Technical Specialist (Agri-Link)

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, 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 improve the livelihoods of rural populations, and is committed to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The organization is structured into various offices, including the Office of Technical Delivery, which provides expert guidance for project design and implementation, ensuring high-quality investments that align with IFAD's operational policies. IFAD's work is supported by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist (Agri-Link) position is designed for a professional with expertise in a specialized thematic area, reporting to a senior Technical Specialist or the divisional Director. The role involves analyzing technical and policy issues relevant to IFAD and providing input for policy development, technical strategies, and project implementation. The incumbent will enhance the capacity of the Production, Markets and Infrastructure Division (PMI) to support IFAD's Markets and Value Chains (MVC) and private sector engagement initiatives. This includes providing operational support to country-level and global operations, particularly focusing on the Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link). The Technical Specialist will act as a focal point for Agri-Link activities, coordinating efforts to connect IFAD's donor partners, smallholder producers, and the private sector. The position requires generating operational evidence to inform institutional decision-making and strengthen IFAD's approach to private sector engagement within its sovereign portfolio. The role is integral to the successful implementation of Agri-Link, which aims to improve farmer income, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and rural employment through partnerships with agribusinesses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical advice based on thorough analysis of thematic conditions and rural poverty challenges, enhancing IFAD's capacity to address these issues. This includes participating in project development teams, contributing to country strategic opportunity papers, and reviewing project proposals.
• Enhance knowledge management by sharing insights and experiences from analytical studies and regional grants, conducting knowledge dissemination activities, and developing new knowledge products.
• Build partnerships and mobilize resources by establishing networks with technical organizations and NGOs, representing IFAD at various meetings, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance IFAD's profile.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of technical activities, developing criteria for evaluation and preparing analytical reports for decision-making.
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring integrity and transparency in the management of IFAD resources, and overseeing the performance of consultants and staff.
• Support the strategic design and management of Agri-Link, ensuring alignment with IFAD's priorities and facilitating partnerships with private sector entities.
• Provide technical guidance to consultants and staff, ensuring consistent delivery across workstreams and monitoring budget utilization.
• Engage with donors, contributing to impact reporting and fundraising efforts, and synthesizing operational evidence for institutional learning.
• Represent Agri-Link in technical forums and build relationships with stakeholders to support resource mobilization efforts. 1
• Provide technical inputs to broader PMI and OTD workstreams, contributing to corporate initiatives and cross-portfolio learning processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced technical knowledge in agriculture, rural development, economics, finance, or related fields. A strong understanding of agricultural market and value chain analysis, as well as experience in private sector engagement, is essential. The ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills is required. Candidates should also have experience in project design and evaluation, with a focus on evidence-based policy recommendations. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective partnerships are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a relevant area such as agriculture, rural development, economics, finance, business management, or marketing is required. The degree must be from an institution listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in economic analysis, portfolio reviews, and studies on value chains. Previous experience with IFAD or similar organizations, particularly in private sector-focused initiatives, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of agriculture and rural development investment projects funded by international financial institutions (IFIs). Experience in utilizing digital solutions in rural contexts and business consulting is also advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a level of 4 (Excellent). Knowledge of French at level 3 or above is highly desirable, as it will enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is co-terminus, meaning it is subject to a limited duration based on project funding. The successful candidate will be appointed for a period that aligns with the funding availability, with a maximum total duration of seven years, including any extensions. The role does not carry an expectation of conversion to a permanent position. Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants and may be required to relocate as part of their duties. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors. Compensation details can be found on IFAD's website, and candidates may be required to participate in a written test and interview process.