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This call is advertised as a short-term assignment with a duration of initially 6 months and expected to start shortly after selection. Should an external candidate (including consultants and staff members not meeting IFAD HR Implementing Procedures' definition of 'internal') be selected, the contract type would be that of a short-term professional (TPO). In the event an IFAD staff member, holding a Fixed Term contract be selected, the movement would be implemented as a Temporary Assignment through the applicable provisions. The temporary assignment is expected to start shortly after selection and applicants should verify and obtain their supervisors' support to be released in the event they are selected, noting that the temporary assignment with a duration of initially 6 months is expected to start shortly after selection.
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, andย 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 IFADโs operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating ย and ย disseminating IFADโs 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).
Position Specific:
ECG takes the lead in integrating cross-cutting themes of environment and climate, nutrition, gender, youth, and indigenous peoples into IFAD's portfolio, with the aim of strengthening the quality and impact of IFADโs operations. ECG also contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD-funded projects and activities. In addition, ECG provides guidance and support to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women, indigenous peoples and rural youth, into IFAD operations. Addressing environmental, biodiversity and climate change issues are inseparable from IFADโs mission to overcome poverty.
The Regional Technical Lead works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance, and supervision of the ECG Division Director, with dual reporting to the Regional Division Director to which the incumbent is mapped.
Job Role ย
The Lead Regional Technical Specialist technically leads country/regional programs as well as the corporate agenda by providing state-of-the-art technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational). Within their areas of responsibility, the Lead Regional 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.
The Regional Technical Lead is a leading professional in her/his field. The incumbent provides authoritative technical leadership for the development of country/regional programs, as well as the corporate agenda, by providing state-of-the-art technical advice and guidance throughout the programming and project cycle (strategic and operational) notably on mainstreaming environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion objectives, including improved project design and implementation, mobilization of complementary environment and climate financing, and corporate and regional policy, strategy, and programme development. The Regional Technical Lead manages a large team of technical specialists and consultants advancing work at regional, country and project levels in the fields of environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion (including gender equality and womenโs empowerment, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and nutrition).
The incumbent works closely with the respective front office teams of ECG and the Regional Division, Country Directors (CD), Country Programme Managers (CPM), NOCs, ECG technical specialists, PMI technical specialists, and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical guidance, including relative to the Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP), and programme development support.
Key Functions and Results ย
1.POLICY AND STRATEGY ADVICES AND DEVELOPMENT: The Lead Regional Technical Specialist provides technically authoritative advice informed by empirical evidence to improve the capacity of IFAD to position itself as an influential global player in agricultural and rural development. The position ensures that IFAD is regarded as a trusted and valued partner of national government in policy dialogues and forums. Accountabilities may include but are not limited to: (a) Providing IFAD staff and partners with up-to-date and evidence-based advice on relevant policy, institutional and technical matters; (b) Providing evidence-informed recommendations to IFAD management on IFAD's rural development agenda using a wide range of data sources and analytical tools; (c) Providing substantive support to IFAD senior management's participation in high level fora with policy implications for rural transformation, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations; (d) Leading the preparation of technical products (e.g., complex papers, analysis, substantive sections of reports and studies) to advance IFADโs voice in the global debate on rural transformation, in close collaboration within PMD and other SKD divisions.ย
2. KNOWLEDGE ADVISORY LEADERSHIP: The Lead Regional Technical Specialist enhances the development of viable and sustainable policies and supports regional and global thematic input through authoritative technical knowledge sharing for their area of specialization. The position 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) Leading processes related to 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) Coordinating 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 IFADโs knowledge and capacity to engage in global debates with policy implications for rural transformation.ย
3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: The Lead Regional Technical Specialist develops and maintains a network of strategic partnerships that can help advance IFAD's mandate and messages around inclusive and sustainable rural transformation in the global debate. The position develops peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to develop new products and services, keeps up-to-date on activities at the country and regional levels, to support joint advocacy and for knowledge sharing to enhance the Fundโs profile as a highly competent and reliable partner in development. Accountabilities may include, but not limited to: (a) Building partnerships with centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations and specialized departments of other development agencies as strategic partner; (b) Strengthening IFADโs representation and communication in policy processes (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences); (c) Generating new resources for IFAD through partnerships and outreach activities; (d) Identifying major opportunities, as well as serving as a focal point, for strategic collaboration with centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations and specialized departments of other development agencies as strategic partners; (e) Leading wider IFAD and Rome-based discussions on the development of sustainable and inclusive approaches to rural transformation as requested.ย
4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The Lead Regional Technical Specialist supports the Director in monitoring and corporate reporting activities to enhance knowledge creation, country level programme and funding decisions. Accountabilities may include, but not limited to: (i) Supporting the Director in setting up systems to monitor the use of research output and knowledge products; (ii) Advising on all aspects of the planning and reporting associated with Research and Impact Assessment as well as donor reporting in the case of supplementary funding.ย
5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Lead Regional Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. Accountabilities may include but are not limited to: (a) Contributing to the supervision of key divisional programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives, leading and directing a team of staff, overseeing research and impact assessment activities, planning and allocating work assignments, coaching, mentoring and evaluating staff, and participating in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programs; (b) Contributing to the personnel and financial management of the work unit, including the development and implementation of work plans and budgets.
6. MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN COUNTRY PROGRAMMES: The Regional Technical Lead works closely with the Regional and Country Teams to mainstream environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion into country programmes. The incumbent undertakes analysis of related challenges, promotes the integration of global best-practices and ensures consistent application of IFADโs SECAP procedures in Results-based Country Strategic Opportunities Programs (COSOPs), Country Strategy Notes (CSNs), project designs and supervision/implementation support, including participation in project teams and missions. Working closely with the CD/CPMs, the incumbent engages with government counterparts to identify investment projects and programmes for blending environment and climate co-financing that allow countries, IFAD and development partners to meet their respective global commitments related climate and environment. The incumbent leads the design of environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion components co-financed by supplementary funds (i.e. Adaptation Fund, Global Environment Fund, Green Climate Fund). For strategic reasons and/or if, based on a planning exercise undertaken jointly between PMD and SKD, particular need arises, the incumbent may serve as Project Technical Lead for selected project designs to ensure the overall technical quality of the project design across all related technical areas, including drafting terms of reference for technical team members, ensuring the selection and over-sight of qualified technical consultants, facilitating technical inputs from other IFAD staff and/or others (e.g. centers of excellence, research institutions), ensuring the technical quality of the project design report, leading select missions and ensuring that comments provided through corporate quality enhancement and assurance processes are adequately addressed. The incumbent participates in and/or leads supervision/implementation support/mid-term review missions, particularly for projects for which the incumbent served as Project Technical Lead during design or for projects with specific problems related to environment and climate, specifically ensuring the systematic implementation of recommendations from Environment and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and/or Environment Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs). The incumbent will also provide technical inputs to completion reporting, while organizing and/or contributing to training and/or capacity building related to environment and climate.ย
7. POLICY ENGAGEMENT, PARTNERSHIPS, AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION. The Regional Technical Lead develops and maintains a network of peer contacts and partners outside IFAD to keep abreast of recent developments and trends in environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion and facilitates brokering of partnerships to enhance the Fundโs profile as a highly competent and viable development partner in the region to which they are mapped. Specifically, working closely with the CDs/CPMs and the Lead Regional Economist, the incumbent supports the development of relevant technical policies and strategies related to environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion linked to the country programs in the region. The incumbent represents IFAD in technical policy fora of relevance to the region and develops and maintains strategic technical partnerships with relevant organizations, development partners (e.g. Rome-based Agencies), centers of excellence, research institutions, private sector, and thematic platforms. The incumbent engages in upstream negotiations for the mobilization of environment and climate financing from UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD financial mechanisms (GEF, LDCF, SCCF, GCF, AF) and other sources, and works with ECG and OPR colleagues to report on the use of those finances.ย
8. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The Regional Technical Lead contributes to the generation and dissemination of specialized knowledge, good practices and innovations generated through loans and grants in the region. The incumbent engages with the Regional Technical Leads from the other regions to exchange knowledge and experience, synthesize best practice, and develop common strategies and policy guidance that contribute to corporate processes. To promote cross fertilization between regions under south-south and triangular cooperation, and based on business needs, the incumbent may provide technical support to other regions in areas of specific expertise to facilitate learning and knowledge sharing. The incumbent also contributes to identify qualified technical consultants to be included in a corporate roster and liaises closely with the Lead Portfolio Advisor, Lead Regional Economist, CDs/Heads of the Hubs and/or South-South Triangular Cooperation and Knowledge Centers and other staff to substantially contribute to relevant knowledge management initiatives and products.ย
9. CORPORATE ACTIVITIES: Working in close collaboration with ECG front office team, Regional Division, in-house departments and divisions, and technical specialists, the Regional Technical Lead contributes to corporate initiatives as required. In particular, the incumbent supports a common corporate strategic approach on resource mobilization from environmental and climate financing sources, and leads on select thematic issues of corporate priority related to environment and climate. The incumbent also provides substantive inputs to corporate events, global meetings on environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion and technical management briefs as required.ย
10. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Regional Technical Lead is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. The incumbent is responsible for planning and managing the priorities and activities of a large team of technical specialists and consultants advancing work at regional, country and project levels in the fields of environment, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion. This includes, among others, a lead coordination role and participation in the divisionโs management team with other Cluster and Regional Leads, and working closely with the ECG Division Director and the Regional Director, to plan and oversee the execution of budgets, including of agency fees mobilized from financing sources, ensuring their effective use to support country programme delivery. It also involves people management through the identification of capacity needs, support to recruitment and deployment of technical specialists for sub-regional hubs, ICOs, and PMUs where necessary, and provide technical leadership/capacity development, coaching and mentoring of new senior and/or more junior staff and consultants, supervision and evaluation of performance of professionals and general service staff under theirย purview. The incumbent coordinates the participation of and provides regular over-sight of the staff and consultants under her/his management, and ensures capacity building as needed.
Key Performance Indicators ย
Assignments require the provision of authoritative professional expertise and technical leadership at the global, regional and national levels. Lead Regional Technical Specialists define, propose, revise and/or develop programmes or policies for the Fund and represent the position of IFAD in national, regional as well as global fora and conferences. Innovation is required in the adaptation and development of approaches and methods to evolving technical and programmatic contexts. Work at this level is considered as substantially complex and of critical concern to the Fund. In particular, analytical and advisory work requires in depth identification and consideration of a full range of factors relevant to the examination and discussion of programme problems and policies in the solution of methodological problems or in the formulation of policy proposals and project recommendations.
Assignments require the provision of authoritative professional expertise and technical leadership in Environment, Climate, Biodiversity and Social Inclusion issues at the global, regional and national levels.
Working Relationships ย
The work relationships of Lead Regional Technical Specialists involves the provision of authoritative technical advice ย for policy, programme and strategy development, resource mobilization,and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in mission planning, technical project appraisal or the preparation of studies and reports. The incumbent typically serves as the Fundโs senior technical advisor in the field of specialization and exercises wide professional latitude in contacts in their field(s), providing technical leadership and methodological guidance to management, CDs/HeadsMCOs, national governments, development partners and other country programme staff in the technical area of specialization.
Job Profile Requirements ย
Organizational Competencies:
Level 2:
Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change Focusing on clients - Contributes to a clientfocused culture Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates&contributes to learning culture Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environmentEducation:
Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field (*)ย areaย Areas - Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Climate Change, Economics etc.(*) Note: ย For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFADโs Human Resources Implementing Procedures
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of specialization, particularly in the formulation of technical guidance and input to development programmes Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope. Experience in international policy frameworks related to global issues is an asset. In-depth technical expertise, demonstrated by substantive work experience, and solid understanding of environment, natural resource management, climate change and social inclusion issues. Proven experience in leading complex project design and implementation. Experience in policy engagement and negotiation at the national and global level on environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset. Experience in environmental impact assessments, social safeguards and/or climate vulnerability assessments is an advantage. Access to a network of technical and professional resources and expertise which can be brought to bear to improve portfolio programming is desirable. Project management and resource mobilization experience relevant to the Adaptation Fund, Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund or similar Trust Fund is an asset.Languages:
English (4 - Excellent); French (4-Excellent) Desirable: Spanish, or Arabic (3 โ Good)ยSkills:
Knowledge strategy & management: Extensive expertise in knowledge management & dissemination strategies Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation) 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 IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work Risk management (e.g. reputational): Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD's activities, particularly vis-ร -vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies 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.) Strategy implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions Resources management: Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes 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) 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. Synthesis: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language 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.) Programme/Project development, management: Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management Social & Environmental Safeguards: Know-how in Social & Environmental complianc as specified in the IFAD's Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) Cross-cutting themes - Environment & climate change: Expertise specific to the environment and climate change cross-cutting theme (e.g. climate and environmental policy, biodiversity, agroecology)Other Information ย
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.
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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.
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