Regional Analyst P-2 - Latin America and Caribbean Division

	Duration of Assignment 2 years fixed-term (renewable)
	Organizational Context The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an International Financial Institution and a Specialized United Nations Agency whose mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD's headquarters is in Rome, Italy, and is present in more than 90 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and incomes.
	Division Context The Programme Management Department (PMD) is responsible for the overall lending programme of the Fund, and is composed of five (5) regional divisions and a Technical Advisory Services Division . The Latin America and Caribbean Division (LAC) is handling with the lending programme and strategic and policy dimension of this region.
	Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Senior Rural Development Specialist, the Regional Analyst will contribute to producing relevant analysis on regional issues and trends; supporting the preparation of LAC inputs to IFAD strategic, policy, and operational project and program designs, and assisting in the management and supervision of the grant portfolio, by: Producing relevant analysis on regional issues and trends Keep track of key indicators of social, political and economic developments in the region that are pertinent to IFAD's mission, and making the analysis available to key LAC staff and consultants Follow targeted policy debates in the region that are pertinent to IFAD's mission, and making the analysis available to key LAC staff and consultants Support the preparation of specific sections of the Portfolio Review and other IFAD documents, that require the socioeconomic data analysis Help review the Country Programme Issues Sheets and other similar documentation Supporting the preparation of LAC inputs to IFAD strategic, policy, and operational designs Support the formulation of LAC inputs to IFAD strategic, policy and operational discussions. Participate in in-house committees and meetings in which strategic, policy and operational issues are discussed. Keep track of in-house strategic, policy and operational discussions and inform LAC staff of needs and opportunities to engage Participate in project/ program/COSOP related field missions as needed. Assisting in the management and supervision of the grant portfolio Support the preparation and reviews of the Divisional Grant Strategic Work Plans Facilitate and monitor the process for the formulation of concept notes and full proposals for regional grants Help review the Grant Status Reports and other similar documentation Keep track of Grant reports to identify opportunities for LAC-wide sharing and learning Maintain all the necessary data in the IFAD and ad hoc systems to be able to supervise and monitor the grant portfolio, including generating useful information for the Portfolio Reviews and other IFAD analyses Keep track of IFAD policies, procedures and work plans related to regional grants; provide timely information to LAC staff to be able to participate accordingly. Other duties as assigned.
	Education and Experience University degree (advanced university degree - Master¿s or equivalent - preferred) in economics, public policy social sciences or a closely related field. Minimum 3 years of relevant post qualification professional experience in applied research and policy design and analysis in fields directly relevant to the mission of IFAD. Knowledge through direct work experience of Latin America¿s rural sector and policy environments. Knowledge of policy oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches and loan and grant preparation. Relevant professional experience in an economically developing country would be an asset.
	Technical/Functional Competencies Analytical skills:strong analytical skills, with focus on provision of solutions; ability to assess and respond to new challenges in rural development based onthorough understanding of socio-economic issues. Team Worker/Builder: ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Planner and Organiser:ability to meet tight deadlines in a high-pressure and high-energy environment. Ability to set clear priorities within a boundless and often challenging agenda with tight deadlines. Communicator: strong diplomatic and communication skills, with the capacity to listen and communicate effectively to engage others. Strong social skills with the capacity to demonstrate an open mind.
	Communication Excellent knowledge of Spanish and English; including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication.
	Other Information Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD. IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge. Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and not a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. 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. Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

Regional Analyst P-2 - Latin America and Caribbean Division - deadline: 4 April 2012