Senior Regional Technical Specialist (Agronomy)

*This position will be based in the IFAD Regional Office for the Asia and the Pacific Region (location to be confirmed, tentatively in Beijing, China or New Delhi, India).

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 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).

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 Senior Technical Specialist (Agronomy) works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the direct supervision of the Director PMI and/or under the direct supervision of the Lead Global Technical Advisor (Agronomy).

The Senior Technical Specialist serves as IFAD’s technical expert in his/her area of expertise. S/he supports country/regional programs by providing state-of-the-art global technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational), as well as contributes to the corporate agenda, in his/her technical area of expertise.

Within his/her areas of responsibility, the Senior 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 the analysis and approval of complex and/or precedent setting cases with the aim to ensure cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support. S/he works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors (CD)/Heads of Multi-country Offices (MCO) and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

Position specific:  The Senior Technical Specialist-Agronomy serves as IFAD’s technical expert in the area of Agronomy. S/he supports country/regional programs notably in the Asia and Pacific Region (APR) by providing state-of-the-art technical advice throughout the project cycle,  and contributes to the corporate agenda, knowledge building and dissemination as well as strategy and policy setting. Within the field of agronomy, the Senior Technical Specialist exercises a high degree of independence in providing technical support to the design and implementation of country programme and/or investment projects.

1.SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVICE: The Senior Technical Specialist provides technically authoritative advice to improve the capacity of IFAD to position itself as an influential global player and to improve related national government policies and programmes and ensure IFAD is regarded as a trusted and valued partner. Accountabilities may include but are not limited to: (a) Providing IFAD staff and partners with up-to-date professional advice on policy, institutional and technical issues. (b) Contributing to ensure that IFAD senior management is regularly and adequately briefed to engage effectively in high level fora with policy implications for rural transformation. (c) Providing senior level technical expertise to the preparation of knowledge products aiming to advance IFAD’s voice in the global debate on rural transformation.

2. KNOWLEDGE AND ADVISORY SERVICES: The Senior Technical Specialist enhances the development of viable and sustainable policies and supports regional and global thematic input through authoritative technical knowledge sharing for his/her area of specialization. S/he will ensure access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation, strengthen technical capacity and establish new knowledge and advisory partnerships. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to: (i) Supporting intelligence gathering and analysis of debates relevant to 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; (ii) Supporting the coordination of the relevant knowledge development and dissemination with institutions outside of 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; (iii) Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operation approaches of relevance to the country/divisional strategies and programmes; (iv) 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 Senior Technical Specialist develops and maintains a network of strategic partnerships that can help advance IFAD’s mandate and messages around rural transformation in the global debate. S/he develops 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 centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations and specialized departments of other development institutions (including United Nations agencies, International Financial Institutions, bilateral cooperation agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others) as strategic partners; (b) Strengthening IFAD’s representation and communication in policy processes (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences); (c) Developing and cultivating alliances in key global policy forums to strengthen IFAD's influence. over time, with a strategic focus on specific themes.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The Senior Technical Specialist supports the Director/Lead Technical Specialists in knowledge management and other monitoring and reporting activities to enhance country level programme and funding decisions.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Senior Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes, among others, people management through support to recruitment of technical specialists and technical leadership/capacity development, coaching and mentoring of new and/or more junior staff, supervisory role and evaluation of performance of professionals and general service staff under his/her purview.

Position specifc:

6 .SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVICE TO COUNTRY PROGRAMMES: The Senior Technical Specialist (Agronomy) provides technically authoritative advice to improve the capacity of IFAD to position itself as an influential global player in the area of Agronomy and sustainable production. Accountabilities may include:

a. Providing Agronomy expertise in the identification, elaboration and assessment, in accordance with existing organization guidelines, technical opportunities, proposals and feasibility studies for development investment projects and programmes and supporting and overseeing their execution;

b. Participating in country programme, management teams and providing technical, analytical inputs to IFAD’s country strategic opportunity programmes (COSOPs) and Country Strategic Notes (CSNs), project designs as well as to other policy documents related to rural development and poverty reduction; the regional focus of the position is the APR region,

c. Participating in project missions as necessary and pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects; and 

d. Review proposals for small and large grants as required. 

7. AGRONOMY: The Senior Technical Specialist – Agronomy leads IFAD’s work and performs the above listed activities in the area of agronomy, with specific emphasis on improving the  technical knowledge and capacities of small producers and other IFAD target groups (e.g. rural women, youth, indigenous peoples) for sustainable  and equitable access to productive resources; supporting the development and uptake of pro-poor technologies and innovations for sustainable production; developing knowledge and technical capacities of IFAD’s partners; providing technical guidance throughout IFAD’s project cycle; Strengthening the technical capacities to deliver quality results and impacts from IFAD’s agronomy and sustainable production programmes; Supporting country-level agronomy policies, institutions and enabling frameworks and in the mainstreaming of climate, nutrition, gender and youth; Strengthening IFAD’s participation and visibility in global policy processes and networks relating to sustainable, profitable and climate resilient agronomy.

Through participation as Project Technical Lead (PTL) and member of Project Delivery Teams, s/he provides state of art highly specialized technical advice in the area of agronomy 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 regional and global debates and events, policy fora and policy dialogue, knowledge generation, and partnership building and networking-all related to agronomy. S/he provides technical leadership and advice in agronomy 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 agronomy project delivery and achievement of impacts. The Senior Technical Specialist-Agronomy supervises other professional staff in this thematic area, 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 technical expertise in the field of agronomy with a particular focus on APR region. The impact of work by the incumbent directly affects the overall country programme and contributes to regional and corporate policy and strategy. Senior Technical Specialists design and contribute to the delivery and implementtaion of investment projects and country programs. The impact on the overall IFAD country and regional programmes is significant in projecting the Fund’s role/capacity as a reliable, viable partner in development. Work is intricate in that it requires consideration of a wide range of technical factors and related data, national policies relevant for the economic policy concerns of the international organization. Senior Technical Specialists also monitor and guide the work of external consultants and participate as experts in field missions and in the servicing of intergovernmental and expert group meetings of a technical nature. Work at this level normally is not reviewed for technical accuracy. Senior Technical Specialists thus exercise independence and initiative in assessing needs and advising governments. Decisions are made on the research or analytical strategies to be followed in resolving problems of concern in the technical area. Established methods and procedures are adapted as necessary in order to achieve desired results.Position specific: The The Senior Technical Specialist (Agronomy) is responsible for the technical quality of IFAD’s key outputs and deliverables for agronomy, 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 agronomy and sustainable production. Particular key performance indicators are linked to : Improved knowledge and technical capacities of IFAD’s targets groups to increase access and benefits from productive resources; increase in development and uptake of pro-poor technologies and innovations in agronomy; Improved performance of IFAD’s agronomy supported programmes; High IFAD’s visibility in global policy processes and networks relating to agronomy; High quality management of agronomy programmes, grants and supplementary resources; Supporting the mainstreaming of climate, nutrition, gender and youth into IFAD’s agronomy programmes; collaborating with other experts in PMI to identify and support the development of appropriate instruments and technologies related to rural transformation, including, ICT4D applications, partnerships with private scetor and non-sovereign private sector operations; etc.; and use IFAD’s technical guidelines and related technical tools to support design and implementation of projects 

The work relationships of Senior Technical Specialists involves the provision of technical advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in technical project design and appraisal, supervision/implementation support and in the preparation of studies and reports. S/He serves as an expert in the area of agronomy and works with full technical independence in the provision of technical expertise and methodological guidance at the country level, as well as regionally as required. Contacts are with counterparts and senior officials within other United Nations organizations, IFIs governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations,private sector research institutes and academia. In servicing intergovernmental bodies, expert and working groups and other meetings, the Senior Technical Specialist provides technical expertise and recommendations for investment, policy formulation and official conclusions in a consultative and Specialist capacity; s/he also may provide information regarding the organization's policies, and act as the representative of the organization. Maintain contacts to identify and evaluate emerging developments.

Position specific: The Senior Technical Specialist (Agronomy) works directly with IFAD’s country teams (Coutry Directors, 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 agronomy. 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 agronomy. S/he leads and maintains these working relationships as IFAD’s main representative and leading authority in the area of agronomy, 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

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

Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively

Education:

Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution. A PhD degree would be an asset, listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field (*)

Area – soil science, agronomy, crop production, horticulture or related fields.  A PhD degree would be an asset.

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

Work experience:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in designing and implementing  development initiatives and investment projects in the field of agronomy and sustainable production that are relevant to IFAD’s mandate. 
• Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scale.
• Position-specific experience:  Proven track record of field-based experience in designing and implementing agronomy projects in the context of rural development initiatives.
• Proven technical expertise and field experience in the area of sustainable production and post harvest management in developing countries, preferably in APR region with focus on the following themes:
  • sustainable local production resilient to climate change, including participatory research and extension, adapted seed development programs, improvement of extension advisory systems including ICT options, specific production resilient systems (including climate smart agriculture, nature based solutions, integrated farming systems etc.), integrated pest and fertility management;
  • Sustainable soil and water management ( including micro-irrigation, soil and water conservations, drought mitigation, watershed approach use of adapted climate advisory), climate advisory;
  • Nutrition sensitive agriculture and articulate to food safety agenda and implementation of food production standards / certification / traceability;
  • Post harvest investments: experience and knowledge on options to improve post harvest 
• Experience with practices and reduced food loss, storage and processing, connection to food safety agenda and mitigation of food safety risks,
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple teams and projects, to engage in high level discussions and to provide verbal and written technical input and recommendations in a succinct and clear manner is required.
• Experience in quality agronomic monitoring, innovative extension systems, including use of ICT and public-private partnerships is an asset;

Languages:

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

Skills:

Job role specific

• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation) 4
• Synthesis, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences 3
• 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.) 4
• 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) 4
• Adaptability, Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes  4
• 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)  4
• Verbal communication, Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language 4

Position specific

• Agronomy, Expertise in sustainable production, agronomic practices, management of natural resources; 3
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development), Know-how in Project design and evaluation 4
• 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; 3
• 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.) 4
• 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; 4
• Resources management, Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources 4
• 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; 3
• Specialized communication skills, Ability to negotiate on behalf of IFAD and drive for creative and pragmatic solutions in complex negotiations with key partners, both public and private sector; 3
• Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented
• IFAD partners, Knowledge of IFAD's partners' functioning and mandate , such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors; 3
• 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; 3
• Position-specific requirement: Ability to travel up to 50 percent of the time and to be mobile as part of IFADs mobility framework

*This position will be based in the IFAD Regional Office for the Asia and the Pacific Region (location to be confirmed, tentatively in Beijing, China or New Delhi, India).

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

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.