical Specialists analyse technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals and project implementation. The incumbent may work collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

Position specifics:
The incumbent will strengthen PMI¿s capacity to support IFAD¿s Markets and Value Chains (MVC) and private sector engagement work. The Technical Specialist will provide technical expertise and operational support to country-level and global operations, with a focus on the Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link), where the incumbent acts as focal point for, and supports coordination of Agri-link activities, under the guidance of the Lead Global Technical Specialist, Markets and Value Chains PMI.  

The incumbent supports the development and implementation of Agri-Link, an initiative connecting IFAD donor partners, smallholder producers and the private sector. The role generates operational evidence and results to inform institutional decision-making and strengthen IFAD¿s private sector engagement approach within its sovereign portfolio. The role is embedded within PMI (OTD) and contributes directly to IFAD corporate workstreams on private sector engagement in sovereign operations and may lead or coordinate related initiatives.

1.TECHNICAL ADVICE: On the basis of seasoned technical knowledge and analysis of current thematic conditions, emerging development challenges and the state of rural poverty at the assigned country, regional and global levels, the incumbent provides sound technical advice to improve IFAD's s capacity to address rural poverty, to support national programmes and to enhance IFAD's reputation as a trusted and valued partner. Accountabilities may include: 

• Providing relevant technical expertise in the identification, elaboration and assessment of technical opportunities, proposals and feasibility studies for development projects and programmes and monitoring their execution, in accordance with existing organization guidelines
• Participating in Project Development Teams (PDTs) and providing technical, analytical inputs to IFAD country strategic opportunity papers (COSOPs), project designs as well as to other policy documents related to rural development and poverty reduction; and 
• Participating in project missions as necessary and pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects Review proposals for small and large grants as required.

2. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The incumbent enhances the development of viable and sustainable policy and project development at the country-level and supports regional thematic input through seasoned technical knowledge sharing for the area of specialization. The incumbent will ensure country-level access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation, strengthen national technical capacity and establish new knowledge and advisory partnerships. Accountabilities may include:

• Sharing knowledge and experiences generated through activities such as analytical studies and regional grants with colleagues in the country programme as well as the division; 
• Conducting relevant knowledge development and dissemination with institutions outside of IFAD within the region concerned and national Institutions, disseminating knowledge and lessons learned with peers, counterparts and stakeholders through drafting of Occasional Papers, journal articles, seminars and workshops, through electronic media (e.g. web resource platforms and social media) and the development of new knowledge products and operational tools that are informed by learning from the field; and 
• Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operational approaches of relevance to the country/divisional strategies and programmes.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The incumbent establishes and maintains a network of peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to keep up-to-date on activities at the country and regional levels, to support joint advocacy and for knowledge sharing to enhance the Fund's profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. Accountabilities may include: 

• Building partnerships with complementary technical organizations, NGOs, and specialized departments of other development agencies as potential operational and strategic partners at regional and country levels; 
• Strengthening IFAD's representation and communication in technical issues in the relevant thematic area (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences I); and 
• Mobilizing new resources for IFAD, in collaboration with the RBMO, through partnerships and outreach activities.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The incumbent contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of technical activities and components of programs/projects in order to enhance country level programme and funding decisions based on accurate technical data. Accountabilities may include: 

• Developing monitoring and evaluation criteria for technical components of programmes and projects; 
• Implementing performance monitoring systems and new approaches to performance monitoring; and 
• Preparing analytical findings and reports for divisional and country-level decision making on project viability and sustainability.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes: 

• People Management and evaluation of performance of consultants and staff under their purview. 
• Resource Management by providing technical expertise for programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring that:
• Knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet
• Best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net
• Appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

Position specifics:

The Technical Specialist's (MVC Agri-Link) main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

6. Strategic design and management of Agri-Link

• Support the design, coordination and implementation of Agri-Link interventions in partnership with private sector entities, ensuring alignment with IFAD country programme priorities, donor objectives and IFAD's private sector engagement strategy. This includes supporting the structuring and implementation of interventions that apply partnership models and contribute to approaches with potential for replication. 
• Support the development and execution of private sector partnerships. This includes identification of partnership opportunities and private sector needs, facilitation of linkages between producer organizations and private firms, and supporting implementation of arrangements that strengthen inclusive and sustainable value chain integration.

7. Team leadership, budget stewardship & delivery oversight

• Provide technical guidance to local and international consultants, and coordination with staff supporting specific Agri-Link bilateral agreements, ensuring alignment and consistency with agreed approaches of the Agri-Link Facility.
• Support coordinated and consistent delivery across workstreams and donors by contributing to  planning, coordination and quality assurance of technical inputs. 
• Support financial planning and monitor budget utilization for Agri-Link, in line with approved workplans, donor expectations and results frameworks.

8. Donor engagement, reporting & knowledge leadership

• Contribute to donor engagement processes, including impact reporting, results communication and preparation of strategic and operational documentation for Agri-Link,
• Provide inputs as required to fundraising efforts and coordinate with GPR and relevant teams for Agri-Link
• Consolidate and synthesize cross-country operational evidence and lessons learned to support institutional learning, inform programme-level decision-making, and contribute to the scale-up of successful models, in line with IFAD¿s private sector engagement strategy and in coordination with PSD.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of Agri-Link results and tools to facilitate their replication or use in IFAD¿s sovereign operations, particularly in areas related to private sector engagements and markets and value chains. 

9. Representation, partnerships & institutional linkages

• Participate in relevant internal and external meetings, technical forums and partnership engagements, representing Agri-Link in a technical capacity and contributing subject-matter expertise, as required.
• Build and maintain strong working relations with IFAD country programmes, sovereign operations and broader private sector engagement priorities, in coordination with relevant divisions and stakeholders.
• Support the development and strengthening of partnerships with private sector entities (in coordination with PSD), development partners, technical organizations, financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders to support Agri-Link objectives and resource mobilization efforts.

10. Sovereign portfolio integration 

• Provide technical inputs to broader PMI and OTD workstreams related to markets and value chains, private sector engagement in sovereign operations and corporate initiatives, in coordination with relevant IFAD divisions and units.
• Contribute technical inputs to corporate initiatives and cross-portfolio learning processes on private sector engagement
• Support other activities relating to the areas of expertise as required.

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for the full programme/project cycle as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include substantive inputs to project methodology and design of projects, knowledge sharing among peers and counterparts to enhance cooperation, complementarity and synergy and monitoring and evaluation to measure and report on lessons learned and best practices. The work is considered moderately complex requiring in-depth technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating as a technical specialist at the country or regional levels, the Technical Specialist's work may be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan.

Position specifics:
The role entails supporting the expansion of the Agri-Link Facility. Key performance Indicators include supporting the identification of private sector partners, implementation of partnerships, general publicity activities for the Agri-Link Facility and support to fundraising with new and existing donors.

The work relationships of the incumbent at this level are primarily for the exchange of information regarding development projects. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and sub-regional; conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

Position specifics:
The position will work directly with the Lead Global Technical Specialist (MVC), other Agri-Link staff and consultants, and any other working relationships deemed relevant to the position.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients - Focuses on clients
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff 
• Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.Areas - Agriculture/rural development; economics (agricultural/natural resource/environmental economics, behavioural economics, development economics, trade, etc.); finance, business management, marketing or commerce, and other agriculture specializations.
• Areas - Agriculture/rural development; economics (agricultural/natural resource/environmental economics, behavioural economics, development economics, trade, etc.); finance, business management, marketing or commerce, and other agriculture specializations.
• Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in performing economic analysis, portfolio reviews, studies on value chains
• Previous experience with the FARM Pillar 3 work or other private sector-focused supplementary funds is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated understanding of agriculture and rural development investment projects funded by IFIs

• Experience in the use of digital /ICT solutions in rural contexts.

• Previous experience with (small) business consulting is highly desirable;

Languages:

• English (4 - Excellent)
• French (3 or above) is highly desirable

Position specifics - Experience & Skills:

• Markets & Value Chains: Expertise in agricultural market and value chain analysis, access to markets for small farmers and MSMEs, commercialization of agriculture production, inclusive value chain development, agri- and rural business development, value addition, and market technologies
• Expertise in assessing private sector investment proposals; Proven expertise in utilization of value chain finance instruments
• Business acumen, private sector knowledge, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD's activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies
• Prior professional experience working directly for private sector entities, particularly agribusinesses and/or FMCG companies is a strong asset
• Prior experience with IFAD private sector engagement initiatives, IFAD Supplementary Funds and IFAD PoLG is considered a strong asset.

Skills:

• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Corporate approach: Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one's area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)
• Problem solving: Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies
• Synthesis: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• Written communication: Clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation

Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply to this co-terminus position with their employment terms and conditions, including contractual status, remaining unchanged. Given that the funding of this position is strictly limited in duration and conditional on the availability of supplementary funds, should the funding finish, the position will be abolished and the staff member will be subject to the relevant provisions foreseen in the HR Implementing Procedures.

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

In accordance with IFAD¿s provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD¿s remuneration package, please visiton our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements. .

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

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