Job at AfDB: Chief Agricultural Economist - Agriculture & Agro Industry Department ~ Paradaise Today

Position title: Chief Agricultural Economist - Agriculture & Agro Industry Department

Grade: PL-3
Position N°: NA
Reference: ADB/11/210
Publication date: 13/12/2011
Closing date: 12/01/2012

Contribute to initiate, develop and implement Bank strategies for the agriculture and agro-industry sector;
Follow up and monitor OSAN’s portfolio of projects and studies, as well as coordinate the preparation of OSAN’s Economic and Sector Work related activities; and
Assist in the management of special initiatives of the Department, especially those related to continental/regional agricultural, rural development and food security issues.

Under the general supervision of the Director, OSAN, and working closely with OSAN Division Managers, the Chief Agricultural Economist will follow up and monitor OSAN’s portfolio of projects, programmes and studies, as well as coordinate the preparation of OSAN’s Work Programme. The Chief Agricultural Economist will also assist in coordinating the special initiatives of the Department, especially as they relate to continental/regional agricultural, rural development and food security issues. This will include, but not be limited to the following tasks:

Portfolio Management and Programming:

Assist the Director, OSAN in monitoring the performance of OSAN’s project portfolio and gauge progress in the achievement of agreed targets for Key Performance Indicators (KPI); following up to ensuring that project/programme performance leads to achievement of stated objectives;
Liaise with OSAN Division Managers to ensure timely and high quality implementation of various tasks;
Contribute to the development of Bank Group policies and strategies for use in guiding interventions in the agricultural and rural development sector, in line with Country Strategy Papers for Bank Group Regional Member Countries (RMCs);
Review and provide technical comments on procurement documents submitted to the Director, OSAN for clearance; and
Contribute to the preparation of the Departmental annual work programme and budgets in accordance with the priorities stipulated by the Country and Regional Departments.

Partnerships:

In collaboration with the Lead Expert responsible for partnerships, OSAN Division Managers, and other concerned staff, work to intensify partnerships with current and emerging development partners in the sectors and themes under the purview of the Sector Vice Presidency (OSVP) in order to leverage statutory and budgetary financial and intellectual resources;
Assist the Department to make better use of the technical cooperation funds administrated by the Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Unit (ORRU) on behalf of the Bank;
Assist in soliciting/searching for funding from prospective co-financiers of Bank funded activities related to the work of OSAN/OSVP; and
Represent the Department at Bank-level and international meetings to deliberate and dialogue on issues of partnerships in agriculture and rural development, the development of effective strategies to address poverty, etc.

Knowledge management:

Participate in the design, execution and review of policies, strategies, procedures and guidelines to inform the Bank’s interventions in the agricultural and ago-industry sectors and related activities;
Lead activities related to Economic and Sector Work in collaboration with sector Divisions, to increase knowledge in the sector, enhance the Bank’s and RMCs’ understanding of the contribution of agriculture to poverty reduction, and identify emerging issues and lessons of experience;
Oversee the preparation of a range of key policy papers, other technical reports, etc that relate to the sector;
Develop and build client relations at senior levels and play a promotional role in generating new business for the Bank; and
Provide technical leadership amongst colleagues.

Others: Assist in the preparation of the Departmental Annual Report.

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

At least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in Agricultural Economics;
Preferably a minimum of eight (8) years relevant professional experience in agriculture and rural development-related fields including policy development, but mainly in Task Managing project planning, preparation, appraisal, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; experience with donor agencies is an essential; specific ADB experience is desirable;
Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of development issues;
Sound analytical skills and ability to understand and solve complex project management problems;
Networking and facilitation skills; ability to work in teams; good interpersonal, communication and project management skills; resourcefulness, attention to detail and client and result orientation;
Ability to multi-task, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, with high quality output and results;
Dynamic, achievement-focused; high degree of personal commitment; proven communication, interpersonal, coordination and analytical skills;
Proven report writing skills;
Competence in the use of Bank standard software applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) with knowledge of SAP being a plus; and
Ability to communicate effectively in English or French with good working knowledge of the other language.

Chief Agricultural Economist - Agriculture & Agro Industry Department (92 KB)

Apply for this position

To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.

Submitted by: Division Manager, CHRM.1
Approved by: Director, CHRM
Approved by: Director, CHRM

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs