Technical Specialist (Agri-Link) - Co-Terminus

The Technical Specialist (Agri-Link) provides technical expertise and operational support to IFAD's Markets and Value Chains and private sector engagement work, focusing on the Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link). The role supports the design, coordination, and implementation of Agri-Link interventions, partnership development, knowledge management, and contributes to IFAD's private sector engagement strategy within sovereign operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and operational support to IFAD's Markets and Value Chains and private sector engagement work, focusing on the Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link).
• Support the design, coordination and implementation of Agri-Link interventions in partnership with private sector entities, ensuring alignment with IFAD country programme priorities and donor objectives.
• Support the development and execution of private sector partnerships, including identification of partnership opportunities and facilitation of linkages between producer organizations and private firms.
• Provide technical guidance to consultants and coordinate staff supporting Agri-Link bilateral agreements.
• Support financial planning and monitor budget utilization for Agri-Link in line with approved workplans and donor expectations.
• Contribute to donor engagement processes, including impact reporting, results communication and preparation of strategic and operational documentation for Agri-Link.
• Consolidate and synthesize cross-country operational evidence and lessons learned to support institutional learning and inform programme-level decision-making.
• Participate in relevant internal and external meetings, technical forums and partnership engagements representing Agri-Link.
• Build and maintain strong working relations with IFAD country programmes, sovereign operations and broader private sector engagement priorities.
• Support the development and strengthening of partnerships with private sector entities, development partners, technical organizations, financial institutions and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical inputs to broader PMI and OTD workstreams related to markets and value chains, private sector engagement in sovereign operations and corporate initiatives.
• Manage monitoring, evaluation and reporting of technical activities and components of programs/projects to enhance country level programme and funding decisions.
• Manage people and evaluate performance of consultants and staff under their purview.
• Ensure knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet, and best practices are documented and shared.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area such as Agriculture/rural development; economics (agricultural/natural resource/environmental economics, behavioural economics, development economics, trade, etc.); finance, business management, marketing or commerce, and other agriculture specializations.
• Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in performing technical and operational functions related to markets and value chains, private sector engagement, or related fields.
• Experience in supporting the design, coordination and implementation of development projects and programmes.
• Experience in partnership building and resource mobilization with private sector entities and development partners.
• Experience in knowledge management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of technical activities and components of programs/projects.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical advice and support to country-level and global operations.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage time, resources and information effectively and demonstrate sound problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Experience in team leadership, budget stewardship and delivery oversight is desirable.

Skills

• Agricultural Economics
• Rural Development Policy
• Value Chain Analysis
• Private Sector Engagement
• Project Design
• Program Coordination
• Partnership Building
• Resource Mobilization
• Knowledge Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Technical Advisory
• Communications Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Time Management
• Budget Stewardship
• Team Leadership
• Reporting
• Operational Support

Languages

English