This job is based in Cairo, Egypt. 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 local, national and international levels for policies that contribute to rural transformation. The Office of Technical Delivery is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in the design and implementation of projects and programmes to deliver the high technical quality investments that facilitate rural transformation, and which comply with IFAD's mandate and operational policies. The Office ensures IFAD applies and disseminates state of the art knowledge in its investments and evidence on strategic themes and encourages the innovative application of global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments. This helps countries tackle complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation including mainstreaming areas. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) is led by a Managing Director and is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) and the Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI). The Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI) facilitates improved and efficient delivery of IFAD's corporate mandate, predominantly through the quality of the design and implementation of its policies, country strategies and projects. Key functions and activities of PMI include Quality Enhancement, Policy Engagement, Networking and Strategic Partnerships. PMI's technical mandate covers a range of themes, all of which are key to deliver IFAD's strategic framework, including: agronomy, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, markets and value chains, agriculture research for development (AR4D), ICT4D, inclusive rural finance (including PARM, INSURED and remittances), rural institutions and farmers organizations, rural infrastructure, water, land and natural resources management. PMI is led by a Divisional Director. Job Role The Senior Technical Specialist serves as IFAD's technical expert in their area of expertise. The position 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 Senior Technical Specialist exercises a high degree of independence in providing reliable programme delivery. The incumbent at this level performs the full complexity range of work independently, including the analysis and approval of complex and/or precedent setting cases with the aim to ensure cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support. The incumbent works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors (CD)/Heads of Multi-country Offices (MCO) and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support. The SRTS - Markets and Value Chains serves as IFAD's technical expert in the area of value chain development and strengthened access to markets. The incumbent is a professional with strong experience in supporting small farmers- access to markets and inclusive agricultural and food value chain development programmes in developing countries. The incumbent technically supports the corporate agenda and country/regional programs and other IFAD activities by providing state-of-the-art technical support throughout the project cycle (strategic and operational). Job Profile Requirements 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: Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. Areas - Agriculture/rural development; economics, finance, business management, marketing or commerce, agricultural engineering, and other agriculture specializations Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php. Experience: At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in and demonstrated understanding of, development investment projects and interventions in the field of markets and value chains development, of which at least 3 of the 8 years of experience should be at the international level. Proven exprience in the design and coordination of pro-poor value chain development projects leveraging on innovative solutions to emerging issues, including the use of digital/ICT solutions, working with the private sector and developing value chain financing instruments/initiatives and other forms of collaborations with the private sector. Two (2) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope. Field experience in fragility-affected countries would be an asset. Languages: Required: English (4 - Excellent) Desirable: French, Spanish and/or Arabic (3 - Good) Click "Apply" to read the full job description and submit your application. Deadline for applications: 15 July 2025 (23.59 CET Rome) Ref: VA 28224

This job is based in Cairo, Egypt. 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. IFAD invests in rural people to increase agricultural productivity, raise rural incomes, and advocate for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. The Office of Technical Delivery provides expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in designing and implementing projects and programmes. The office ensures high-quality investments that facilitate rural transformation and comply with IFAD's mandate and operational policies. It also disseminates state-of-the-art knowledge and evidence on strategic themes to help countries address complex development challenges for inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. The Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI) within the Office focuses on improving the delivery of IFAD's corporate mandate through quality design and implementation of policies, country strategies, and projects. PMI's technical mandate covers various key themes such as agronomy, livestock, markets, value chains, rural finance, rural institutions, and natural resources management. As a Senior Technical Specialist, you will serve as IFAD's technical expert in the area of value chain development and access to markets. You will provide global technical advice throughout the project cycle, support corporate agendas, and contribute to country/regional programs. The role requires a high degree of independence in ensuring reliable programme delivery and coordination with thematic specialists, Country Directors, and other staff for cohesive technical advice application. Requirements: - Education: Advanced university degree in Agriculture/rural development, economics, finance, business management, or related field from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php. - Experience: Minimum 8 years of professional experience in development investment projects, with at least 3 years at the international level. Experience in value chain development projects, digital/ICT solutions, private sector collaboration, and field experience in fragility-affected countries are desirable. - Languages: Proficiency in English (4 - Excellent) is required, knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good) is desirable. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in this position, click "Apply" to access the full job description and submit your application. Deadline for applications: 15 July 2025 (23.59 CET Rome),