Regional Specialist, Panama City

Job Title : Regional Specialist - Panama City, Panama

ID : 24444

Location : PANAMA CITY

Date of issue : 11/14/2024

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 11/27/2024

Organizational Unit : Latin America & Caribbean Div.

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 Department for Country Operations (DCO) oversees the origination, design and management of IFAD investments, including sovereign and non-sovereign operations, as well as the design and implementation of non-lending activities within country programmes, including policy engagement and SSTC. DCO is the department that primarily interfaces with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to deliver IFAD's programme of work and to provide oversight to ensure quality of the portfolio.

DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and is composed of five (5) regional divisions: Asia and the Pacific Division ( APR ), East and Southern Africa Division ( ESA ), Latin America and Caribbean Division ( LAC ) , Near East, North Africa and Europe Division ( NEN ) and West and Central Africa Division ( WCA ), the Private Sector Operations Division (PSD), and two (2) units: the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Unit (SSTC) and the fragility unit (FRU).

The Regional Division LAC is led by a Divisional Director, based in the IFAD Regional Office Panama City, Panama. The Division leads on the design and delivery of IFAD country and regional programmes in LAC. The precise country coverage of the division varies across replenishment periods.

Job Role

The Regional Specialist leads and provides support to corporate activities including but not limited to knowledge management, quality enhancement for project designs and Results-based country strategic opportunities programme (COSOP) as well as Country Strategy Notes (CSNs), grants management, portfolio management, supervision/implementation support, monitoring & evaluation and results reporting activities within the region. The Regional Specialist ensures a high degree of inter-connectedness across these activities, in particular, to enhance how lessons, experience, and evidence support improved portfolio management and performance. The Regional Specialist promotes systematic learning from the experience and knowledge exchange in the region and across regions and proposes creative solutions for using lessons to inform corporate initiatives, including global engagement and knowledge products.

• Peer Learning and Knowledge Exchange: Participate in knowledge-sharing networks to promote best practices. Organize events to disseminate insights and stimulate dialogue on rural development trends.
• Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships within IFAD and externally to coordinate program initiatives. Engage stakeholders to align interventions with regional priorities and contribute to resource mobilisation.

Key Functions and Results

1. REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT: The Regional Specialist advocates and enables good knowledge management practices and contributes to the building of a knowledge sharing culture in collaboration with the Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) in order to facilitate the creation, sharing and utilization of knowledge among internal teams and external partners. The incumbent acts as the Knowledge Management champion for the division and will be the focal point for South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). The incumbent also contributes to preparation of technical briefs and other knowledge products required at Divisional, Departmental or Corporate level. The incumbent systematically promotes learning from the experience and knowledge gained from the loans and grants programmes (e.g. using information derived from Project Supervision Reports, Project Completion Reports and Project Evaluations), through knowledge publication and/or learning events. The incumbent promotes use of lessons and experience in design, and uses information and lessons derived from supervision to improve portfolio performance across the region, and to support technical specialists in proposing solutions and connecting projects to technical support. In addition, the Regional Specialist builds and advises on communities of practice and networks, facilitates knowledge flows and linkages across country programmes and the regional hubs, and coordinates with internal and external users of knowledge about rural poverty generated by regional divisions' loans and grants. The incumbent will also facilitate knowledge flows in support of IFAD's SSTC initiatives, partnership development and policy dialogue. The Regional Specialist provides technical support, including advice and capacity development to projects (loans and grants) and to staff in country offices and regional hubs, including the development of KM plans, lessons learning approaches and tools, documentation, data collection and reporting processes. Such capacity development activities could be provided in collaboration with IFAD's Operations Academy. The incumbent co-ordinates and ensures effectiveness of knowledge sharing activities by analysing information, and knowledge management activities, monitoring their use and measuring and reporting on their effectiveness, results and impact, in line with corporate KM monitoring and analysis.

2. SUPPORT QUALITY ENHANCEMENT FOR PROJECT DESIGNS AND COSOPS/CSNS: As part of the regional team, the Regional Specialist reviews project concept notes, project design reports and country strategies (COSOPS/CSNs), to ensure consistency with corporate standards and policies, as well as providing quality enhancement in areas including, among others, innovations, knowledge management and communications, monitoring & evaluation, log frames and scaling up. Active participation in select Project Delivery Teams is expected as well as on-demand support by participation in select design missions.

3. GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT: In collaboration with the regional team, the Regional Specialist supports the process of, ensuring adequate mechanisms for competitive screening of grant proposals and coordinates with pertinent units and divisions. The Regional Specialist contributes to the quality enhancement of regional and country-specific grants, including from other divisions as required. The Regional Specialist coordinates a more effective system for documentation and dissemination of grants knowledge, learning and results and identifies entry points for improving the links between grants and the country-based loan portfolio. In addition, the Regional Specialist supports the regional team in the design of new regional grants together with grant recipients, review of grant submissions and input to the Operational Strategy and Policy Guidance Committee (OSC), development and coordination of regional grant pipeline for each year in line with corporate guidance and compliance with grant policy, and, grant status reporting and supervision for grant responsibilities.

4. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION/IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT: The Regional Specialist supports the regional team in portfolio management activities. This includes, among others, reviewing the quality of supervision reports (incl. Management Letters), Project Completion Reports (PCRs), COSOP Results Reviews, COSOP Completion Reviews, to ensure adherence to corporate standards/performance rating guidelines, and monitor timely disclosure and publication in line with IFAD's transparency commitments. This also includes supporting the regional team in providing advice to country teams on implementation matters, as well as providing implementation support as required, especially in the areas of knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent will also provide on-demand participation in supervision/implementation support missions as required.

5. MONITORING & EVALUATION AND RESULTS REPORTING: The Regional Specialist supports the regional team with portfolio performance monitoring and results reporting as required for Divisional, Departmental and/or Corporate needs. This includes portfolio data analysis, preparing portfolio performance reports/updates, as well as preparing and/or delivering presentations. The incumbent will use this analysis when appropriate as a basis for knowledge management. The Regional Specialist supports country teams in the area of monitoring and evaluation and results reporting notably through Operational Results Management System (ORMS). The work also includes supporting the regional team in reviewing and responding to independent evaluations related to the region and collaborating with the Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) on departmental or corporate initiatives.

6. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Regional Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources.

• Regional Trends and Outlook Analysis: Proactively initiate analysis, assessments, and studies on emerging regional trends and outlook. Provide relevant data to inform strategic decision-making and enhance project effectiveness. Utilize findings to benefit country teams and improve project outcomes.
• Participation in Stocktaking Exercises: Contribute with qualitative and quantitative data and analysis for the stocktaking exercises aimed at reviewing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and informing strategic planning.
• LAC Scorecards and Performance Tracking: Deliver monthly LAC Scorecards, outlining KPIs for the division with written portfolio analysis. Maintain an action tracking system for performance improvement and non-lending activities, coordinating with MCO focal points.ICT tools to improve and automate custom trackers for lending and non-lending pipeline delivery and portfolio performance.
• Support the Lead Portfolio Adviser in monitoring the disbursement needs of projects within the LAC portfolio. Implementing an up-to-date monitoring system for disbursement needs and performance, refining disbursement planning templates, and conducting data analyses as required.
• Prepare reports, presentations and other documents for meetings and contribute to discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators

Compliance of operations with IFAD rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, establishment of project management targets and monitoring of achievement of results. Assignments require the provision of solid technical expertise and input for the area of her/his responsibility as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include substantive inputs to the development of knowledge products, portfolio reviews of supervision and implementation reports and support, effective mechanisms for assessment of loans and grants proposals, and effective regional portfolio performance monitoring through lessons learnt and best practices. The work is considered moderately complex requiring in-depth technical analysis and reporting

• Cross-Departmental/Divisional Collaboration: Collaborate across IFAD departments to integrate cross-cutting themes into project design. Assess partner capacities to strengthen project delivery. Participate in review meetings to contribute insights for improved operations.
• Country Teams and Multi Country Offices (MCOs) Collaboration: Actively support country teams and Multi Country Offices (MCOs) to align project activities with regional objectives and ensure consistency with corporate standards and policies. Carry out research, data analysis, and strategic guidance to enhance project impact.

Working Relationships

In the context of programme development and delivery, the Regional Specialist ensures the direct dissemination of targeted knowledge as well as other relevant products to internal and external audiences, including organizing knowledge sharing events and builds and maintains collaborative working relationships, both within the department, and with other relevant IFAD divisions.

• Proactively engage with country teams and Multi Country Offices (MCOs) to provide direct support, guidance, and technical assistance in aligning project activities with regional and corporate objectives.
• Partnerships with key stakeholders, including regional organizations, development banks, and multilateral agencies, to enhance IFAD's influence, leverage resources, and amplify the impact of its interventions.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

• 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 eeHtS2Z PHMNB
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

Education includes Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://whed.net/home.php in communications, business administration, management, social policy research and analysis, rural development, international relations, public policy 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 five (5) years of progressively relevant experience is required.
• Experience in knowledge management, research or development project design/implementation within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and/or the United Nations system is highly desirable.
• Sound data management and data visualization skills is desirable.
• Qualifying experience in drafting analytical documents, producing reports on tight deadlines would be an asset.

Languages:

• Required: English and Spanish (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: French and Arabic (3 - Good)

Skills:

• Economic evaluation: Know-how relevant to specific role in Evaluation roles (e.g. Monitoring and managing evaluation processes and methodologies, carrying out Programme/Project evaluation, Impact evaluation, Corporate-level evaluation)
• 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)
• Data management: Data collection, cleaning, transformation and consolidation; data-base architecture & development; data presentation
• 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.)
• 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)
• Initiative and good judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters)
• 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)
• Loans & grants: Know-how in designing loan and grant operations and managing loan and grant preparation process
• Knowledge and Grant Management: Technical expertise in implementing and reinforcing knowledge management and grant operations principles and practices in core work streams through a combination of processes, tools and incentives, including improved visibility, relevance and accessibility of knowledge products for external audiences and in operations.
• 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.
• Policy dialogue: Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner, advocating and promoting IFAD's mandate and vision; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society.
• 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.).
• Basic ICTT & digital fluency: High level of digital literacy and ability to quickly get familiar with new digital tools (e.g. ability to carry out EPR data entry and extraction when budgeting; monitoring security systems, uploading content to inter/intra-net websites, etc.)

Other Information

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.

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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

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