IFAD recrute 01 Regional Innovation Management Specialist

Key Functions and Results

The Regional Innovation Management Specialist oversees the following activities pertaining to foster innovation and digital transformation: « Build a digital and innovation ecosystem, »; « Create a digital marketplace, » and « Identify new opportunities for investing in climate innovation in the GGW », and works under the supervision of the Senior Program Programme Coordinator IGREENFIN, in close collaboration with IFAD Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE).

In the context of the main products offered by the Innovation Unit, the Reginal Innovation Management Specialist¿s core duties/responsibilities will include the following:

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 are integrated into all relevant project components, outcomes, and outputs, contributing to efficient decision-making and adaptive management

Innovation Identification and Mapping:

• Coordinate the systematic identification, stock-taking, and mapping of existing climate adaptation innovations and digital transformation technologies across GGW countries (e.g. social enterprise innovations, climate technologies; digital extension and advisory services; digital finance services; open data and geo-mapping technologies; tools and toolboxes for best practices, planning, and scaling; youth and gender-sensitive innovations)
•  Proactively identify new, gender-responsive opportunities for investing in climate adaptation innovations and digital transformation within the GGW region, involving the private sector, MSMEs, cooperatives, and other relevant stakeholders
• Conduct ongoing landscape analysis to identify emerging trends, gaps, and potential areas for innovation in climate adaptation across the GGW region.

Promotion and Knowledge Sharing:

• Support the development of knowledge products (e.g., policy briefs, case studies, reports) specifically on innovations and digital solutions, showcasing their potential and lessons learned for climate adaptation
•  Contribute to the project’s digital marketplace, ensuring that identified innovations and digital transformation solutions are promoted and accessible for wider uptake
• Provide technical support for brokering relationships between solution providers (e.g., entrepreneurs, academia, SMEs) and project partners (GEF, GCF, and other relevant entities) at country and regional levels
• Facilitate and organize online events, expert speaker sessions, annual innovation fairs, and exchange visits to showcase specific innovations and digital transformation technologies, share expertise, and foster peer-to-peer learning among GGW stakeholders.

Capacity Development & Partnerships

• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for GGW stakeholders (including local authorities, policymakers, project staff, field agents, academics, and private sector actors)
• Support the roll-out of « innovation observatories » sites to monitor, test, and validate innovations, potentially incorporating citizen science and participatory approaches

Innovation Grants Facility

• Contribute to the design, and supervise the implementation of the competitive innovation grants program, ensuring that grants effectively support activities that enable the adoption of climate adaptation practices and technologies, including innovation and digital transformation
• Support the development of robust selection criteria for innovation grants, ensuring gender-responsiveness and alignment with project objectives
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive catalogue of best and most innovative adaptation solutions derived from the innovation grants

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Provide specialized inputs on innovation and digital transformation aspects for project monitoring and evaluation systems, annual reports, and project implementation reviews (PIRs)
• Contribute to impact assessment activities, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness and scalability of piloted innovations
• Ensure systematic documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and challenges related to innovation uptake and scaling up.

Job Profile Requirements

Education:

An advanced university degree in relevant discipline for the assignment (environmental management, economics, and entrepreneurship, international development, climate finance, etc.) with sound knowledge of project management and M&E.from an accredited institution.

Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Experiences:

• 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 the concepts and processes of innovation, including different types (incremental, disruptive, open innovation), and their differentiated applications in various fields;
• In-depth knowledge of innovation ecosystems, and familiarity with regional and national policies that affect innovation, including funding programs, grants, incentives, and regulations;
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of successfully organizing events, fairs, or similar initiatives to foster innovation and collaboration;
• Strong analytical acumen with the ability to conduct comprehensive mapping exercises and identify high-impact investment opportunities;
• Experience in establishing and managing digital marketplaces or similar platforms at a senior level; and of Knowledge of methods and metrics for evaluating the impact of innovative projects and their replication potential;
• Proficiency in facilitating partnerships and collaborations that support innovation initiatives, and Experience building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including start-ups, SMEs, researchers, and public sector organizations;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey the importance of innovation in the GGW to stakeholders and the general public, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Experience in promoting best and scalable success stories to inspire and engage the community, and engage funders effectively;
• Knowledge of the usual computer tools and software: Word/Excel/PowerPoint;
• Knowledge of IFAD procedures will be an asset;
• Experience with an international financial institution, audit firm, NGO with global outreach or other relevant institution would be an asset;
• Experience with multilateral climate funded (e.g., GEF, AF, GCF) projects is an advantage.

Languages and other skills:

• Fluency in English and French is required (4- Excellent)