Lead Global Technical Specialist (Markets and Value Chains)

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 local, national and international levels for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD's strategic direction, thematic priorities and technical quality of IFAD operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating and disseminating IFAD’s development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes, and encouraging innovative application of cutting-edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to help countries tackle their most complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. SKD is composed of the: (i) Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG); (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI); and (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).

PMI provides technical support to IFAD Country Programs to ensure the proper application of corporate quality standards required for achieving development results and impact in key thematic areas, including food production systems (i.e. fisheries, livestock, and agronomy), land, natural resources management, water and rural infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, rural markets and enterprises, ICT4D and rural institutions. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD projects and activities. PMI also leads IFAD’s non sovereign private sector investment activities..

The Lead Global Technical Specialist works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the Associate Vice-President (SKD) and the direct supervision of the Director, PMI.

The Lead Technical Specialist, technically supports country/regional programmes as well as the corporate agenda by providing state-of-the-art technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational) on issues related to Rural Institutions. Within her/his areas of responsibility, the Lead Technical Specialist, exercises a high degree of independence in providing reliable programme delivery. The incumbent at this level performs the full complexity range of work independently, including analysis and approval of complex and/or precedent-setting cases, with the aim of ensuring cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

The Lead Technical Specialist is also an expert and knowledge builder in her/his thematic specialization. S/he provides technical expertise and strategic guidance on generating and using new ideas to enrich the knowledge base that supports the Fund's operational and policy agenda. S/he provides substantive contribution to understanding future trends in rural development relevant to his/her area of expertise, strengthening IFAD's strategic planning perspective and pro-actively fostering innovative and effective solutions to rural poverty within investment projects, country programmes, IFAD’s policy, member governments, the academic community, private sector, and public opinion in the international development community. Knowledge management at this level directly impacts on quality control and enhancement of IFAD’s programmes and partnership development for inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.

Position specifics: The LGTS - Markets and Value Chains serves as IFAD’s lead expert in the area of value chain development and strengthened access to markets, with a special emphasis on building pro-poor public-private producer partnerships (4Ps). S/he leads IFAD’s corporate agenda and strategies/policies related to markets, value chain development, and 4Ps, and is the main technical authority and source of knowledge regarding these themes. The LGTS – Markets and Value Chains is a seasoned professional with global international development experience in supporting small producers access to markets and building parnerships with the private sector for inclusive agricultural and food value chain programmes in developing countries. S/he leads and manages a team of decentralized regional and global professionals specializing in rural finance, markets and value chain, as well as ICT for Development (ICT4D). S/he provides intellectual leadership, guidance and supervision regarding IFAD corporate requirements and quality control, and coordinates the work of the team in these thematic areas.  

1. POLICY AND STRATEGY ADVICE AND DEVELOPMENT: The Lead Technical Specialist, provides technically authoritative advice informed by empirical evidence to improve the capacity of IFAD to position itself as an influential global player in agricultural and rural development. S/he ensures that IFAD is regarded as a trusted and valued partner of national governments and farmers’ organizations in policy dialogues and fora. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Providing IFAD staff and partners with up-to-date, evidence-based advice on relevant investment and policy interventions related to rural institution development strengthening and empowerment to promote inclusive and sustainable food system transformation, value chain development, collaboration with the private sector, and rural market creation and development, among others;

(b) Providing evidence-informed recommendations to IFAD management on IFAD's rural development agenda using a wide range of data sources and analytical tools;

(c) Providing substantive support to IFAD senior management participation in high-level fora with policy implications for Rural Institutions and rural transformation, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations;

(d) Leading the preparation of technical products (e.g. complex papers, analysis, substantive sections of reports and studies) to advance IFAD’s voice in the global debate on rural transformation, rural institution empowerment, and strengthening of their role in promoting inclusive and sustainable food system transformation, greater and better collaboration with the private sector, and rural market creation and development, among others, in close collaboration within PMD and other SKD divisions.

2. KNOWLEDGE ADVISORY LEADERSHIP: The Lead Technical Specialist, leads and contributes to the development of viable and sustainable policies, and supports regional and global thematic input through authoritative technical knowledge sharing for her/his area of specialization (Rural Institutions). S/he ensures access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation, strengthens technical capacity, and establishes new knowledge and advisory partnerships on how rural institutions should be leveraged, empowered and strengthened to promote change in the rural economies and food systems in which they operate, as well as strengthens partnerships with the private sector. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Leading processes related to intelligence gathering and analysis of debates relevant to Rural Institutions, inclusive and sustainable rural transformation in the global debate, and facilitating knowledge sharing and experiences in this area within SKD, IFAD, and other stakeholders in the global arena;

(b) Coordinating relevant knowledge development and dissemination with institutions outside IFAD, within the region concerned, and national institutions, disseminating knowledge and lessons learned with external partners and stakeholders through publication of Occasional Papers, journal articles, seminars and workshops, through electronic media, and the development of new knowledge products and operational tools that are informed by learning from the field;

(c) Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operational approaches of relevance to country/divisional strategies and programmes;

(d) Planning and leading learning events to strengthen IFAD’s knowledge and capacity to engage in global debates with policy implications for rural transformation.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: The Lead Technical Specialist, develops and maintains a network of strategic partnerships to help advance IFAD's mandate and messages around inclusive and sustainable rural transformation in the global debate. S/he develops peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to develop new products and services, keep up-to-date on activities at country and regional levels, support joint advocacy, and share knowledge to enhance the Fund’s profile as a highly competent and reliable partner in development. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to: 

(a) Building partnerships with farmers’ and producers’ organizations, centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations, and specialized departments of other development agencies as strategic partner;

(b) Promoting greater partnerships between farmers’ and producers’ organizations, and private sector and other value chain actors, including with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural systems;

(c) Strengthening IFAD’s representation and communication in policy processes (including representing IFAD at international, regional, and inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences);

(d) Generating new resources for IFAD through partnerships and outreach activities;

(e) Identifying major opportunities, as well as serving as focal point, for strategic collaboration with centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations, private sector, MSMEs, and specialized departments of other development agencies as strategic partners;

(f) Leading wider IFAD and Rome-based discussions on the development of sustainable and inclusive approaches to rural transformation as requested.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The Lead Technical Specialist, supports the Director, PMI in monitoring and corporate reporting activities to enhance knowledge creation, country-level programmes, and funding decisions. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Supporting the Director and Cluster technical leads in setting up systems to monitor the use of research output and knowledge products; and

(b) Advising on all aspects of the planning and reporting associated with research and impact assessments as well as donor reporting in the case of supplementary funding.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Lead Technical Specialist, is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. S/he acts as global anchor in charge of the overall oversight of rural institutions expertise in IFAD. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Contributing to the supervision of key divisional programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives, leading and directing a team of staff, overseeing research and impact assessment activities, planning and allocating work assignments, coaching, mentoring and evaluating staff, and participating in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programmes;

(b) Contributing to the personnel and financial management of the work unit, including the development and implementation of work plans and budgets.

Position specific:

6.TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND ADVICE TO COUNTRY PROGRAMMES: The LGTS provides technically authoritative advice, in his/her area of specialization, to improve the capacity of IFAD to position itself as an influential global player in these domains, and to improve related national government policies, investments and programmes, and ensure IFAD is regarded as a trusted and valued partner. Accountabilities may include: 

• a. Providing authorative technical leadership, in his/her area of specialization, in the identification, elaboration and assessment, in accordance with existing organization guidelines, of technical opportunities, proposals and feasibility studies for development investment projects and programmes and monitoring their execution; 
• b. Participating in country programme management teams and providing authorative technical leadership, in his/her area of specialization, to IFAD’s country strategic opportunity papers (COSOPs) and Country Strategic Notes (CSNs), project designs as well as to other policy documents related to rural development and poverty reduction; 
• c. Leading and Participating in project missions as necessary and lead pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects; and  
• d. Lead the development of proposals for small and large grants as required.  

7. MARKETS AND VALUE CHAINS:  The LGTS – Markets and Value chains leads IFAD’s work and performs the above listed activities in the area of markets and value chains, with specific emphasis on improving the access of small producers and other IFAD target groups (e.g. rural women, youth, indigenous peoples) to markets, supporting the development or upgrading of pro-poor and inclusive agricultural/food value chains, building stronger partnerships with private sector actors notably through the Public Private Producer Partnership (4P) model and leveraging on digital technology to promote pro-poor value chain development and improved access to markets. Through participation as Project Technical Lead (PTL) and member of Project Delivery Team, s/he provides state of art highly specialized technical advice in the area of markets and value chain to deliver strong project design and development results during implementation, and assists in resolving technical challenges. She/he acts also as IFAD’s leading authority in global debates and events, policy forma and policy dialogue, knowledge generation, and partnership building and networking-all related to markets and value chains. S/he provides technical leadership and advice in markets and value chain development as part of rural development approaches for the preparation of country project, programmes, country strategies and country strategic notes. S/he provides concrete guidance and actions to improve project delivery and achievement of impacts through market access and value-chain development interventions. As a lead of PMI’s thematic unit on rural finance, markets, value chains, and ICT4D, the LGTS supervises other professional staff in these thematic areas, general service staff assigned to him/her, as well as consultants hired to deliver specific activities and/or outputs. S/he is responsible for providing them with technical leadership/capacity development, coaching and mentoring, as well a review and evaluation of their performance on a regular basis. S/he is also involved in the recruitment process of the team.

Assignments require the provision of authoritative professional expertise and technical leadership at global, regional and national levels on rural institutions issues. Lead Global Technical Specialists define, propose, revise and/or develop programmes or policies for the Fund, as well as represent the position of IFAD in national, regional and global fora and conferences. Innovation is required in the adaptation and development of approaches and methods to evolving technical and programmatic contexts.

Work at this level is considered substantially complex and of critical concern to the Fund. In particular, analytical and advisory work requires in-depth identification and consideration of a full range of factors relevant to the examination and discussion of programme problems and policies in the solution of methodological problems or in the formulation of policy proposals and project recommendations.

Position specifics:

The LGTS – Markets and Value Chains is responsible for the technical quality of IFAD’s key outputs and deliverables on markets and value chains, and guides the organization’s policy, partnerships, and knowledge management on these topics. S/he leads IFAD’s strategies/policies, tools, guidelines and databases/evidence on pro-poor market access and value chain development. Particular key performance indicators are linked to : strengthening institutional, business and financial capacities of small producers and their organizations to access markets, negotiate better prices and conditions with other market players; improve their returns from market/value chain participation; making value chains more pro-poor and inclusive by analyzing and mapping value chains and addressing targeting and governance issues; supporting climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive value chains when relevant; brokering partnerships with private sector actors (including public-private producer partnerships (4Ps) and attracting private investments in the value chain that result in win-win solutions for all parties; collaborating with other experts in PMI to identify and support the development of appropriate instruments and technologies related to markets and value chains such as value chain finance instruments, ICT4D applications, non-sovereign private sector operations; etc.; and use and apply IFAD’s pro-poor value chain development guidelines and other IFAD related technical tools and guides to support design and implementation of value chain projects.

The work relationships of Lead Technical Specialists involves the provision of authoritative technical advice  in his/her area of specialization for policy, programme and strategy development, resource mobilization,and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in mission planning, technical project appraisal or the preparation of studies and reports. S/He typically serves as the Fund’s Lead technical specialist in the field of specialization and exercises wide professional latitude in contacts in her/his field(s), providing technical leadership and methodological guidance to management, Regional Directors/CDs/Heads MCO, national governments, private sector and development partners and other country programme staff in the technical area of specialization. 

Position specific:

The LGTS- Markets and Value Chains works directly with IFAD’s country teams (Coutry Directorss, Country Programme Officerss, regional economists, portfolio advisors, etc. ), other technical experts from PMI, ECG, and RIA, as well as other specialists, to lead and deliver IFAD’s programme of loans and grants, non sovereign private sector operations, reimbursable technical assistance, as well as policies/strategies, studies, guiding notes, toolkits, stocktakes, etc., related to markets,  value chains, and 4Ps. S/he also develops working relationships and networks with other IFIs, bilateral agencies, UN organizations, private sector, NGOs, research/academia, and other development partners working in the field of pro-poor market development and PPPs. S/he leads and maintains these working relationships as IFAD’s main representative and leading authority in the area of pro-poor markets and value chain development, and is expected to work at the highest level of representation with government and non-government officials. S/he would also guide his/her team in building these working relationships with internal and external partners. 

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally
• Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills
• Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused culture
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture
• Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization
• Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles
• Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.  A PhD degree is highly preferred. (*)
• Areas - Agricultural economics, Resource Economics, Economics or related fields. Agriculture/rural development and related fields; economics and related fields  (agricultural/natural resource/environmental economics, behavioural economics, applied economics, development economics, trade, etc.); finance, business management, marketing/commerce, and other related specializations.
• Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php 

(*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years of progressively  specialized experience in leading the delivery of technical advise and technical support to investment projects in the field of pro-poor access to markets and value chain development
• Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
  
  Position-specific experience:
• Demonstrated network of research collaborators and a track record of intellectual leadership and ability to integrate economic-specific knowledge and specific micro sector fields of expertise. 
  Minimum 5 years’ experience working in an IFI or development institution at the global level andworking with or collaborating with the private/business sector; Demonstrated track record of analyzing value chains, promoting pro-poor and/or sustainable value chain projects, establishing value chain collaborations between private sector and small producers; Experience with value chain financing is a strong advantage

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent) and French/or Spanish (4 – Excellent)  
• Desirable: French or Spanish, or Arabic 

Skills:

• Advocacy: Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD`s vision and strategic priorities to external actors
• Specialized communication skills: Technical know-how relevant to the specific communication role considered (e.g. communication planning, building and maintaining media relations, video production, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management, internal communication and events management)
• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• 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
• Stakeholder management: Strong alignment capabilities and consultation skills, building on effective interactions and relationships with different stakeholders (e.g. for the co-creation of communication material with member states) and ability to build and maintain a strong network (e.g. with journalists, media outlets, etc.)
• Strategy implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions
• Resources management: Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Business acumen, private sector knowledge: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Confidentiality & Discretion: Establishes self and division as trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by maintaining high level of discretion and confidentiality in assignments; demonstrates sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters; drives good governance and is a "Culture Carrier" demonstrating IFAD institutional conscience through his/her work.
• 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)
• Leadership: Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside and outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD's core values and competencies, and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD's goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all.
• 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.)
• Programme/Project development, management: Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management
• Social & Environmental Safeguards: Know-how in Social & Environmental complianc as specified in the IFAD's Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP)
• Markets & Value Chains: Relevant topical expertise in market thematic area of work (e.g. financial services, rural markets and enterprises, rural institutions and the full agriculture value chain (including actors in food processing)
• Private Sector Investment: Expertise in assessing private sector investment proposals, review of transactions and complex facilities and interventions using regular and blended finance, conducting due diligence, and recommending financial/investment decisions accordingly; Proven expertise in deploying financial instruments

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.

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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.