Sr. Agricultural Economist / Specialist

Job Description

Devex is assisting the World Bank Group with their search for a Senior Agricultural Economist/Specialist for their Agriculture Global Practice Department. Candidates may be residents of any country, but must be nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries. The successful candidate may be based in Washington DC, USA, or another location.

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a three-year basis. If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Agriculture Global Practice (GP) of the World Bank Group (WBG), works closely with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), supporting a Global Vision for Food and Agriculture with agriculture able to feed every person, every day, in every country with a safe, nutritious and affordable diet, and where jobs and income gains in the food system are sufficient to meet poverty reduction targets.

The Agriculture GP works with and across multiple sectors, and actively contributes to work managed by other Global Practices. The current work program (150+ operations) consists of engagement in policy dialogue, investment, and forging partnerships across the globe seeking to (i) raise agricultural productivity, (ii) link farmers to markets and strengthen value chains, (iii) support rural non-farm income, (iv) reduce risk, vulnerability, and gender inequality, and (v) enhance environmental services and sustainability.

Accordingly, a capacity to work across GP boundaries, forge coalitions and influence multi-practice solutions is essential for achieving the major objectives of improving agriculture outcomes.

ROLE

The Senior Agriculture Economist/Specialist will report to a Practice Manager in the Agriculture Global Practice him/her in the delivery of the department’s work program, assurance of quality, interaction with internal and external clients, including the private sector, staff development and partnerships across relevant client countries.

The primary responsibility of the Senior Agriculture Economist/Specialist will be to provide technical and strategic leadership to the development and implementation of the Agriculture Global Practice work program in client countries as assigned.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In particular, the Senior Agricultural Economist/Specialist will:

• Lead complex operations as Task Team Leader (TTL), both in agriculture and multi-sectoral operations, assuring quality in all stages of the project cycle; Technical assistance for key clients;
• Serve as an advisor to colleagues who are themselves TTLs of demanding operations, providing them with mentoring, advice and support;
• Work with Program Leaders in the field to identify opportunities to address agricultural issues client countries, Systematic Country Diagnostic, Country Partnership Framework, country policy dialogue, budget support operations, and other multi-sectoral projects.
• Assure a strategic approach to support agricultural growth and effectively communicate that to the country team;
• Identify innovative new opportunities or ways to address existing needs in the agricultural sector, by bringing in experience from other regions and with a wide range of instruments;
• Remain current with relevant major pieces of analytical work in the profession. Lead or participate in major analytical activities and work with Agriculture Global Practice colleagues engaged in analytical work;
• Represent the Bank in fora involving the community of development partners. Provide leadership, either explicit or implicit, in the work of the development partners in the sector;
• As necessary, represent the Bank and Agriculture GP management at events with sectoral focus that take place in the field;
• Develop strong client relations and partnership, including with IFC, on operational matters and policy dialogue;
• Work with other Global Practices on specific issues in regional and corporate strategies;
• Initiate and maintain a high level and quality of engagement and dialogue with key stakeholders, including government, civil society, private sector and research/academic community on strategic and policy issues concerning agriculture, irrigation and natural resources.
• Supervise and/or mentor more junior staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Masters or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture policy, Rural Development or related discipline;
• At least eight years of experience on agricultural development issues;
• Recognized substantive leadership in one or more of the strategic/ technical areas noted above;
• Proven operational experience, with demonstrated high quality results;
• Strong analytical and communication skills;
• Ability to lead and work with multi-disciplinary teams;
• Evidence of effective team work and client relations;
• Fluency in English required; French, Spanish, Portuguese and/or Arabic desirable.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

To be considered for this position, please click “Apply Now” below. So that we may best assess your skills and experience in relation to this opportunity, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience for this position.