Knowledge Management Specialist JOB DUTY STATION: RO...

This job is based in Rome, Italy.

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 Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) ensures that IFAD's supported projects are set to achieve their maximum impact and serve as a learning opportunity for future ones. Specifically, ODE is responsible for managing, measuring, and facilitating the effectiveness of IFAD operations, including adequately incorporating knowledge into operations. Through the systematic integration of research findings, lessons learned, innovations and best practices into IFAD's project design, implementation, and self-evaluation processes, the effectiveness and impact of IFAD-supported initiatives are enhanced. ODE contributes to three key corporate objectives:

• Enhancing accountability and transparency of operations.
• Driving operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supporting the strategic prioritization and allocation of resources.

ODE is led by a Managing Director and is comprised on four units: Operational Policy Unit (OPU); SECAP, Mainstreaming and Quality Assurance Unit (QAS); Results, Resources and Systems Unit (RRS); and Impact Assessment, Knowledge Management, and Innovation Unit (IKI).

The Impact Assessment, Knowledge Management, and Innovation Unit (IKI) focuses on impact evaluation, knowledge management and innovation to improve the effectiveness and impact of IFAD operations. Specifically,

• The impact assessment function generates knowledge by systematically assessing the impact of IFAD investments and transmitting that knowledge internally within IFAD and to the outside world. The generated knowledge is also used to develop IFAD's strategies and support effective development.
• The knowledge management function focuses on capturing, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge generated from IFAD-funded projects and initiatives, facilitating organizational learning and capacity-building.
• The innovation function explores and promotes innovative approaches and solutions to address development challenges, driving organizational agility and adaptability.
• The 50x2030 Initiative, supporting evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in agriculture and rural development, has also been placed in IKI given the level of complementarity with the impact assessment function.

Job Role

The Knowledge Management (KM) Specialist works with thematic Technical Specialists (both in HQ and in the field) to coordinate the integration/cohesion of the division's generation, sharing and application of knowledge in support of operations. At this level KM 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 forms part of the corporate Knowledge Management (KM) team that has been established to ensure harmonization of KM across the department and IFAD overall. The incumbent maintains an overview of corporate KM priorities, directions, activities and ensures linkages within and across relevant IFAD divisions and departments. The KM Specialist is also a member of the existing interdivisional KM Coordination Group.

The Knowledge Management (KM) Specialist collaborates with ODE's thematic Technical Specialists to ensure the collection and dissemination and adaptation of emerging good practices.

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 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's or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. A PhD degree would be an asset.
• Areas - Agricultural economics, Resource economics, Economics or related fields (such as, but not limited to, Development economics, Statistics, or Applied mathematics).
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience is required.
• Two (2) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Experience in and demonstrated understanding of development initiatives in the field of specialization is highly desirable. Experience in fieldwork and international policy frameworks related to global environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset.

Languages:

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

Click "Apply" to read the full job description and submit your application.

Deadline for applications: 27th October CET Rome)

Ref: VA 31220