Agriculture Development Specialist

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Description

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Agriculture and Food Global Practice (AGF GP)

AGF GP supports a global vision of promoting agri-food systems able to feed every person, every day, in every country with a safe, nutritious and affordable diet, and where jobs and income gains are sufficient to meet poverty reduction targets. AGF GP has an active portfolio of about 240 projects and 200 knowledge activities. Areas of focus cover climate resilient agriculture and sustainable practices; food & nutrition security; agribusiness, value-chain development and private sector investments in agri-food; and jobs and rural livelihoods.

he South Asia Agriculture and Food unit (SSAA2) has a strong and active program in Pakistan covering a spectrum of issues in agricultural and rural development. Our primary focus is on agriculture and water productivity increase through the modernization of irrigation infrastructure and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Ongoing projects are also supporting rural livelihoods. The portfolio is increasingly focusing on innovative investments towards diversification and high-value agriculture, agribusiness and value chain development, and access to markets and private capital mobilization. SSAA2 is also leading an analytical program aimed at informing the policy dialogue with the Pakistan Government on reforming the overall agri-food policy framework to stimulate a sustainable transformation of the agri-food system. SSAA2 works closely with other Global Practices, especially water, environment and disaster and risks management, and with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Job duties and responsibilities

SSAA2 is seeking to recruit an Agriculture Development Specialist, based in the Islamabad country office to support the WBG operational and analytical program in Pakistan. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the existing team in Islamabad and will report to the Practice Manager for SSAA2.

• Support the design and implementation of SSAA2 operations and analytical activities in the four Provinces of intervention of the World Bank in Pakistan, with a specific focus on the following dimensions: rural livelihoods and economic opportunities, social and gender inclusion in agri-food value chains, social and professional organizations of rural producers, resilience and climate change adaptation, policies, micro-finance, land tenure security.
• Conduct research and rapid analyses of existing Government’s policy documents, analytical reports, and other research literature and donor reports on the themes listed above.
• Coordinate SSAA2 operations and analyses with activities conducted by other GPs, especially on rural poverty, smallholders’ access to finance and markets, gender and social inclusion, nutrition and stunting.
• Participate in the drafting of analytical reports, policy notes and briefs, and any other knowledge dissemination and position papers.
• Participate in policy discussion with Government’s counterparts; help develop collaboration with universities, research institutions, think tanks, and farmers’ and private sector’s representatives; participate in coordinating knowledge dissemination, stakeholder consultation and communication events.
• Provide analytical, technical and operational support to project formulation and implementation support; help fulfil corporate requirements especially on climate co-benefits and Paris alignment, gender and social inclusion, etc.; contribute to the preparation of project completion reports.
• Respond to ad-hoc information requests from internal and external parties, including the Pakistan Country Management Unit and AGF GP. As necessary, represent SSAA2 at technical events and present World Bank’ s views and analyses.

Selection Criteria

• A minimum of Masters in Agriculture, Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or related fields. A minimum of 5 years of relevant full-time professional experience in the agri-food sector or related fields in Pakistan; international exposure in South Asia or beyond is an advantage.
• Proven understanding of Pakistan institutional and political context, agriculture and rural development, institutions and regulations; confirmed collaboration with diverse academic institutions and professional organizations in Pakistan (universities, think tanks, private sector, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience in leading analytical activities as evidenced by publications and presentations on relevant policy issues at professional meetings, conferences etc.
• Proven experience in delivering short briefs and notes for knowledge dissemination to the general public, knowledge sharing events and policy dialogue with decision makers.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and team skills with ability to find pragmatic and implementable solutions; experience in and ability to support findings and policy recommendations with relevant technical evidence.
• Proven written and oral communication skills in English, including the ability to present sophisticated issues to specialists as well as to non-specialist audiences.
• Competency to work across various subject areas and multi-disciplinary teams, while being diplomatic and sensitive to multi-cultural teams.
• High level of energy and enthusiasm, ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, and willingness to travel and work under challenging conditions.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27046&site=1

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