Senior Agriculture Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global development cooperative established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. It consists of five specialized institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The WBG is committed to reducing poverty and supporting development by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. With a membership of 189 countries, the World Bank is the largest development bank in the world, focusing on addressing regional and global challenges through its extensive network and expertise. The Africa (AFE) Region, which is home to nearly 60% of Africa's population, is characterized by its geographical, cultural, and economic diversity, comprising 26 countries. The WBG aims to help these countries realize their development potential by focusing on key areas such as people, prosperity, planet, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The organization has a robust engagement in the region, with significant financial commitments and a focus on innovative solutions to complex development issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Agriculture Specialist position at the World Bank Group is designed to support the delivery of impactful projects and strategic advisory tasks in Mozambique's agriculture sector. The role involves co-leading the design, preparation, and supervision of operational projects, ensuring high-quality execution throughout the project cycle. The specialist will provide technical guidance to create innovative solutions aimed at enhancing job creation within agricultural value chains, collaborating closely with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). This position also entails engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and development partners, to ensure the integration of agriculture interventions with other programs such as water management, sustainable land use, and social protection. The Senior Agriculture Specialist will play a crucial role in advancing the World Bank's initiatives in Mozambique, particularly in transforming the agricultural sector to address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, enhance livelihoods, and promote economic resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Agriculture Specialist will report to the Practice Manager for the SAEA2 unit and will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: co-leading the design and supervision of operational projects as Task Team Leader (TTL) or core team member; providing technical guidance in developing innovative solutions for job creation in agriculture; leading resource mobilization efforts through trust funds; co-leading the Agri-Connect Initiative and stakeholder consultations; ensuring integration of agriculture and rural development aspects in core Bank products; supporting the integration of agriculture interventions with other programs; engaging with clients and stakeholders; responding to ad-hoc information requests; and providing mentoring and support to the task team. The role requires a proactive approach to project management and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a challenging environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professional excellence and possess outstanding oral and written communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities. Specific qualifications include a master's degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or related fields. Recognized problem-solving skills and the ability to translate knowledge into innovative solutions while maintaining a strong client focus are essential. Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as the capacity to lead discussions on policy reforms, are also required. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by smallholders in agricultural value chains and the potential of these chains to address core development objectives in the AFE region.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture, or a closely related discipline is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively address the complexities of agricultural development and food systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or related disciplines. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to identify problems and develop innovative solutions, as well as a strong understanding of the agricultural landscape and the challenges faced by smallholders in the region.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Portuguese, as effective verbal, analytical, and written communication skills in both languages are essential for engaging with stakeholders and producing high-quality documents. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate collaboration and ensure effective communication within the diverse cultural context of Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role may require extensive travel within Mozambique and potentially to other countries in the region.