The World Bank Group (WBG) is among the largest global sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, with a mission dedicated to ending extreme poverty, promoting shared prosperity, and fostering sustainable development. It operates through a unique partnership of five institutions, working with governments, the private sector, civil society, and other development partners. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG engages in projects that address urgent global challenges using innovative solutions backed by data, research, and technology.
The Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region, home to nearly 60% of Africa’s population, is rich in natural resources and emerging opportunities in sectors such as ICT, infrastructure, and agribusiness. However, it also faces challenges such as inequality, low agricultural productivity, and vulnerability to climate change. The World Bank’s regional strategy focuses on leveraging the dimensions of People, Prosperity, Planet, Infrastructure, and Digital to accelerate economic transformation, reduce poverty, and build resilience.
Within AFE, the Africa East and South Planet Department (AFEPD) plays a critical role in supporting countries with financial, technical, and policy expertise. The Department encompasses four global practices—Agriculture and Food, Environment, Social Development, and Water—and leads the climate change agenda in the region. The Agriculture and Food Global Practice works to strengthen food systems, improve productivity, increase resilience, and create jobs in agriculture value chains.
This role, based in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the transformation of agriculture and food systems in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda.
Job Description
Position Overview
The Lead Agriculture Specialist/Economist will serve as a senior member of the Agriculture and Food Leadership Team in AFE, reporting directly to the Practice Manager (SAEA2). This role involves strategic leadership, technical expertise, and management responsibilities to deliver impactful projects and policy reforms. The position will focus on guiding country-level agricultural programs, supporting innovation, and fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
The incumbent will be expected to contribute to high-level discussions with governments, provide technical direction, and manage complex operational portfolios. The role will also involve mentoring junior staff and promoting integrated approaches across the Planet Department’s areas of work.
Duties and Responsibilities
(a) Provide technical and thought leadership with a clear vision, coherent strategy, and up-to-date knowledge to position agriculture and food systems within country programs. This includes designing innovative solutions for job creation in agricultural value chains in collaboration with IFC and MIGA.
(b) Lead the design, preparation, and supervision of complex operational projects as Task Team Leader (TTL), ensuring delivery of high-quality outputs. Utilize a range of instruments such as Development Policy Loans (DPLs), Investment Project Financing (IPFs), Program-for-Results (P4Rs), and trust funds.
(c) Drive strategic and high-priority policy dialogue with clients, oversee the development of key knowledge products, and incorporate sector reforms into development policy lending programs.
(d) Actively contribute to Country Management Unit (CMU) activities by integrating agriculture and rural development priorities into core Bank products, including Country Partnership Frameworks, Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Economic Memoranda, and Climate Change Development Reports (CCDRs).
(e) Collaborate with the AFE Planet team to develop integrated programs that address water management, sustainable land use, and emission reduction, ensuring alignment with client needs and regional priorities.
(f) Engage with stakeholders and development partners, representing the Agriculture and Food team at key events and identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships that can improve program delivery.
(g) Act as the focal point for Agriculture and Food in Kenya CMU countries, maintaining close engagement with clients and CMUs while ensuring quality assurance of the operational portfolio.
(h) Provide mentorship and guidance to Agriculture and Food staff in the Kenya CMU, including supporting TTLs managing high-demand operations.
Regional Program Context
Kenya
The World Bank has invested approximately $1.4 billion in Kenya’s agricultural sector over the past decade. Previous projects, such as the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project and the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project, reached over 1.4 million farmers across all 45 rural counties. The current portfolio includes initiatives focused on value chain development, irrigation, market linkages, financial services, and resilience building.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has been a significant driver of poverty reduction. Current projects aim to enhance productivity, promote value addition, strengthen farmer organizations, and develop competitive value chains. Interventions include irrigation systems, financial access for value chain actors, and land management for climate resilience.
Uganda
Uganda’s agriculture portfolio focuses on climate-smart transformation, productivity growth, and value addition. Active programs are designed to de-risk value chains, expand technology adoption, and promote agro-industrialization in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Somalia
Somalia’s agriculture sector faces challenges due to conflict and low productivity, but it holds significant potential in livestock, sesame exports, and water productivity. The World Bank supports resilience building, food security, and rural economic growth through targeted investments and technical assistance.
Selection Criteria
Candidates should demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, and a deep understanding of agriculture and food systems in developing country contexts. Specific criteria include:
- Master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture, or related fields.
- Minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience, including work in at least two regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments.
- Recognized expertise and ability to translate knowledge into practical, innovative solutions while maintaining a client-oriented approach.
- Demonstrated intellectual leadership and capacity to lead high-level policy discussions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of smallholder issues and the potential of agricultural value chains for job creation in the AFE region.
- Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills in English; French or Portuguese proficiency is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- High ethical standards, political judgment, and sensitivity in handling confidential matters.
- Ability to work under pressure, travel extensively, and adapt to challenging conditions.
World Bank Group Culture Attributes
- Sense of Urgency: Anticipating and responding quickly to stakeholder needs.
- Thoughtful Risk Taking: Making informed, courageous decisions to achieve greater impact.
- Empowerment and Accountability: Fostering collaboration and responsibility to deliver results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, medical, life, and disability insurance, paid leave (including parental leave), and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The WBG is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya