Regional Technical Analyst (ICT4D) – Panama City, Panama

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 Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD’s strategic direction, thematic priorities, and technical quality of IFAD’s operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating and disseminating IFAD’s development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes and encouraging innovative application of cutting-edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to support countries tackle their most complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. SKD is composed of the (i) Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG); the (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets, and Institutions Division (PMI); and the (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA). 

PMI provides technical support to IFAD Country Programs to ensure the proper application of corporate quality standards required for achieving development results and impact in key thematic areas, including food production systems (i.e. fisheries, livestock, agronomy), land, natural resources management, water and rural infrastructure, financial services, rural markets and enterprises and rural institutions. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes and facilitates their use in IFAD country programs and activities.

The Regional Technical Analyst works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the Lead Global Technical Specialist ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development).

The Regional Technical Analyst serves as IFAD’s technical expert in their area of expertise. The analyst supports country/regional programs by providing state-of-the-art global technical advice throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational), as well as contributes to the corporate agenda, in their technical area of expertise. Within their areas of responsibility, the Technical Analyst exercises a degree of independence in providing reliable programme delivery. The Analyst works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors (CD)/Head of Multi-Country Offices (MCO) and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice in the area of expertise and provision of programme development support.

Position Specifics:

The incumbent works in close collaboration with other Technical Specialists and country teams, and other programme management and technical staff to ensure consistency, cohesion, and synergy in the application of technical advice in ICT4D, technical support and provision of programme development support. 

The Regional Technical Analyst (ICT4D) provides technical support in the area of ICT4D and supports the quality enhancement of project designs and implementation in the LAC region based on best practices as well as country knowledge and contributes to the capacity building activities. The incumbent undertakes analyses of technical themes relevant to IFAD and provides inputs to technical briefs, reports, and presentations to facilitate IFAD’s policy engagement particularly in the area of ICT4D.

1.TECHNICAL SUPPORT  AND PROGRAMME ASSISTANCE: The Regional Technical Analyst provides technical support in the designated area of applied ICT4D in agriculture and rural development and supports the quality enhancement of project designs based on best practices and country knowledge. Working closely with other technical specialists and based on a planning exercise undertaken jointly between SKD and PMD, the incumbent supports the Global Lead of ICT4D and other PMI Project Technical Leads to enhance the overall quality of projects across various thematic areas. The incumbent also provides targeted support to select project components on ICT4D, contributes to background documents and preparatory activities, participates in design missions, and provides inputs to aide memoire and project design documents. The incumbent provides inputs into Results-based Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) and Country Strategy Notes (CSN) as required. Accountabilities may include:

1. Supporting the implementation of operational commitments and programs related to i) IFAD’s ICT4D Strategy and its Action Plan ii) IFAD Data Governance Policy.
2. Providing technical support and backstopping on integration of ICT4D to support project targeting, gender, youth, climate, promote solutions improving access to information, solutions improving access to services and promote financial inclusion of IFAD-financed projects and COSOPs.
3. Supporting policy engagement on ICT4D in the countries of the region.
4. Supporting the liaison between the region, country teams and Global ICT4D teams and provide technical inputs to Project Delivery Teams.

2. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING: The Regional Technical Analyst contributes to policy engagement and project development processes at the regional level through technical knowledge sharing in their area of specialization. The incumbent supports countries in the region to access the latest sources of knowledge and innovation on ICT4D, contributes to strengthening regional technical capacity and establishing new knowledge and advisory partnerships. The incumbent captures and uses more systematically IFAD’s field experience to better link impact evaluation to corporate and regional M&E work and integrate impact assessments and good practice findings into corporate learning opportunities to allow for cross-regional learning. Accountabilities may include: 

1. Gathering and contributing towards reporting on good practices/use cases and innovative/transformative approaches on ICT4D generated through loans and grants in the region
2. Supporting the preparation and disseminating of knowledge products, operational tools and guidelines on ICT4D/ digital technologies and their impact on gender, youth, nutrition, and climate
3. Assisting in Supervision Missions and impact assessments of selected projects.
4. Contributing to IFAD global KM processes in coordination with social inclusion team.
5. Contributing to and participating in capacity development and training to support on ICT4D project staff in the PMU, national and regional partners, and service providers by providing technical support to IFAD partners at country level and contributing to enhance ICT4D in events, workshops and other initiatives.
6. Dissemination of ICT4D Courses and collecting usage feedback to support monitoring and continuous improvement of the courses.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The Regional Technical Analyst contributes to establishing and maintaining a network of peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to keep up to date on activities to support joint advocacy at the country level and for knowledge sharing to enhance the Fund’s profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development and mainstreaming cross-cutting themes into IFAD country programmes. Accountabilities may include: 

1. Identifying key organizations and institutions to support/collaborate with IFAD-financed projects on ICT4D.
2. In coordination with Global ICT4D team organise regional level events on IFAD-financed project experiences and use cases on ICT4D.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The Regional Technical Analyst supports the Global Lead of ICT4D and other Lead Technical Specialists in knowledge management and other monitoring and reporting activities to enhance country level programme and funding decisions. Accountabilities may include: 

1. Contributing to reporting on progress on integration of ICT4D in projects, paying special attention to projects requesting special assistance during implementation support.
2. Supporting projects with digital tools to support project level M&E as required.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Regional Technical Analyst is accountable for IFAD core values and code of conduct, including integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. 

Technical analysis and synthesis of information and data, including database management, creates the foundation for IFAD’s decision-making and quality of policy and programme advice provided to regional staff and/or the government. Analytical documents and linked monitoring frameworks are used in the development and evaluation of IFAD’s programmes. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include professional inputs to 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 proficient technical analysis and reporting. 

Position specific: The Regional Technical Analyst (ICT4D) may be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan.

In the context of programme development and delivery, the Regional Technical Analyst ensures the exchange of technical information as well as builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with counterparts and other partners to enhance consistency and reliability in the provision of development assistance to the governments, particularly in the designated area applied to ICT4D in agriculture and rural development. In work relationships with counterparts, the incumbent establishes and maintains relationships and projects the image of IFAD as a credible/reliable partner striving for harmonization of development activities. The incumbent facilitates programme/project logistics and administration with local authorities as required. Contacts are with counterparts within other United Nations organizations having related programmes and with officials of governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, research institutes and academia.

Position specifics: The Regional Technical Analyst (ICT4D) works directly as part of the ICT4D team collaborating with IFAD’s country teams (Country Directors, Country Programme Officers, Regional economists, portfolio advisors, etc.), other technical experts from PMI, ECG, and RIA, as well as other specialists in the Region. The work relationships of Regional Technical Analyst 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 contributing to establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and subregional conditions and if needed contributing to sub-regional conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

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

Education:

• Level – Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field.
• Area: System Engineer, Computer Science, Artificial intelligence, ICT/ICT4D, and related fields.

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

Experience:

• At least two (2) years’ progressively responsible professional experience.
• Providing technical advice and expertise on ICT4D in the context of agricultural and/or rural development investment projects. Ability to share technical guidance/knowledge at the governmental and peer levels and programme staff in the development of viable agriculture and rural development programme activities. Experience working and collaborating with private sector to leverage technology-based solutions to the benefit of small producers and rural stakeholders.
• Experience in supporting policy frameworks related to ICT4D, digital agriculture, is a strong asset.

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent) and Spanish (4 – Excellent).
• Desirable: French or Arabic.

Skills:

Job role specific 

• Topical expertise – Programme Management for Agricultural Development, Expertise specific to position, e.g., in agricultural and rural development, policy-oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches, results-based agriculture rural development projects, country-specific knowledge, migration,  etc.
• Knowledge and grant Management, Technical expertise in implementing and reinforcing knowledge management and grant operations principles and practices in core work streams through a combination of processes, tools and incentives, including improved visibility, relevance and accessibility of knowledge products for external audiences and in operations.
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management.
• Policy dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner;  effective consultations with IFAD counterparts – line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels.
• IFAD partners, Knowledge of IFAD’s partners’ functioning and mandate , such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors.
• Analytical skills, Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations.
• Project coordination, Identification of key-priorities, ability to work with others, coordinate and structure work to meet deadlines and adjustment of workplan/resource allocation when needed, identification and management of project-related risks.
• 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.).
• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD’s activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies.

Position specifics: 

• ICT for Development: Expertise in “ICT for development”, i.e. the identification and use of appropriate methodologies, tools, systems and applications (e.g. radio, geospatial technology, fintech solutions, drones, design thinking, principles for digital development, etc.) supporting agricultural and rural development processes and projects; basic principles of artificial intelligence.
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development), Know-how in Project design and evaluation.
• 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 data and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences.

Applicants should note that 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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. 

In accordance with IFAD’s 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 IFAD’s remuneration package, please visit IFAD’s compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.  See here. 

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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.