Technical Analyst (Economist) - P2

cinfo; Roma; In loco; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An international financial institution in Rome is seeking an entry-level professional to analyze technical and policy challenges related to rural poverty. The role involves providing support for policy development, building partnerships, and contributing to knowledge management. Successful candidates will have an advanced degree and experience in global development initiatives. Fluency in English is required, with additional languages desirable. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in rural communities.

Competenze

• Understanding of rural poverty and development initiatives.
• Experience in a multicultural organization or global projects.
• High proficiency in English; French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable.

Mansioni

• Analyze technical and policy problems and provide input for development.
• Support knowledge management and project development at the country level.
• Build partnerships and mobilize resources with stakeholders.

Conoscenze

Evidence-based policy

Adaptability

Client orientation

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Formazione

Advanced university degree in a relevant area

Descrizione del lavoro

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 Development Effectiveness (ODE) ensures that IFAD's supported projects are set to achieve their maximum impact and serve as a learning opportunity for future ones. Specifically, ODE is responsible for coordinating corporate strategy and measuring the relevance of IFADs business model in order to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy. ODE is also responsible of managing, measuring, and facilitating the effectiveness of IFAD program of work, including adequately incorporating knowledge of effectiveness and efficiency into all of its investments. Through the systematic integration of research findings, evidence-based innovations and best practices into IFAD's project design, implementation, and self-evaluation processes, the effectiveness and impact of IFAD-supported initiatives are enhanced. ODE contributes to five key corporate objectives :

• Supporting the long-term development strategy of the institution given its mandate.
• Curating evidence and disseminating effective programs, innovations and operational solutions for rural economies.
• Ensuring the appropriate feedback loops work to ensure quality through the compliance of policies, standards, and lessons learned through the whole evaluation function of IFAD.
• Driving corporate and operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supporting capacity development for project management, monitoring and evaluation at the country-level.

ODE is led by a Managing Director, a Deputy, Chief Strategy and Effectiveness Officer, and three units: Quality Assurance and Environmental and Social Safeguards Unit (QAS); Results, Resources and Systems Unit (RRS); and Evidence for Development Impact and Innovation Unit (EDI).

EDI strengthens IFAD's ability to curate and communicate evidence that supports country dialogue, policy influence and partnerships. Working with MDBs, the CGIAR, the RBAs, academia, the private sector, research centres and others, ODE promotes exchange of evidence and innovation for greater impact. Specifically,

• The impact assessment function generates knowledge by systematically assessing the impact of IFAD investments and transmitting that knowledge internally within IFAD and to the outside world. The generated knowledge is also used to develop IFAD's strategies and support effective development.
• The knowledge management function focuses on capturing, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge generated from IFAD-funded projects and initiatives, facilitating organizational learning and capacity-building.
• The innovation function explores and promotes innovative approaches and solutions to address development challenges, driving organizational agility and adaptability.

Job Role

The incumbent is an entry-level professional in a specialized thematic area; they report either to a more senior Technical Specialist, the Unit Chief, or to the Managing Director. The incumbent analyses technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provides substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals. They 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.

Key Functions and Results

1. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS : On the basis of technical analysis of current thematic conditions, emerging development challenges and the state of rural poverty at the country, regional and global levels, the incumbent provides sound technical support to improve IFAD's capacity to address rural poverty, to support national programmes and to enhance IFAD's reputation as a trusted and valued partner. Accountabilities may include :

• Providing technical support in the identification, elaboration and assessment, in accordance with existing organization guidelines, technical opportunities, proposals and feasibility studies for development projects and programmes and monitoring their execution.
• Participating in project missions as necessary and pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects.

2. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT : The incumbent supports the development of viable and sustainable policy and project development at the country-level and supports regional thematic input. They will ensure country-level access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation, strengthen national technical capacity and establish new knowledge and advisory partnerships. Accountabilities may include :

• Contributing to knowledge and experiences generated through activities such as analytical work with colleagues in the country programme as well as the Office.
• Supporting relevant knowledge development and dissemination with institutions outside of IFAD within the region concerned and national Institutions, disseminating knowledge and lessons learned with peers, counterparts and stakeholders through drafting of Occasional Papers, journal articles, seminars and workshops, through electronic media (e.g. web resource platforms and social media) and the development of new knowledge products and operational tools that are informed by learning from the field.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION : The incumbent contributes to cultivate and maintain partnerships with a network of peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to keep up-to-date on activities at the country and regional levels, to support joint advocacy and for knowledge sharing to enhance the Fund's profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to :

• Building partnerships with centers of excellence, complementary technical organizations and specialized departments of other development institutions (including United Nations agencies, International Financial Institutions, bilateral cooperation agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others) as strategic partners.
• Maintaining networks with partner government staff, policy makers, researchers, and civil society for enhanced knowledge exchange, including training workshops and seminars.
• Identifying resource partners and opportunities for collaboration and supporting actions to develop collaboration.

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS : The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources.

5. DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION : The incumbent assists in the coordination of activities in this area to support the generation and use of data, knowledge, evidence, and innovation in EDI and ODE. Accountabilities may include, but are not limited to :

• Conducting statistical methods and analysis, including data visualization, of survey data as well as data from other sources, analysis of big data both from official systems and private sectors and disaggregation of indicators.
• Developing appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data, ensuring the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.
• Preparing / updating contents of training materials based on international standards, results of methodological and improved statistical methods and quantitative models for face-to-face and e-learning training sessions.

6. ANALYTICAL REPORTING : The incumbent contributes to providing analytical inputs based on technical activities and components of programs / projects in order to enhance country level programme and funding decisions based on accurate empirical evidence and data. Accountabilities may include :

• Providing analytical inputs based on technical activities and components of programmes and projects.
• Preparing analytical findings and reports for divisional and country-level decision making on project viability and sustainability.

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require input for the full programme / project cycle as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work is technical analysis to include inputs to project methodology and design of projects, knowledge sharing among peers and counterparts to enhance cooperation, complementarity and synergy and monitoring and evaluation to measure and report on lessons learned and best practices. The work is considered moderately complex requiring technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating as a technical analyst at the country or regional levels, the incumbent's work is reviewed for technical accuracy for achieving the established work plan.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of the incumbent are primarily for the exchange of information regarding development projects. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and guidelines for obtaining information of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies

• 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 from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. A PhD degree would be an asset.
• Areas - Agricultural economics, Resource economics, Economics or related fields (such as, but not limited to, Development economics, Statistics, or Applied mathematics).

Degree must be an accredited institution listed on

Experience

• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience is required.
• One (1) year in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Experience in and demonstrated understanding of development initiatives in the field of specialization is highly desirable.
• Experience in fieldwork and international policy frameworks related to global environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset.

Languages

• English (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable : French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good)

Skills

• Evidence-based policy : Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Adaptability : Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Client orientation : Strong critical thinking combined with communication skills to liaise between the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions
• Corporate approach : Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one's area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• 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)
• Problem solving : Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies
• 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.)
• Project / Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development) : Know-how in Project design and evaluation

Other Information

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.

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 and the .

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

In accordance with IFADs 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 IFADs remuneration package, please visit . Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.

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.

Long-listed candidates will be required to participate in a pre-screening exercise. Short-listed candidates will be required to participate in a technical and competency-based interview and may be required to take a written test and / or to deliver a presentation.

Non-selected candidates who have been shortlisted, interviewed and found suitable in this competitive selection process may be included in IFAD's appointable roster and considered for future positions in the same job family and grade level, in line with IFAD's applicable provisions. Candidates included in the appointable roster will be notified by IFAD.

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