Technical Specialist (Economist), Rome

Technical Specialist (Economist), Rome | IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development

Technical Specialist (Economist), Rome

IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development Rome International P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level Speaks Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Application deadline: March 25, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Technical Specialist (Economist) at IFAD is responsible for providing technical advice and support to enhance rural development and poverty reduction initiatives. This role involves analyzing technical and policy issues, contributing to knowledge management, and building partnerships for resource mobilization. The specialist will also engage in monitoring and evaluation of projects, ensuring effective implementation and reporting. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to improve IFAD's impact and effectiveness in rural investment strategies.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced university degree in relevant field

At least 5 years of professional experience

Experience in multi-cultural organizations

Knowledge in development economics and policy formulation

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to manage projects and conduct impact assessments

Fluency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable

Job Title : Technical Specialist (Economist)

ID : 34672

Location : ROME

Geographic Reference

Date of issue : 03/11/2026

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 03/25/2026

Organizational Unit : Office of Develop Effectiv

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Regular

Assignment Duration : 2 Years

Grade : P-3

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 IFAD's business model in order to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy. ODE is also responsible for 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:

Rural investment strategies

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,

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Agricultural development consulting

Knowledge management platforms

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, Rural investment strategies

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.

The Impact Assessment function in the EDI unit of ODE focuses on generating and using data, knowledge, evidence, and innovation to improve operational effectiveness and report on impact; strengthening strategic partnerships for knowledge and innovation; and harnessing innovation to increase operational reach, scale and impact.

The Technical Specialist (Economist) works under the overall strategic, policy and management advice, and supervision of the Managing Director ODE, and under the direct supervision of the Senior Technical Specialist (Economist).

Job Role

The Technical Specialist is a seasoned professional in a specialized thematic area. The incumbent reports either to a more senior Technical Specialist or to the divisional Director. At this level Technical Specialists independently analyse technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals. The incumbent 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 ADVICE: On the basis of seasoned technical knowledge and analysis of current thematic conditions, emerging development challenges and the state of rural poverty at the country, regional and global levels, the Technical Specialist provides sound technical advice 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 expertise 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 country programme management teams (CPMTs) and providing technical, analytical inputs to IFAD country strategic opportunity papers (COSOPs), project designs as well as to other policy documents related to rural development and poverty reduction; and

Participating in project missions as necessary and pilot methods of analysis for IFAD projects; and review proposals for small and large grants as required.

2. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The Technical Specialist enhances the development of viable and sustainable policy and project development at the country-level and supports regional thematic input through seasoned technical knowledge sharing for their area of specialization. The incumbent 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:

Knowledge Management

Sharing knowledge and experiences generated through activities such as analytical studies and regional grants with colleagues in the country programme as well as the division. Conducting 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 technical documentation, policy briefs, 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; and Participating in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and developing appropriate technical and operation approaches of relevance to the country/divisional strategies and programmes.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The Technical Specialist establishes and maintains a network of peer

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