Technical Specialist (Agri-Link) - Co-Terminus

Organizational Context

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 by investing in rural people. The Office of Technical Delivery provides expert technical guidance to IFAD teams for project design and implementation. The Production, Markets and Infrastructure Division (PMI) focuses on the quality of IFAD's policies, country strategies, and projects, covering areas like agronomy, markets, value chains, ICT4D, and rural finance. The Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link) connects IFAD's donor partners, smallholder farmers, and the private sector to strengthen supply chains and promote private investment in rural areas.

Job Purpose

To provide technical expertise and operational support for IFAD's Markets and Value Chains (MVC) work, with a focus on the Agribusiness Linkages Facility (Agri-Link). The role strengthens IFAD's capacity to support private sector engagement in sovereign operations, generates evidence on operational results, and contributes to the design and implementation of interventions that connect smallholder producers with private sector entities.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and operational support for the Agri-Link Facility, focusing on its design, coordination, and implementation in partnership with private sector entities. Support the development and execution of private sector partnerships, including identifying opportunities, facilitating linkages between producer organizations and firms, and strengthening value chain integration. Provide technical guidance to consultants and staff, oversee budget utilization, and contribute to donor engagement, impact reporting, and fundraising efforts. Consolidate and synthesize operational evidence and lessons learned to inform institutional learning and support the scale-up of successful models. Represent Agri-Link in technical forums and build strong working relations with IFAD country programmes and other stakeholders. Contribute technical inputs to broader PMI and OTD workstreams related to markets, value chains, and private sector engagement.

Work Experience

At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in performing economic analysis, portfolio reviews, and studies on value chains. Previous experience with FARM Pillar 3 work or other private sector-focused supplementary funds is highly desirable. Demonstrated understanding of agriculture and rural development investment projects funded by IFIs. Experience in the use of digital/ICT solutions in rural contexts. Previous experience with (small) business consulting is highly desirable.

Skills

Expertise in agricultural market and value chain analysis, access to markets for small farmers and MSMEs, commercialization of agriculture production, inclusive value chain development, agri- and rural business development, value addition, and market technologies. Expertise in assessing private sector investment proposals and utilization of value chain finance instruments. Business acumen, private sector knowledge, and outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information. Risk management skills. Prior professional experience working directly for private sector entities, particularly agribusinesses and/or FMCG companies is a strong asset. Skills in evidence-based policy formulation, adaptability, corporate approach, interpersonal skills, systemic and structured problem-solving, synthesis, and strong verbal and written communication are essential. Know-how in Project design and evaluation.

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