Agriculture Specialist

The primary responsibility of the Agriculture Specialist/Economist will be to provide technical and strategic support for the development and implementation of the Agriculture GP’s work program in Uganda. The Agriculture Specialist/Economist will work closely with the unit’s coordinator of the AGF portfolio in Uganda with the delivery of the work program, assurance of quality, interaction with internal and external clients, including the government, private sector, civil society and development partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead activities as core team member, both in agriculture and multi-sectoral operations, assuring quality in all stages of the project cycle;
  
• Serve as an advisor to colleagues who are themselves Task Team Leaders, providing them with advice and support;
  
• Work with the Sector Leader and staff of the Agriculture and Food GP and other GPs to identify opportunities for addressing agricultural issues in Uganda as part of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework, country policy dialogue, sector investment operations, budget support operations, and other multi-sectoral projects;
  
• Identify innovative opportunities or ways to address existing needs in the agricultural and food sector, including bringing in experience from other countries;
  
• Remain current with relevant major pieces of analytical work in the profession. Lead or participate in strategic analytical work in Uganda and/or on a sub-regional level, and work with teams engaged in analytical work relevant to the Agriculture and Food GP’s work program in Uganda;
  
• Represent the World Bank in fora involving the community of development partners. Provide support, either explicit or implicit, to the work of the development partners in the sector;
  
• As necessary, represent the World Bank and the Agriculture and Food GP’s management at events with sectoral focus that take place in country and in the region;
  
• Develop strong client relations and partnerships, including with the International Finance Corporation, on operational matters and policy dialogue;
  
• Work with other Global Practices in representing Uganda specific issues in regional and corporate strategies;
  
• Maintain a high level and quality of engagement and dialogue with key stakeholders, including government, civil society, private sector and research/academic community on strategic and policy issues concerning agriculture and food security in Uganda.
  

Requirements

• Masters, MBA or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, Agricultural Sciences, or in a relevant discipline;
  
• At least five years of experience on agricultural development issues;
  
• Strong technical and analytical skills in the range of issues of relevance to the agriculture and food sector;
  
• Solid understanding of Uganda’s governmental institutions and policies;
  
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and team skills with ability to find balanced, pragmatic and implementable solutions also in a multi-disciplinary context;
  
• High level of energy, ability to work under pressure, and willingness to travel;
  
• Excellent communication skills in English, including the ability to present complex issues to World Bank management and senior Government representatives, as well as to non-specialist audiences;
  
• Previous exposure to World Bank operations would be a plus;
  
• Willingness to travel extensively in country, and in the Africa region, is vital, including to remote rural areas.