Regional Technical Specialist (Water & Rural Infrastructure) [JOB DUTY STATION: ABIDJAN, P-3]

This job is based in Abidjan.

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 the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Office of Technical Delivery is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in the design and implementation of projects and programmes to deliver the high technical quality investments that facilitate rural transformation, and which comply with IFAD&aposs mandate and operational policies. The Office ensures IFAD applies and disseminates state of the art knowledge in its investments and evidence on strategic themes and encourages the innovative application of global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments. This helps countries tackle complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation including mainstreaming areas. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) is led by a Managing Director and is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) and the Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI).

The Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI) facilitates improved and efficient delivery of IFAD&aposs corporate mandate, predominantly through the quality of the design and implementation of its policies, country strategies and projects. Key functions and activities of PMI include Quality Enhancement, Policy Engagement, Networking and Strategic Partnerships. PMI&aposs technical mandate covers a range of themes, all of which are key to deliver IFAD&aposs strategic framework, including: agronomy, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, markets and value chains, agriculture research for development (AR4D), ICT4D, inclusive rural finance (including PARM, INSURED and remittances), rural institutions and farmers organizations, rural infrastructure, water, land and natural resources management.

PMI is led by a Divisional Director.

Job Role

The Technical Specialist is a seasoned professional in a specialized thematic area; the incumbent reports either to a more senior Technical Specialist or to the divisional Director. At this level Technical Specialists independently analyse technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals. The incumbent may work collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

The Regional Technical Specialist (Water and Rural Infrastructure) serves as IFAD&aposs technical expert in Water and Rural Infrastructure. The position supports country/regional programs by providing state-of-the-art technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational), as well as contributes to the corporate agenda, in the technical area of Water and Rural Infrastructure.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients - Focuses on clients
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff
• Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree (Master&aposs or equivalent) from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field (*)
• Areas - Engineering, Civil engineering, Water and irrigation, Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Economics, etc.
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php.

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

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in, and demonstrated understanding of, development initiatives in the field of infrastructure and water management, particularly in the formulation of technical guidance and input to agriculture and rural development programmes.
• Two (2) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Demonstration of technical skills in water and rural infrastructure applied to the design and coordination of agriculture and rural development projects and interventions and identification of innovative solutions to emerging issues. In particular in formulating technical guidance to agricultural and rural development programs with a proven in the field of water and rural infrastructure particularly: (i) involvement of water users and community based organizations in the design and construction of water/irrigation systems, (ii) design and construction of water harvesting, storage, water conveyance systems, irrigation saving techniques, and (iii) design and construction of post-harvest and storage facilities, farm tracks, rural roads, market places, etc., taking into account climate-smart design criteria and using renewable energy where appropriate.
• Ability to share technical guidance / knowledge at the governmental and peer levels as well as to inspire more junior specialists and programme staff in the development of viable programme activities.
• Familiarity with application of IFIs safeguards to manage the social, climate and environmental effects of water and rural infrastructure projects and experience in dealing with private sector are strong assets.
• Experience in international policy frameworks related to global environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset.

Languages:

• Required English (4 - Excellent)
• Required 2nd language: French (4 - Excellent)
• Knowledge of another language Spanish, Arabic is a plus

Click 'Apply' to read the full job description and submit your application.

Deadline for applications: 31 March 2025 (23.59 CET Rome)

Ref: VA 26670