Lead Regional Economist *Call for interest* Short term opportunity for 8 to 11 months for Temporary Professional Officer Nairobi, Kenya

Assignments require the provision of authoritative economic expertise and technical leadership at the regional level.

Lead Regional Economists define, propose and develop complex new programmes or policies for the Fund and represent the position of their region in intergovernmental and inter-organizational economic fora.

Innovation is required in the adaptation and development of research methods to evolving technical and programmatic contexts.

Work at this level is considered substantially complex and of critical concern to the Fund, as it promotes the economic and social development of its Member States, fosters intra-regional integration, and promotes international cooperation.
In particular, analytical and advisory work requires in-depth identification and consideration of a full range of factors relevant to the examination and discussion of programme problems and policies in the solution of methodological problems or in the formulation of economic policy proposals and project recommendations.
Errors would normally cause policy and project decisions and advice to be based on inaccurate economic analysis or an inadequate range of programme considerations that may result in failure of a project or could mislead policy-makers or national governments, which would damage the credibility of the Fund and the intended beneficiaries of projects or policies.

Expert knowledge of economic situation of the countries in ESA region and provision of tailored solutions specific to country's need is required. 

Working relationships of Lead Regional Economists involve the provision of authoritative economic advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in mission planning, project appraisal or the preparation of studies and reports.

They typically serve as the Fund’s senior regional economic experts and exercise wide professional latitude in contacts in their field(s), providing economic leadership and methodological guidance to management, national governments, development partners and other.
In intergovernmental bodies, expert groups and other meetings, the Lead Regional Economist provides high-level expertise and recommendations for policy formulation and official conclusions in a consultative and advisory capacity; The incumbent also provides information regarding the organization's policies, and act as the representative of the organization.

Contacts are maintained to identify and evaluate emerging developments.

The incumbent collaborates with international organizations in the region, such as African Union (AU), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), etc.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally
• Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills
• Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client focused culture
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture
• Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization
• Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles
• Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment

Education:

Education includes Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://whed.net/home.php in Economics or related field is required (*):
(*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in the field of economics with International Financial Institutions, international NGOs, rural development/financial institutions, foundations or government services.
• Knowledge of ESA regions is an asset. 

Languages:

• Required: English (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: Spanish, French or Arabic

Skills:

• Policy dialogue: Know-how in the effective dialogue with ministries of finance, explaining lending terms and providing advice for debt management
• Project financial management: Excellent know-how in project financial management, e.g. internal controls, rural investments, project audit and funds flows
• (Development) economics: Know-how relevant to specific role as economist, e.g. development economics, macro/micro-economic analysis, conducting of economic research and applied econometrics, etc.
• Economic analysis: Know-how in Programme/Project economic analysis
• Topical expertise - Economists: Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. For ethics office assistant, procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct, Discipline and Anti-harassment provisions of applicable rules and guidelines)
• IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work
• 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
• Data management: Data collection, cleaning, transformation and consolidation; data-base architecture & development; data presentation
• 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
• Stakeholder management: Strong alignment capabilities and consultation skills, building on effective interactions and relationships with different stakeholders (e.g. for the co-creation of communication material with member states) and ability to build and maintain a strong network (e.g. with journalists, media outlets, etc.)
• Planning: Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Corporate approach: Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one's area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Project/Programme mgmt (incl.
  
  coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation
• Advocacy: Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD's vision to external actors.