IFAD is Hiring a Lead Regional Economist For East Africa

IFAD and A Lead Regional Economist in Nairobi

IFAD is Seeking a Lead Regional Economist For East and Southern Africa 2025

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Deadline: 14 October 2025
Duration: 2 years (renewable)
Grade: P-5
Organization: East & Southern Africa Division (ESA), IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)—a specialized United Nations agency—is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Lead Regional Economist within its East and Southern Africa Division (ESA), based in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is a two-year renewable assignment at the P-5 grade level, offering an exceptional opportunity to influence economic policy and rural development strategies across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

IFAD Profile

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a UN agency and international financial institution with a mission to eradicate rural poverty and hunger.
Since its founding in 1977, IFAD has supported millions of people in developing countries through projects that boost agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Through partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector, IFAD invests in transforming rural economies—ensuring that smallholder farmers, women, and young people can thrive in an ever-changing world.
The Department for Country Operations (DCO) manages IFAD’s investments and policy engagement, while the East and Southern Africa Division (ESA) oversees programs in more than 20 countries, driving innovation, economic analysis, and impactful partnerships.

Scope of the Post

As Lead Regional Economist, you will play a central role in shaping IFAD’s economic vision for East and Southern Africa. You will serve as the Division’s chief economic strategist and advisor, ensuring that all country programs and investment projects align with current economic realities and long-term development goals.
The position combines policy analysis, strategic leadership, and knowledge management, with a strong focus on delivering sustainable solutions for rural communities.

Major Tasks

1. Quality Assurance and Strategic Leadership

Lead the economic quality review of divisional outputs such as Country Strategic Opportunities Programmes (COSOPs), project designs, and completion reports.
Provide detailed economic and financial analyses to strengthen project design.
Conduct macroeconomic modeling and forecasting to guide IFAD’s regional strategy.
Identify emerging trends and propose evidence-based responses to development challenges.

2. Partnership Coordination and Policy Dialogue

Represent IFAD in high-level policy discussions with governments, donors, and regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and UNEP.
Support country directors in designing policy dialogue frameworks.
Foster strategic collaborations with multilateral and bilateral partners to leverage resources and knowledge.

3. Savvy and Economic Research

Oversee research on macroeconomic trends, growth drivers, and poverty reduction policies.
Develop an integrated knowledge management and South-South cooperation strategy for the division.
Contribute to regional reports, policy briefs, and annual performance documents.

4. Program Design and Implementation

Ensure IFAD’s investment projects are economically sound and impact-oriented.
Support scaling-up strategies and country graduation plans.
Guide the development of regional grants and portfolio optimization.

5. Leadership and Capacity Fostering

Provide mentoring and leadership to staff and consultants within the division.
Promote a culture of learning, inclusivity, and performance excellence.
Uphold IFAD’s standards for transparency, accountability, and ethical management.

Eligibility Criteria

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s or PhD) in economics or a related field.

Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic policy, research, and analysis.
Prior experience working with international financial institutions, development organizations, or government economic agencies.
An in-depth understanding of the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region is a major advantage.

Language

Fluency in English (required).
Knowledge of French, Spanish, Swahili, or Arabic is an added advantage

Core Competencies

Strong background in macroeconomics and development economics.
Proven ability to lead policy dialogue and engage senior government officials.
Sound knowledge of project financial management and economic modeling.
Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Ability to build partnerships across governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
Experience in knowledge management and data-driven decision-making.

International Community Working Spirit

The Lead Regional Economist will work under the supervision of the Divisional Director, ESA, and collaborate closely with Country Directors, Portfolio Advisors, and sectoral experts.
The role involves regular engagement with senior government officials, regional economic organizations, and development partners to advance IFAD’s policy and investment agenda.
This position offers a unique platform to influence policy formulation and strengthen agricultural and rural economies throughout East and Southern Africa.

Dedication to Fair Treatment

IFAD is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, race, religion, or disability.

Please note:

IFAD does not charge recruitment fees at any stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Successful candidates are normally appointed at the first step of the grade level.
Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete a written test, deliver a presentation, and attend interviews.

The Reasons to Work with IFAD

Joining IFAD means becoming part of a global movement dedicated to ending rural poverty.
You’ll work with experts from around the world, influence policy, and contribute to programs that empower smallholder farmers, enhance food security, and promote inclusive growth.

IFAD is Seeking a Lead Regional Economist For East and Southern Africa 2025