Senior Agriculture Specialist

Job #: req38300 Organization: World Bank Sector: Agriculture Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Rome,Italy Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/23/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile?

The World Bank

Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

VPU Context: The WBG Planet Vice Presidency is responsible for getting the right public and private sector solutions to our operational teams and to our clients, and to produce scalable impact. Its mandate is to deliver knowledge for impact and business to enable and support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission.

Unit Context: The Farming and Agribusiness Department (FAB) focuses on the sustainable transformation of the food system, including to create more and better jobs by supporting foundational infrastructure, creating an enabling policy environment, and private capital mobilization. The FAB Department also provides leadership for the AgriConnect initiative at the global level. FAB’s objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams.

The Espresso

Fund, managed by FAB, is a multi-donor trust fund established under the Food Systems 2030 (FS2030) platform to support the Global Coffee Initiative (GCI), a G7-backed effort to strengthen sustainable, inclusive, resilient coffee value chains. The Fund aims to support governments and stakeholders to design investment-ready programs; strengthening policy, institutions,



and coffee value chains; and mobilize public and private investment.

Duties and accountabilities: The Senior Agriculture Specialist will be the Espresso Fund Team Lead, based in Rome, and will report to the WBG FAB Policies and Regulations Manager.

The Espresso Fund Team Lead will:1. In consultation with FAB management and stakeholders, lead the definition of the overall strategy, vision, and direction of the Espresso Fund, ensuring both global and country-level priorities are reflected in the work program and budget.

- Lead the design and operationalization of the Espresso Fund framework for grant-financed activities, including prioritization, financial parameters, operational guidelines, M&E; systems, and fiduciary arrangements.3. Ensure sound financial management, fiduciary compliance, and adherence to agreed guidelines and procedures, while overseeing effective and timely implementation of Fund-supported activities.4. Monitor progress against agreed objectives and prepare regular progress reports, impact assessments, and recommendations to stakeholders and World Bank management.5. In coordination with FAB management, lead donor engagement and stakeholder consultations, and manage interactions with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).6. Identify and develop strategic partnerships with institutions and stakeholders providing relevant technical expertise and facilitate effective knowledge exchange across partners.7. Oversee the Espresso Fund’s communications and knowledge management, including design and implementation of the communications strategy, documentation of lessons learned, dissemination of good practices, and continuous improvement of program design and implementation.8. Ensure coordination with relevant priorities and programs, such as AgriConnect.

Selection Criteria

- Master's or PhD in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Economics, or in a relevant discipline.2.



At least eight years of relevant working experience post Master’s across at least two regions in areas related to agribusiness, inclusive value chain development and agri-food systems transformation. Familiarity with the coffee sector would be a plus.3. Demonstrated solid experience in managing complex projects, with high-impact results.4. Strong analytical skills with track record of delivering cutting edge products, and solid experience in leading policy dialogue on critical issues of relevance for the transformation of agri-food systems. 5. Operational experience with the World Bank’s project cycle - from preparation to completion - for investment operations, financial intermediary loans, policy-based lending or analytical and advisory services, as well as experience with World Bank Trust Fund management. Knowledge of IFC investments and advisory services would be a plus.6. Proven team skills with the ability to function in a demanding, fast-paced, multi-sectoral and multi-cultural environment, and ability to find balanced, pragmatic, and implementable solutions.7. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including the ability to present complex issues to World Bank management and senior Government representatives, as well as to non-specialist audiences. Italian would be a plus.8. Ability to frequently travel.

WBG Culture Attributes:

- Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
- Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
- Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.

📌 Senior Agriculture Specialist (Roma)
🏢 World Bank Group
📍 Roma