Irrigation Specialist- Nairobi, Kenya

Job #:	140116
Title:	Irrigation Specialist
Job Stream:	Technical Assistance & Advisory Services
Location:	Nairobi, Kenya
Closing Date:	02/12/2014
Background / General description:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, pursues its mission of creating opportunities for people to escape poverty by promoting private sector development through investment and advisory services.  IFC’s Sustainable Business Advisory (SBA) teams work with companies to adopt responsible business practices which transform markets and improve people's lives. IFC works with a range of industrial sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, oil, gas, mining, services and manufacturing. One of the biggest challenges facing the private sector in Africa – particularly in the agribusiness sector – will be to adapt to climate change, which is likely to include decreased water availability and increased water stress. To this end IFC is looking to recruit a specialist to advise IFC and its clients on issues relating to efficient water use in agribusiness and adoption of water efficient technologies.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Duties and Accountabilities The agribusiness water market specialist will lead the design and implementation of regional/country advisory programs on efficient water use in agribusiness in close collaboration with investment officers and other IFC programs in the agribusiness sector. S/he will take primary responsibility for advising IFC clients in Africa on efficient water use across the agribusiness supply chain. The Specialist is expected to take a lead in nurturing relationships with clients and relevant stakeholders, and developing direct programs and knowledge products that position IFC as a leader in this space. Specific duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to: Advising Agribusiness Clients on Efficient Water Use • Work with existing and prospective IFC clients to improve water use efficiency, both directly and within their supply chains • Identify and develop opportunities for IFC to work at a market level and with global technology providers to scale up private sector activity in water efficient irrigation technologies and practices in Africa.  • Design relevant, cost-effective interventions based on client and market needs: conduct initial assessment of opportunity; define scope of required support to client; engage external consultants on as needed basis and oversee quality of their work; present results of engagements to management of the client company. Program/Project Management • Develop and execute projects related to agricultural water efficiency: structure project proposals by addressing all key aspects (scope of work, deliverables/milestones, budget, implementation timeline, M&E indicators, stakeholder engagement, etc).  • Work closely with the regional manager and Donor Relationship Coordinator to identify and secure funding for program activities.  • Direct project/program implementation within the approved parameters.  • Assist in communications and reporting as required by IFC and donor partners. Relationship Management with Clients and Other Water Stakeholders • Support IFC investment teams in business development efforts for clients with strong potential to improve water efficiency in their operations/supply chains and/or irrigation vendors.  • Liaise with IFC and WBG internal stakeholders active in the water and agricultural sectors.  • Represent IFC externally to global and regional industry players, international organizations and donors relevant to the water efficiency topic. Knowledge Management/Thought Leadership • Provide ‘thought leadership’ (externally targeted publications, presentations, learning fora, and other communications vehicles) to catalyze investment and support replication of effective models to address efficient water use in agribusiness across Africa. • Contribute to the corporate knowledge base by systematically consolidating and analyzing lessons learned from implementation experience and share with IFC colleagues; ensure connectivity with the IFC global product team and other IFC/World Bank programs Location The position of Agriculture water specialist will be based in the IFC Kenya office and will report to the SBA agribusiness portfolio lead.
Selection Criteria:
• Masters level degree in natural resource management, engineering, irrigation, water resource management, ideally matched with a degree in economics, finance, MBA, or equivalent; • At least seven years of relevant market-based work experience in water efficiency in agriculture / irrigation (depending upon level of position), prior work in climate resilience agenda is a plus;  • Technical expertise in water-use efficiency, with experience working in the irrigation / agriculture water-use sector; • Knowledge of, and preferably relationships with, leading water efficiency/agricultural sector private industry technology and services companies; • Experience managing consultants and interacting with technology vendors; • Demonstrated technical knowledge of best available practices related to water efficiency in irrigation, as well as related economics and implementation issues associated with various potential solutions; • Understanding of how markets, especially in developing countries, function and ability to provide informed insights about the role of the private sector in addressing water scarcity through improved water-use efficiency; • Verbal and written skills and ability to present ideas and information both clearly and concisely;  • Excellent organizational, team player, multi-tasking skills with strong sense of initiative and responsibility;  • Results oriented, and ability to monitor and report on a project cycle basis and work effectively in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment;  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective relations within internal and external stakeholders. • Relevant experience working in the Sub-Saharan region is highly desirable; • Fluency in English is essential; sound knowledge of French and/or Portuguese desirable. APPLY