Technical Specialist (Economist)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people by financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes. The organization advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. IFAD operates globally, with a mission to ensure that rural communities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. The Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) within IFAD is responsible for ensuring that the projects supported by IFAD achieve maximum impact and serve as learning opportunities for future initiatives. ODE coordinates corporate strategy and measures the relevance of IFAD's business model to ensure effective implementation of strategies. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sector partners, to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist (Economist) position is a senior role within IFAD that requires a seasoned professional with expertise in agricultural economics and rural development. The incumbent will work under the strategic guidance of the Managing Director of ODE and will directly report to the Senior Technical Specialist (Economist). This role involves independently analyzing technical and policy issues relevant to IFAD and providing substantive technical input for the development of policies, strategies, and proposals. The Technical Specialist will collaborate with other technical specialists, country directors, and staff to ensure consistency and synergy in technical advice and program development support. The position emphasizes the importance of providing sound technical advice to improve IFAD's capacity to address rural poverty and enhance its reputation as a trusted partner in development. The Technical Specialist will also engage in knowledge management, partnership building, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation activities to support IFAD's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist (Economist) will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including:

• Providing technical advice based on in-depth knowledge of current thematic conditions and emerging development challenges related to rural poverty. This includes identifying and assessing technical opportunities for development projects and programs, participating in country program management teams, and contributing to project designs and policy documents.
• Enhancing knowledge management by sharing experiences and knowledge generated through analytical studies and regional grants, conducting knowledge development and dissemination activities, and participating in thematic discussions to inform country and divisional strategies.
• Building partnerships with technical organizations, NGOs, and development agencies to enhance IFAD's profile and mobilize resources for its initiatives.
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of technical activities to support funding decisions based on accurate data. This includes developing monitoring and evaluation criteria, implementing performance monitoring systems, and preparing analytical reports for decision-making.
• Managing resources and ensuring integrity and transparency in the management of IFAD resources, including evaluating the performance of consultants and staff under their purview.
• Contributing to the Impact Assessment program by designing and conducting statistical analyses, ensuring data quality, and preparing training materials based on international standards. The Technical Specialist will work collaboratively with other specialists in the EDI unit and contribute to the overall effectiveness of IFAD's initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Technical Specialist (Economist) position must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in Agricultural Economics, Resource Economics, Economics, or related fields. The role requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience, with at least three years in a multicultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope. Position-specific experience in fieldwork and international policy frameworks related to global environment, natural resource management, and rural development is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate evidence-based policy formulation skills, the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, candidates should possess interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a corporate approach to integrating strategic priorities into their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Technical Specialist (Economist) position includes an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in Agricultural Economics, Resource Economics, Economics, or related fields such as Development Economics, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of rural development and agricultural economics, as well as for conducting high-level analyses and providing informed policy recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience, with a strong emphasis on experience in a multicultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scale. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in areas related to agricultural economics, rural development, and impact assessment. Experience in fieldwork and familiarity with international policy frameworks concerning natural resource management and rural development will be advantageous. The role demands a high level of analytical capability and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement of level 4 (Excellent). Additionally, knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic at level 3 (Good) is desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and best practices.

Additional Notes:
The Technical Specialist (Economist) position is a full-time role within IFAD, which operates as an international civil service organization. Staff members are expected to be geographically mobile and may be assigned to various activities of the Fund as needed. IFAD is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors, including ethnicity, gender, or disability. The organization offers a competitive remuneration package, and candidates are encouraged to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate salary and benefits. The recruitment process includes a pre-screening assessment for long-listed candidates, followed by technical and competency-based interviews for short-listed candidates. Non-selected candidates may be included in IFAD's appointable roster for future positions.