Senior Regional Technical Specialist

This job is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organizational setting:

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, and advocates at local, national and international levels for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Job Role:

The Senior Technical Specialist serves as IFAD's technical expert in their area of expertise. The position supports country/regional programs by providing state-of-the-art global technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational), as well as contributes to the corporate agenda, in their technical area of expertise.

Within their areas of responsibility, the Senior 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 incumbent works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors (CD)/Heads of Multi-country Offices (MCO) and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.
• Area - Environmental Science, Sustainable Land and Water Management, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management and/or governance, Rural Infrastructure, Agroecology or other sustainable farming approaches, etc
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on

Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of NRM and Infrastructure development, specifically in the formulation of technical guidance and advice on NRM, Land Tenure, Agroecology and Rural Infrastructure. Experience of development programmes and investment projects promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development, value chains development, market creation and development, greater partnerships with the private sector, as well as management of regional and/or global capacity building grants and programs for civil society organizations, in particular for producers organizations.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in a multi-cultural inter- governmental organization.
• Highly specialized experience in NRM and Infrastructure is requested. Experience in international policy frameworks related to global agricultural, food security and rural development issues is an asset as well as experience in the field of linking consumers and producers around sustainably produced food (Participatory guaranty systems (PGS) and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)), particularly in the formulation of technical guidance and input to agriculture and rural development programmes. Familiarity with application of IFIs safeguards to manage the social and environmental effects of soil and water conservation infrastructure and rangeland and watershed restoration projects is a strong asset.

Languages:

• Required: English and French (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: Spanish, and/or Arabic (4 - Excellent)
• Position-specific requirement: Good skills both in speaking and drafting technical documents.

Apply on IFAD's Career site. Search for the VA 32102 or the job title. Click "Apply" to read the full job description and submit your application.

Deadline for applications: 10 December CET Rome)

Ref: VA 32102