Technical Specialist Adaption Fund

ID

33218

Location

ROME

Date of issue

01/14/2026

Close Date (Midnight, Rome Time)

01/28/2026

Organizational Unit

Envir. Climate Gender & Incl.

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Assignment Duration

2 Years

Grade

P-3

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 responsible for technically supporting projects and programmes within the assigned Climate Fund pipeline and portfolio. The incumbent supports a team of environment and climate change Technical Specialists and consultants, working at global, regional and national levels involved in the design and implementation of relevant Climate Fund projects to ensure consistency in the application of the specific Climate Fund policy, technical and procedural guidance and requirements. The incumbent works closely and collaboratively with the field based regional and country teams, other thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors and Programme Managers to provide relevant Climate Fund technical advice and provision of programme development and implementation support.

Position specifics:

The Technical Specialist (AF) supports the development and implementation of AF-financed projects. S/he provides technical input and coordination support across the AF portfolio and pipeline, ensuring consistency with AF policies and operational procedures. The officer supports regional and country teams throughout the project cycle, contributing to technical design, implementation, and reporting. This role focuses on operational delivery and project support, while contributing to technical quality and alignment with IFAD and AF processes.

Key Functions and Results

1.SUPPORTING THE MOBILIZATION OF CLIMATE FINANCE AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION

The Technical Specialist supports IFAD's efforts to mobilize increased levels of climate finance to be blended with IFAD's core investments, with a view to concretely support the implementation of countries' NDCs, NAPs, NBSAPs, etc. Responsibilities include, inter alia:

• Support IFAD's resource mobilization efforts with the specific Climate Fund by providing strategic thematic advice and guidance on programming priorities and approaches as they relate to IFAD's comparative advantages, strategic framework, and regional priorities;
• Support the development of concept notes and project proposals, providing technical backstopping throughout the Climate Fund's project cycle including implementation and working closely with relevant IFAD staff involved;
• Review the quality of project proposals, providing systematic assessment of proposals vis a vis Climate Fund requirements and suggesting ways of enhancing their quality and support the interdivisional review and the consolidation of comments;
• Support the project design teams in responding to comments from the interdivisional review and Climate Fund Secretariat, when needed;
• Systematize the quality documentation in preparation for proposal submission (and portal entry as needed) and for reporting requirements of the approved projects along with the Climate Fund and IFAD project cycles;
• Provide guidance on key sources of information and tools for project teams when developing Climate Fund projects
• Collaborate with a wide team across IFAD HQ, regional divisions and country teams to ensure projects are prepared effectively and efficiently within the project preparation phase from concept approval to project proposal submission and are managed efficiently to achieve key milestones throughout the entire project cycle in a timely manner;
• Participate in country missions for formulation and implementation support of relevant Climate Fund projects;
• Support the recruitment of consultants that will be undertaking designs and/or technical reviews of relevant Climate Fund projects as well as interns that will support the work of the relevant Climate Fund team;
• Support the development and implementation of an effective process to manage IFAD's Climate Fund pipeline;
• Review of Climate Fund Project Idea Notes and Project Preparation Grant Forms, and update those tools as needed;
• Support the development of IFAD related Climate Fund Strategic Engagement Papers and any revisions or updates;
• Review the Climate Fund policy and strategic documents
• Ensures quality control at all stages of the relevant Climate Fund project cycle in line with eligibility criteria and alignment with Programming Directions;
• Ensure effective coordination and engagement with relevant IFAD departments and divisions in undertaking the above tasks;
• Provides strategic guidance to the formulation of complex Climate Fund programmes and projects, especially at global level and multi-country;
• Serves as project technical lead, under supervision, and takes part of project design team for selected projects.

2. TECHNICAL AND POLICY ADVICE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING:

The Technical Specialist contributes to high quality design and impact of relevant Climate Fund -funded operations. The incumbent ensures effective guidance, tools and processes are in place to enhance the technical quality of programming and to promote continuous generation, dissemination and utilization of lessons learned, good practices and innovations emerging from the design and implementation of relevant projects.

Responsibilities include, inter alia:

• Contributes to the development and implementation of effective quality enhancement and review processes that foster high technical quality of projects funded by the specific Climate Fund;
• Contribute to initiatives to strengthen IFAD's knowledge and capacity to develop and implement relevant Climate Fund projects
• Promote the exchange, systematization and application of knowledge (best practices and lessons learned) related to the Climate Fund within and outside IFAD;
• Prepare and deliver Climate Fund related trainings or capacity building sessions;
• Contribute to the organisation of the project preparation and inception workshops of IFAD- and relevant Climate Fund projects, such as for instance by preparing and delivering jointly with the other divisions involved- the presentation on the specific requirements of the projects to IFAD staff in the country, the national counterparts, the Executing Entities and the PMU;
• Provide technical inputs into relevant chapters in IFAD publications (CAR, RIDE, etc.) and Climate Fund related publications.

3. CORPORATE ACTIVITIES FOR CLIMATE FINANCE PIPELINE AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT:

Working in close collaboration with OTD, DCO and other relevant divisions/departments, the Technical Specialist contributes to corporate and strategic documents and initiatives as required. The incumbent also provides inputs to corporate events and meetings related to the Climate Fund as required.:

• Contribute to the strategic programming of IFAD's work related to the specific Climate Fund
• Contribute to the development of the procedures for implementation of relevant Climate Fund projects;
• Provides technical inputs to robust Climate Fund pipeline and portfolio management and the maintenance of programme/project information;
• Provide technical inputs and coordinate potential update(s) on tools related to the review and implementation processes such as the project idea note, and the project preparation grant form;
• Provide technical inputs on the improvements of IFAD systems to handle relevant Climate Fund projects (interface, repository of information, dashboard, M&E);
• Review Climate Fund policy and strategic documents;
• Support management of the funds mobilized by IFAD for Climate Fund related activities;
• Monitors and supervises implementation of assigned projects and makes recommendation for improvement;
• Keeps abreast of new developments and requirements in the specific Climate Fund ;
• Monitor IFAD Climate Fund project pipeline, tracking key metrics and progress on project development;
• Support project teams in preparing reporting documents such as annual progress reports, and evaluations;
• Participate to calls and meetings with all stakeholders working with the specific Climate Fund.

4. 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.

Key Performance Indicators

The assignment requires the provision of professional expertise and technical leadership at the global, regional and national levels. The Technical Specialist contributes to the expansion of the pipeline and portfolio of Climate Fund related projects, supporting IFAD's investments, to enhance the impact of the Fund and to increase the flow of climate finance to small-scale producers and rural areas. The incumbent supports the establishment of relevant procedures, systems and enabling conditions in IFAD to handle the growing climate pipeline and portfolio. The incumbent promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practices and lessons learned generated during the design and review of projects as well as during their implementation.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of the Technical Specialist involves the provision of technical support for policy, programme development, resource mobilization, and the resolution of problems that arise in mission planning, technical project appraisal or the preparation of studies and reports. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and establishing guidelines for obtaining information; and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

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 other
• 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:

• Level - Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent)
• Areas - rural development, agriculture, economics, rural finance, natural resources, development policy or other job related fields.

Degree must be an accredited institution listed on

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing, reviewing and/or implementing climate and environment projects and programs, includingClimate Fund grants, across different thematic investments and regions at international level.
• Experience in sustainable land management, biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation, as key GEF focal areas, as well as in integrated program related to food systems.
• Experience in working across teams, and providing guidance and technical support on project designs and implementation, and in developing and disseminating guidance and capacity building materials.
• Experience with supporting management and coordination of programmes or grants in support to climate and environment.

Position specifics:

At least 5 years- experience on AF design and implementation at regional and country level.

Languages:

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

Skills:

• Climate Finance: Finance that aims at reducing emissions, and enhancing sinks of greenhouse gases and aims at reducing vulnerability of, and maintaining and increasing the resilience of, human and ecological systems to negative climate change impacts
• Analytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendation
• Time management: Adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time); ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teams
• 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)
• 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 - Environment & climate change: Expertise specific to the environment and climate change cross-cutting theme (e.g. climate and environmental policy, biodiversity, agroecology
• Policy dialogue: Know-how in holding regular and effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - like ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society
• 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.

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.

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