Technical Specialist Indigenous Peoples - P3

international fund for agricultural development ifad

Organizational Setting

This  is  a two-year  fixed-term  co-terminus  position. A co-terminus fixed-term appointment is an IFAD employment contract externally funded (supplementary funded, funded by trust funds in administration or other), strictly limited in duration to the funding of the position, where appointment and extension is conditional on the availability of resources and limited to the externally funded assignment. A co-terminus appointment shall not exceed the duration of the specific assignment and/or project outlined in the letter of appointment and does not carry any expectation, legal or otherwise, or conversion, irrespective of the length of service. There is no guarantee of renewal or conversion into another kind of contract.

Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply to this co-terminus position with their employment terms and conditions, including contractual status, remaining unchanged. Given that the funding of this position is strictly limited in duration and conditional on the availability of supplementary funds, should the funding finish, the position will be abolished and the staff member will be subject to the relevant provisions foreseen in the HR Implementing Procedures.

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 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 Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) leads the mainstreaming of cross-cutting themes of environment and climate, gender, nutrition, youth, disability and indigenous peoples into IFAD's portfolio, and the implementation of social, environment and climate safeguards (SECAP), to strengthen the quality of IFAD's operations and programmes.  ECG takes the technical lead to strengthen the quality of IFAD's operations and programmes ensuring that IFAD's operations are environmentally sustainable, climate change resilient, nutrition sensitive and inclusive of marginalized groups (particularly women, rural youth, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.) In addition to strengthening the technical quality of operations, ECG provides its technical expertise in corporate strategies, policy engagement, resource mobilization, knowledge generation, and partnerships.
ECG is led by a Divisional Director and is comprised of four clusters: Environment and Climate (ECC), Climate and Environment External funds (CEF), Social Inclusion (SI) and Safeguards (SECAP).

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.

The Technical Specialist (Indigenous Peoples) works collaboratively with respective ECG technical specialists (both Environmental/Climate and Social Inclusion), PMI thematic specialists, country teams and other staff across IFAD to ensure coherence, consistency and ultimately the good performance of IFAD's Indigenous Peoples- Assistance Facility (IPAF). The ongoing IPAF 6th cycle is funded by IFAD, Sida-Sweden and Packard Foundation while for the next 7th IPAF cycle funds have been already secured from NORAD-Norway under the ¿Amplifying voices: Institutional strengthening of Indigenous Peoples- Organizations through the Indigenous Peoples Assistance facility (IPAF) in Africa- approved in 2023. The IPAF is a key instrument for the implementation of the IFAD's Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, and is a key IFAD13 commitment related to Indigenous Peoples.  It is a funding instrument that finances small projects that foster self-driven development and strengthen indigenous peoples- communities and their organizations. Considering the broad Indigenous Peoples- agenda to implement, the team works in close collaboration with the other teams in the social inclusion cluster, with the regional divisions in DCO, and across IFAD.

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 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 project development teams (PDTs) 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 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 the 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:

• 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 Occasional Papers, journal articles, 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 contacts inside and outside IFAD to keep up-to-date on activities at the country and regional levels, to support joint advocacy and for knowledge sharing to enhance the Fund's profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. Accountabilities may include: 

• Building partnerships with complementary technical organizations, NGOs, and specialized departments of other development agencies as potential operational and strategic partners at regional and country levels; 
• Strengthening IFAD's representation and communication in technical issues (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences I); and 
• Mobilizing new resources for IFAD, in collaboration with the RBMO, through partnerships and outreach activities.

4. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING The Technical Specialist contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of technical activities and components of programs/projects in order to enhance country level programme and funding decisions based on accurate technical data. Accountabilities may include: 

• Developing monitoring and evaluation criteria for technical components of programmes and projects; 
• Implementing performance monitoring systems and new approaches to performance monitoring; and 
• Preparing analytical findings and reports for divisional and country-level decision making on project viability and sustainability.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes: 

• People Management and evaluation of performance of consultants and staff under their purview. 
• Resource Management by providing technical expertise for programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring that:
• Knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet
• Best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net
• Appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Specialist, Indigenous Peoples, accountabilities may include, but are not limited to:

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT SUPPORT: The Technical Specialist will support the management of the Indigenous Peoples¿ Assistance Facility (IPAF) at global and country level. The IPAF, as one of the instruments to implement the principles of engagement of the Policy, is a funding instrument that finances small projects that foster self-driven development and strengthen indigenous peoples communities and their organizations. Accountabilities include:

• Providing technical expertise to the current IPAF regional implementing partners.
• Monitor, supervise and report on IPAF implementation. 
• Support the preparation of the 7th IPAF Call for proposals and signature of grant agreements between IFAD and regional implementing partners. 
• Facilitate coordination between IPAF Board, IPAF Secretariat, IPAF regional implementing partners for review and assessment of IPAF project proposals, in accordance with existing IPAF guidelines and monitoring their execution. 
• Engagement with country teams for review of proposals and to assess relevance and linkages with IFAD programme of work.
• Participating in project missions, as necessary, and pilot methods of analysis for IPAF project review.
• Provide support to the implementation of component 2 and 3 of NORAD-funded Programme by ensuring their harmonization/linkages with IPAF-related activities.   
• Providing substantive support to the Senior Technical Specialist through preparation of documents, briefing points and presentations on IPAF;

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: The Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the planning and management of resources available to support the IPAF, specifically the NORAD funding. Responsibilities will include, inter alia: 

• Coordinate allocation, oversight, management and reporting of resources available for IPAF, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with relevant IFAD stakeholders and partner organisations. This includes review of Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), Statements of Expenditure (SoE), Withdrawal Applications (WAs), in coordination with PFM/FCD.
• Support preparation of periodic corporate reports to NORAD and other donors.

PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND REPRESENTATION: The Technical Specialist contributes to the development of a network of strategic partnerships that can help advance IPAF and enhance its profile as a reliable programme for channelling climate and biodiversity finance to Indigenous Peoples. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to IFAD"s strategic partnership building in the social inclusion, climate, biodiversity and environment space with a broad spectrum of partners, including with the UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, MDBs, bi-lateral development agencies, private sector, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant potential partners and funders.
• Identifying possible sources of funding leading to conceptualization of new project concepts and project proposals.
• Support efforts to mobilize additional financial and human resources for IPAF, in collaboration with colleagues in the Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resources Mobilization Division, especially from bilateral partners and private foundations.
• Contribute to IFAD"s partnership building efforts with existing Indigenous Peoples-led funds with the objective of developing joint strategies for funding.
• Contribute to IFAD"s partnership building efforts with Rome Based Agencies on engagement with Indigenous Peoples, on the Coalition on Indigenous Peoples Food Systems, and beyond.
•  Contribute to IPAF"s representation at environment, biodioversity and climate-related international, regional, inter-agency fora, meetings, seminars and conferences.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The Technical Specialist establishes new knowledge and advisory partnerships and shares knowledge and experiences generated through programme activities for the area of specialization, and promotes use of knowledge to enhance technical capacity.  In particular s/he will:

• Use the knowledge and experience emerging from the IPAF-funded projects, including innovations, impact and lessons learned, to feed policy dialogue, promote the implementation of Indigenous rights frameworks in line with UNDRIP, and influence pro-poor initiatives with indigenous peoples.
• Support the dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned with IPAF partners, IFAD country programs, regional divisions and outside partners, by preparing presentations for seminars and workshops, publishing blogs and articles, engaging with COM division on social media campaigns, and developing new knowledge products and operational tools.
• Participate in thematic discussions and in policy and technical dialogue/processes and strategy issues, both within IFAD and representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars, conferences etc.
• Support communication channels and advocacy efforts between grassroots organizations and indigenous peoples' networks to promote the implementation of Indigenous rights frameworks in line with UNDRIP.
• Organize South-South cooperation and learning events to share experiences from Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean in the Africa region. 
• Preparation of knowledge products on innovations to be scaled up/replicated by IFAD and/or other development institutions.
• Support the Senior Technical Specialist in knowledge management and reporting requirements related to IPAF. 

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING. The Technical Specialist contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the IPAF in order to enhance country level programme and funding decisions based on accurate technical data. Accountabilities may include: 

• Developing monitoring and evaluation criteria for the IPAF programme; 
• Implementing performance monitoring systems and new approaches to performance monitoring; and 
• Preparing analytical findings and reports for decision making on programme viability and sustainability. 
• Undertake annual supervision missions.
• Prepare annual grant status reports based on the regional reports submitted by the identified regional partners.
• Prepare the approach for a final programme evaluation to identify lessons learned for IPAF's next cycles.

MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes, among others, people management through support to recruitment of consultants and technical leadership/capacity development, coaching and mentoring of new and/or more junior staff. This includes: 

• Act as a member of the IPAF Secretariat, managing the IPAF.
• Facilitating coordination between the IPAF Secretariat , IPAF Board and the Steering Committee of the IPs Forum at IFAD and exchanges/synergies with IFAD country teams.
• People Management and evaluation of performance of consultants.
• Resource Management by providing technical expertise for programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring that (1) knowledge content within specialtiy/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet, that (2) best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net and that (3) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for the full programme/project cycle as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include substantive inputs to project methodology and 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 in-depth technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating as a technical specialist at the country or regional levels, the Technical Specialist's work may be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of Technical Specialists at this level 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 establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and sub-regional; conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

Position specific:

The work relationships of the Technical Specialist involve participating in mission planning, technical project design, preparation of background thematic studies and reports. The incumbent provides technical expertise and methodological guidance at the country, regional and global level and works under the supervision of the Senior Technical Specialist. Contacts are with Indigenous Peoples and civil society organizations, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations, bilateral donors and foundations funding the IPAF, counterparts withing the UN having related programmes.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

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

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent)

Experience:

• At least five (5) years progressively responsible professional experience in, and demonstrated understanding of, development initiatives in the field of specialization. 
• Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Position-specific experience:  

• Seasoned technical expertise with field experience at the country and regional level on Indigenous Peoples- and social inclusion. 
• Demonstrated experience in grants management, partnerships, financial reporting,especially in relation to reporting to various stakeholders.
• Skill in preparing donor financial reports for accounts/projects, including multi-donor complex ones, in verifying compliance of the financial reporting formats with the signed agreements, in validating the content of financial/narrative reports.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with donors, including providing regular updates and additional information/explanation upon request and in identifying possible sources of funding for new projects.
• Experience in the area of development initiatives focusing on social inclusion and demonstrated understanding of issues related to engagement with Indigenous Peoples, including carrying out analysis to inform project design and implementation strategies. 
• Ability to share technical guidance/knowledge at the peer level.

Languages:

• English (4 - Excellent)
• French and/or Spanish 

Skills:

• Knowledge strategy & management: Extensive expertise in knowledge management & dissemination strategies
• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Advocacy: Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD's vision to external actors
• IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work
• 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
• Resource mobilization: Know-how in resource mobilization strategies (including marketing and communication) for IFI, international public bodies and within the UN
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• 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)
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)
• 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 and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• 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.)
• Cross-cutting themes - Gender and social inclusion: Expertise specific to gender and social inclusion cross-cutting theme (e.g. youth, targeting strategies)
• Project/Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation

Other Information

Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply to this co-terminus position with their employment terms and conditions, including contractual status, remaining unchanged. Given that the funding of this position is strictly limited in duration and conditional on the availability of supplementary funds, should the funding finish, the position will be abolished and the staff member will be subject to the relevant provisions foreseen in the HR Implementing Procedures.

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.

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.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

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.

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 IFAD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and IFAD policy to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse

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Settore: Servizi sociali/No Profit

Ruolo: Altro

Percentuale di occupazione: Full-time

Tipo di occupazione: