Call for Interest - Regional Innovation Management Specialist (GGW-RSP programme) - Short term Opportunity 11 Months

Job Title and Organisation

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is seeking a Regional Innovation Management Specialist for the Great Green Wall Regional Support Programme (GGW RSP).

Location

Dakar

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Regional Innovation Management Specialist will be part of the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) and report to the Senior Program Coordinator. The Specialist will oversee activities related to fostering innovation and digital transformation, including building a digital and innovation ecosystem, creating a digital marketplace, and identifying new opportunities for investing in climate innovation in the GGW.

Key Functions and Results

• Strategy and Framework Development:
  • Lead the development of a comprehensive GGW-RSP innovation strategy
  • Design and implement a structured framework, procedures, and platforms for the systematic documentation, assessment, and dissemination of innovations and digital transformation technologies across adaptation projects
  • Mainstream innovation and digital transformation considerations into all relevant project components, outcomes, and outputs
• Innovation Identification and Mapping:
  • Coordinate the systematic identification, stock-taking, and mapping of existing climate adaptation innovations and digital transformation technologies across GGW countries
  • Proactively identify new, gender-responsive opportunities for investing in climate adaptation innovations and digital transformation within the GGW region
  • Conduct ongoing landscape analysis to identify emerging trends, gaps, and potential areas for innovation in climate adaptation
• Promotion and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Support the development of knowledge products on innovations and digital solutions
  • Contribute to the project's digital marketplace
  • Provide technical support for brokering relationships between solution providers and project partners
  • Facilitate and organize online events, expert speaker sessions, annual innovation fairs, and exchange visits
• Capacity Development & Partnerships:
  • Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for GGW stakeholders
  • Support the roll-out of "innovation observatories" sites
• Innovation Grants Facility:
  • Contribute to the design and supervision of the competitive innovation grants program
  • Support the development of robust selection criteria for innovation grants
  • Contribute to the development of a comprehensive catalogue of best and most innovative adaptation solutions
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:
  • Provide specialized inputs on innovation and digital transformation aspects for project monitoring and evaluation systems
  • Contribute to impact assessment activities
  • Ensure systematic documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and challenges

Requirements/Qualifications

Education:

• An advanced university degree in a relevant discipline (environmental management, economics, entrepreneurship, international development, climate finance, etc.)

Experience:

• At least five (5) years' of progressively relevant sound international professional experience in innovation management, preferably within the context of climate resilience and agricultural development
• Knowledge of innovation ecosystems and regional and national policies that affect innovation
• Proven leadership skills and a track record of successfully organizing events
• Strong analytical acumen and ability to conduct comprehensive mapping exercises
• Experience in establishing and managing digital marketplaces or similar platforms
• Proficiency in facilitating partnerships and collaborations
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Languages and Other Skills:

• Fluency in English and French is required

How to Apply

Not specified.