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Technical Specialist (Economist)

Rome

  • Organization: IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development
  • Location: Rome
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Economics
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Organizational Setting

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. It advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Position specific: The Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD's strategic direction, thematic priorities and technical quality of IFAD’s 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 support 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); the (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI); and the (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).

RIA plays a key role in generating rigorous evidence and insights to support decision-making, to contribute to more effective projects and to strengthen IFAD's capacity to influence dialogue on rural development globally by systematically assessing the impact of IFAD investments and through research analyzing the context in which IFAD operates. Working with partners inside IFAD and externally, RIA conducts research on relevant themes, such as agricultural and rural transformation, economic mobility and social inclusion, environment and resilience. It also supports innovative agricultural research topics through the Agriculture Research for
Development (AR4D) financing window.

The Technical Specialist works under the overall strategic, policy and management advice, and supervision of the division Director.

Job Role

The Technical Specialist is a seasoned professional in a specialized thematic area; s/he reports either to a more senior Technical Specialist or to the divisional Director. At this level Technical Specialists independently analyse technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals. S/He 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.

Key Functions and Results

    

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 country, regional and global levels, the Technical Specialist 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: 

a. Providing technical expertise in the Identification, elaboration and assessment, in accordance with existing organization guidelines, technical opportunities, proposals and feasibility studies for development projects and programmes and monitoring their execution; 

b. Participate in relevant corporate processes and meetings, as well as in advisory committees for initiatives within IFAD that are linked to results management and provides recommendation in his/her area of specialization;

c. Provide technical expertise in the analysis of IFAD's portfolio of investments and of its impacts; 

d. Gather relevant internal and external data to conduct data analysis and generate evidence in consultation with relevant parties at IFAD; and

e. Participating in project missions as necessary and pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects Review proposals for small and large grants as required. 

2. RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE AND ADVISORY SERVICES: The Technical Specialist enhances the development of viable and sustainable policy and project development at the country-level and supports regional thematic input through experienced technical knowledge sharing for his/her area of specialization. S/He will ensure global and 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: 

a. Contribute to the design/development of conferences, workshops and seminars and provides technical input in other forms of the dissemination of the agricultural economics analysis, related poverty analysis and impact assessment research outputs;

b. 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; 

c. 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 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 

d. Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operation approaches of relevance to the country/divisional strategies and programmes. 

3. IMPACT ASSESSMENT: The Technical Specialist (Economist) contributes to Impact Assessment agenda and assists in the coordination of activities in this area. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

a. Design, plan and conduct statistical methods and analysis, including data visualization, of survey data as well as data from other sources, analysis of big data both from official systems and private sectors and disaggregation of indicators;

b. Initiate and coordinate the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data, ensuring the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability;

c. Prepare/update contents of training materials based on international standards, results of methodological and improved statistical methods and quantitative models for face-to-face and e-learning training sessions; and

d. Provide technical input in other forms of the dissemination of the agricultural economics analysis, related poverty analysis and impact assessment research outputs.

4. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION The Technical Specialist 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: 

a. 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; 

b. Strengthening IFAD’s representation and communication in technical issues (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences fora); and 

c. Mobilising new resources for IFAD, in collaboration with the RBMO, through partnerships and outreach activities. 

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

a) People Management and evaluation of performance of consultants and staff under his/her purview. 

b) Resource Management by providing technical expertise for programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring that (1) knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet, that (2) best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net and that (3) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

Key Performance Indicators

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 specific: Technical Specialists exercise independence and initiative in assessing needs and providing technical advice when appropriate. The key performance indicators at this level include accurate performance of assigned tasks/operations, technical quality in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to client needs and customer service approach to problem resolution.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of Technical Specialists 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 specific: S/He serves as an expert in his/her field of specialization and works with full technical independence in the provision of technical expertise and methodological guidance as required.

Contacts are with counterparts within other United Nations organizations having related programmes and with officials of governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, research institutes and academia. Internally Technical Specialists are required to collaborate with the relevant divisions with IFAD. External work relationships for Technical Specialists at this level normally require maintaining and managing professional relationships with the relevant external stakeholders and representing IFAD at conferences as required.

Job Profile Requirements

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:

  • Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php, in a technically relevant area.* A PhD degree in the above-mentioned subjects is an asset.

  • Areas - Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration etc.

(*) 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 five (5) years progressively responsible experience in, and demonstrated understanding of, development initiatives in the field of specialization. 
  • Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
  • Experience in fieldwork and international policy frameworks related to global environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset. Skill in the design and coordination of technical research and identification of solutions to evolving issues. Advanced knowledge of results management systems at International Financial Institutions or similar institutions. Authoritative technical expertise in measuring and explaining institutional change, particularly in international organizations.Technical expertise in analyzing internal corporate data at International Financial Institutions or similar institutions. Experience with systematic reviews of development interventions. Demonstrated analytical skills in identifying systemic issues and derive viable, sustainable solutions. Ability to share technical guidance/knowledge to a non-technical audience as well as to inspire more junior specialists and staff in the development of viable programme activities.Ability to represent IFAD as a trusted and reliable partner.

Languages:

  • English (4 - Excellent)
  • Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good)

Skills:

  • (Development) economics: Know-how relevant to specific role as economist, e.g. development economics, macro/micro-economic analysis, conducting of economic research and applied econometrics, etc.
  • 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 mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation
  • Research & impact assessment: Know-how in designing, coordinating, conducting technical research & impact assessment in own thematic area

Other Information

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.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation.

Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org.

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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