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.

The Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD’s strategic direction, thematic priorities and technical quality of IFAD operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating and disseminating IFAD’s development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes, and encouraging innovative application of cutting-edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to help 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); (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI); and (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).

PMI provides technical support to IFAD Country Programs to ensure the proper application of corporate quality standards required for achieving development results and impact in key thematic areas, including food production systems (i.e. fisheries, livestock, and agronomy), land, natural resources management, water and rural infrastructure, financial services, rural markets and enterprises and rural institutions. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD funded projects and activities.

The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance, and supervision of the division Director.

The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) technically supports 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 the areas of responsibility, the Lead Global Technical Specialist (LGTS) exercises a high degree of independence in providing reliable support to 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 Lead Global Technical Specialist is also an expert and knowledge builder in their thematic specialization. The incumbent provides technical expertise and strategic guidance on generating and using new ideas to enrich the knowledge base that supports the Fund’s operationbal and policy agenda. The incumbent provides substantive contribution to understanding future trends in rural development relevant to their area of expertise, strengthening IFAD’s strategic planning perspective and pro-actively fostering innovative and effective solutions to rural poverty within investment projects, country programmes, IFAD’s policy, member governments, the academic community, private scetor, and public opinion in the international development community. Knowledge management at this level directly impacts on quality control and enhancement of IFAD’s programmes and partnership development for inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.

Position specific: The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) acts as the global anchor in this discipline, leading as the water and rural infrastructure team, acting as the lead corporate expert in the area of Water and Rural Infrastructure and managing key programs and initiatives related to Water and Rural Infrastructure’ development, empowerment and strengthening as promoters of change in the value chains and food systems in which they operate as well as stronger partners to private sector actors. The incumbent works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists covering Water and Rural Infrastructure other areas in PMI, 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. The Lead Global Technical Specialist Water & Rural Infrastructure also represents IFAD at the global level within the area of expertise (Water and Rural Infrastructure), and ensures knowledge flows among the regionally-mapped technical staff within the area of expertise.

1. POLICY AND STRATEGY ADVICE AND DEVELOPMENT: The incumbent 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 with particular emphasis on social inclusion themes. The incumbent ensures that IFAD is regarded as a trusted and valued partner of national governments 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, instituional 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 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 IFAD’s voice in the global debate on rural transformation, in close collaboration within PMD and other SKD divisions.

2. KNOWLEDGE ADVISORY LEADERSHIP: The incumbent 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 incumbent 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:

(a) 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;

(b) Coordinating relevant knowledge development and dissemination with institutions outside 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;

(c) Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operational approaches of relevance to country/divisional strategies and programmes;

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: The Lead Technical Specialist, develops and maintains a network of strategic partnerships to help advance IFAD’s mandate and messages around inclusive and sustainable rural transformation in the global debate. The incumbent develops peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to develop new products and services, keep up-to-date on activities at country and regional levels, support joint advocacy, and share knowledge to enhance the Fund’s profile as a highly competent and reliable partner in development. Accountabilities may include, but are 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 IFAD’s representation and communication in policy processes (including representing IFAD at international, regional, and 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 focal point, for strategic collaboration with centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations, private sector, MSMEs, 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.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The incumbent supports the Director in monitoring and corporate reporting activities to enhance knowledge creation, country level programme and funding decisions.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent 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 programmes;

(b) Contributing to the personnel and financial management of the work unit, including the development and implementation of work plans and budgets.

Position specifics:

The key responsibilities of the Lead GLobal Techncial specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) include:

6. TECHNICAL ADVICE TO COUNTRY PROGRAMMES: The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) serves as a broker in their area of technical expertise to facilitate the integration of global best-practices in country programmes across the globe on water and rural infrastructure’ development and strengthening of their role in promoting inclusive and sustainable food system transformation, greater and better collaboration with the private sector, medium, small and micro enterprises and rural market creation and development, among others. The incumbent has an over-sight function to ensure consistent application of corporate quality standards within the area of technical expertise and serves as technical peer reviewer in corporate quality enhancement processes to ensure adherence to relevant quality standards and policies. Based on a planning exercise undertaken jointly between PMD and SKD, and working in close collaboration with the CDs/Head MCOs, the Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) provides targeted technical advice on Water & Rural Infrastructure to selected country programmes across the globe, including supporting the preparation of Results-based Country Strategic Opportunities Programmes (COSOPs), Country Strategy Notes (CSNs), project designs and project supervision/implementation support, through participation in project teams and missions as required. For strategic reasons and based on business needs, the incumbent may serve as Technical Lead for selective project designs, ensuring overall technical quality of the project design across all thematic areas, including drafting of terms of reference for technical team members (incl. consultants), selecting and providing over-sight of qualified technical consultants, facilitating technical inputs from other IFAD staff and/or others (i.e. centers of excellence, research institutions), ensuring the technical quality of the project design report, participating in or leading select missions and ensuring comments provided through corporate quality enhancement and assurance processes are adequately addressed. The incumbent also provides support in their area of technical expertise to ongoing projects across the globe (in particular projects for which s/he was Technical Lead during design or projects at risk), and has an over-sight function to ensure regionally-mapped technical staff consistently apply corporate quality standards within their technical area of expertise during project supervision and implementation support. The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) introduces to country counterparts innovative and integrated solutions for water harvesting, watershed management and efficient water use including modern irrigation for increased agricultural production. The incumbent provides solutions for post-harvest and connectivity to markets in order to increase the value of crops, including storage and drying facilities, farm track roads, access roads and market places. The incumbent will incorporate renewable energy where appropriate with other climate-smart elements to qualify national programs and projects for climate adaptation and mitigation financing where possible. The incumbent ensures that IFAD SECAP procedures are followed for all water and rural infrastructure at various functions and scales. The incumbent identifies opportunities and entries for private sector engagement, in particular for the supply of equipment and setting up service, and also provides after-sales service, including operation and maintenance, as a result additional resources and modern technologies will be introduced as well as a number of jobs created especially for youth.

7. POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS: The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) develops and maintains a global network of peer contacts and partners outside IFAD to keep abreast of recent developments and trends and facilitate brokering of partnerships to enhance the Fund’s profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. Specifically, on the basis of their thematic expertise and skills and working closely with the CDs, the Lead Global Technical Specialist at headquarters, the Lead Regional Economist and other relevant Technical Specialists, the incumbent leads the development of relevant technical policies and strategies in the thematic area of Water & Rural Infrastructure building on the knowledge generated from IFAD’s country programs. The incumbent represents IFAD in global fora related to policy formulation on smallholder water management, irrigation and development of rural infrastructure. The incumbent develops and maintains strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, centres of excellence, private sector partners, research institutions, thematic platforms at the global level, in particular with smallholder water management, irrigation and development of rural infrastructure in the framework of UN-Water and other relevant global forums. 

8. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION IN THE RURAL SYSTEMS CONTEXT: The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) serves as the corporate focal point for knowledge management activities related to the thematic area of technical expertise (including production (water resources management, watershed management, water harvesting, irrigation, drainage) and connectivity (rural roads, storage facilities and market places), social (drinking and home water supply, sanitation), and water and community organizations (water user’s associations, road maintenance committees, etc.)). Working closely with SKD and PMD colleagues, the incumbent coordinates the preparation and implementation of an action plan for knowledge management activities within their area of technical expertise, including securing the required resources (i.e. budget, consultants). The incumbent leads the systematization and dissemination of knowledge, good practices and innovations generated through IFAD’s country programs across the globe, through specific knowledge products, tool-kits, guidelines, blogs, training material, technical notes, publications and learning events. S/he maintains a global network of peer contacts and partners outside IFAD to facilitate brokering of information and knowledge exchanges. The incumbent also builds and/or maintains communities of practice as well as roster of qualified consultants with their area of expertise. The incumbent represents IFAD in global events on technical matters related to the thematic area of technical expertise and relevant to IFAD. The incumbent identifies and promotes opportunities for knowledge sharing and exchanges between regionally-mapped technical staff within the area of technical expertise. The incumbent also builds and/or maintains communities of practice as well as roster of qualified/certified consultants within the area of expertise, working closely with the regionally-mapped technical staff.

9. CORPORATE ACTIVITIES: The Lead Global Technical Specialist (Water and Rural Infrastructure) provides targeted authoritative overall advise in his/her area of technical expertise for the development of corporate initiatives/instruments, policies and procedures, including leading corporate task forces and preparing technical position papers as required. The incumbent also provides substantive inputs to corporate events, training activities and technical management briefs as required. 

Specifically, the incumbent supervises the Global Technical Specialists, the Water and Rural Infrastructure and the Rural Infrastructure and Renewable Energy, leads the Water and Rural Infrastructure desk, coordinates the IFAD activities with the UN-Water as IFAD Senior Program Officer and represents IFAD in the Water and Climate Collation Steering Committee. 

Assignments require the provision of authoritative professional expertise and technical leadership at the global, regional and national levels on Water & Rural Infrastructure issues. Lead Global 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. It also requires capacity to engage with, listen to, respect and mediate with organisations of rural poor people, in particular with smallholder and family farmers organizations across the world. 
 

The work relationships of Lead Technical Specialist involves the provision of authoritative technical advice  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 Fund’s senior technical Specialist in the field of specialization and exercises wide professional latitude in contacts in her/his field(s), providing technical leadership and methodological guidance to management, CDs, national governments, development partners and other country programme staff in the technical area of smallholder Water & Rural Infrastructureand.

Position specific: The incumbent represents IFAD at the global level within their area of expertise, in particular in the UN-Water and Steering Committee of the Water and Climate Collation.
 

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively 

Education:

• Level – Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a technically relevant area (*) 
• Areas – Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water and Irrigation, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, etc.

(*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of Water & Rural Infrastructure development, strengthening and empowerment, particularly in the formulation of technical guidance and input to development programmes and investment projects promoting a strengthened role for Water & Rural Infrastructure in 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. 
• Position-specific experience: 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 water management and rural infrastructure, 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 rural infrastructure projects is a strong asset.

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent)  
• Another IFAD language  French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable (4 – Excellent)
• Position-specific requirement: Good skills both in speaking and drafting technical documents. Ability to apply research and impact evaluation for programs under review and at completion.

Skills:

Job role specific 

• Leadership, Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; bility 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; 
• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation) 
• Synthesis, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences 
• 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 
• 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.) 
• 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) 
• Adaptability, Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes  
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management  
• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD’s activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies;  (e.g. reputational) 

Position specific

• Topical expertise – water and rural infrastructure, Expertise and know how in assessing and developing effective, inclusive and sustainable Water & Rural Infrastructure (production (water resources management, watershed management, water harvesting, irrigation, drainage) and connectivity (rural roads, storage facilities and market places), social (drinking and home water supply, sanitation), and water and community organizations (water user’s associations, road maintenance committees and  private sector), as well as institutional set up for effective delivery of  rural development investment programmes.; 
• 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); 
• Cross-cutting themes – Gender and social inclusion, Expertise specific to gender and social inclusion cross-cutting theme (e.g. youth, targeting strategies); 
• Cross-cutting themes – Nutrition, Expertise specific to nutrition cross-cutting theme (e.g. food systems); 
• Social & Environmental Safeguards, Know-how in Social & Environmental compliance as specified in the IFAD’s Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP); 
• Confidentiality & Discretion, Establishes self and division as trusted Specialist to internal stakeholders by maintaining high level of discretion and confidentiality in assignments; demonstrates sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters ; drives good governance and is a “Culture Carrier” demonstrating IFAD institutional conscience through their work.; 
• 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;
• Specialized communication skills (writing and speaking), Technical know-how relevant to the specific communication role considered (e.g. communication planning, building and maintaining media relations, video production, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management, internal communication and events management);

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 accordance with IFAD’s provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD’s remuneration package, please visit IFAD’s compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.  See here.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

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.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation in line with its IFAD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and IFAD policy to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse

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