Sr. Economist

About IFAD/RPCO/MRRD:

The Regional Programs Coordination Office (RPCO) was established in the MRRD compound in 2007 as one of the largest rural support programs in terms of scope and coverage area, working across the county. The demand for rural development motivated the program management to operate in several sectors that created a stage for diversified activities, whereas all other national programs of the ministry are engaged in their specific sectors. In addition, the Program responds to expressed needs of the rural people, who require various basic services (community-based infrastructures) which no other single rural development program has addressed so far. The program development efforts are focused on helping the poor in dealing with many of the risks they face in their lives  – such as unemployment, low house hold income, low agriculture production, poor irrigation systems, lack of accessibility to market, lack of education and health facilities, lack community based disaster risk reduction infrastructures and insufficient potable water.

Under the portfolio of the Regional Programs Coordination Office, a MoU is signed between Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) and Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) in October 2018 to implement the project in seven provinces (Kabul, Parwan, Logar, Baghlan, Balkh, Nangahar and Herat) in 4 Sectors (flood affected and rainfall harvesting structures, roads for community access, drainage and sanitation, and water supply) till December 2020. This project is financed by International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD). 

Job Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide overall economic and strategic advice to MRRD and other MRRD stakeholders.
Coordinates partnerships with non-government stakeholders, in particular with donors, CDCs and the private sector, around specific policy issues
Identify risk indicators in the rural development projects and embed them in the policy frameworks;
Participates on Organization-wide, cross-Departmental committees, project teams, and working groups, and/or provides technical leadership on technical networks and/or national technical policy and standard.
Respond to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance and solutions to country wide departments and projects of the MRRD.
Plans, organizes and participates in capacity development activities involving the provision of advice, technical assistance projects, training workshops, seminars, and meetings related to rural development interventions of the MRRD.
Participate in the inter-governmental meetings and conferences, advocates strategic partnerships, best practices, and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national partners.
Assis the economic impact of the rural development projects and provide technical feedback.
Prepare the terms of reference and technical specifications of the economic impact studies to be carried out in rural areas;
Participate in the preparation of the concept notes and terms of reference of rural planning tools to ensure that economic aspects are taken into consideration;
Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the MRRD strategy.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications /Experience, Skills and Abilities:

Master or its equivalent degree with 5 years working experience or having bachelor’s degree with 7 years relevant experience in agricultural economics, economics, and policies or a related field with exposure to economic development, climate change, agricultural and food policy and markets, and rural development.
 relevant experience in supporting developing projects on Rural Development
Previous experience in complex and large-scale rural development projects
Have ability to provide technical guidelines and technical specifications for the effective implementation of rural development projects
Familiarity with government and other international norms, policy and standards related to economic rural development.
Familiarity with MS Office (Work, Excel, Power Point) and outlook

Reporting Line

The Sr. Economist will report to Deputy Director/Director

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1537/020/HRCSD/IFAD/RPCO/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af