Agriculture Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global development cooperative established to help countries address their most pressing development challenges. Founded in 1944, it is owned by 189 member countries and is the largest development bank in the world. The organization provides financial products, including loans and guarantees, as well as advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. The World Bank operates in various sectors, including agriculture, and has a significant presence in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, which comprises 26 countries and is home to nearly 60% of Africa's population. The World Bank's mission is to reduce poverty and support sustainable development through economic growth and social inclusion. With approximately 1,200 staff in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, the World Bank focuses on five dimensions: People, Prosperity, Planet, Infrastructure, and Digital, to drive economic transformation and address key challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Agriculture Economist position at the World Bank involves contributing to the delivery of impactful projects and strategic advisory tasks in Madagascar's agriculture sector. The role requires working closely with technical task teams and stakeholders to design, prepare, and supervise operation projects. The Agriculture Economist will provide high-quality technical inputs throughout the project cycle, from identification to completion. This position also entails conducting analytical support for knowledge products related to agriculture, including data analysis, report drafting, and policy brief contributions. The economist will engage in policy dialogue on agricultural and rural development issues, focusing on job creation in agricultural value chains and climate-resilient agriculture. The role demands collaboration across sectors to develop multisectoral solutions and effective communication with clients and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agriculture Economist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Designing, preparing, and supervising operation projects while providing high-quality technical inputs at all stages of the project cycle.
• Conducting analytical support for knowledge products on agriculture, including data assembly and analysis, report drafting, and dissemination.
• Reviewing and processing operational documents related to project operations and coordinating with WBG teams for timely delivery of quality project packages.
• Engaging in policy dialogue on agricultural and rural development issues, particularly regarding job creation in agriculture value chains and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Leading discussions on agricultural and rural development with clients and stakeholders, including developing and implementing sector strategies.
• Responding to ad-hoc information requests and providing briefings on the agriculture sector in Madagascar.
• Collaborating with the agriculture team and other task teams to develop multisectoral solutions.
• Representing the World Bank in local forums with development partners and stakeholders.
• Conducting technical reviews and analyses of client and sector reports to inform the agriculture and food portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professional excellence and possess outstanding oral and written communication skills. The specific qualifications required for this position include:

• A master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or related fields.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to lead discussions on policy reforms at high levels.
• In-depth knowledge of issues faced by smallholders in agricultural value chains and the potential of these chains to address core development objectives.
• Familiarity with the World Bank Group's development initiatives, policies, and practices related to lending and non-lending operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-sectoral, and multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and team skills, with innovative and strategic thinking capabilities.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural economics and the challenges faced by the sector in Madagascar.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or other disciplines related to food systems. This experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the World Bank's projects and initiatives in the agriculture sector.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a strong emphasis on effective verbal, analytical, and written communication skills. Additionally, proficiency in French is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and partners in Madagascar.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require extensive travel, and candidates should be self-motivated and able to work under pressure.