The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.
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Organizational SettingThis Call for Interest is for a Temporary Professional Officer (TPO) position or a Temporary Assignment, which is a short-term contract. The appointment of a short-term staff member carries no expectation of continuous employment or conversion to any other type of appointment with IFAD.The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.The External Relations Department (ERD) leads IFAD's external engagement through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization and strategic communications. ERD also leads IFAD's Replenishment, which is the process through which IFAD mobilizes core funding from Member States and agrees on priorities and targets for the Fund's work during each three-year replenishment period. ERD is led by an Associate Vice President and is comprised of two divisions: Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) and the Communications Division (COM), and one initiative: The Food Systems Coordination (FSC). Job RoleThis post is in the Front Office of the Associate Vice-President for External Relations and Governance of IFAD (ERD/FOE). The Front Office supports the AVP in daily work, external engagements and strategic initiatives. The Junior Advisor contributes substantively to the provision of technical support to the AVP and department in general. This includes providing analytical support on strategic issues, a key coordination role in the coordination of global engagements, and technical advice and backstopping as appropriate on other matters. Key Functions and ResultsThis temporary assignment will focus on the following:Strategic support to Senior Management in ERD:Review, analyse and recommend decision options on policy matters and departmental initiatives, and prepare summaries and analytical briefs on contextual information materials.Review and analyse documents and memos submitted for the AVP's approval, specifically related to official correspondence and supplementary funds.Prepare briefs, analyses and position papers on various subjects, as needed, for the AVP. Support the AVP's external agenda by providing data and other relevant inputs to ensure effective delivery of this agenda.Foster take-up and implementation of innovative and collaborative ways of working with the Office of the President and Vice-President as well as the rest of Senior Management. Support to IFAD's external engagements and ERD's delivery on corporate prioritiesSupport the preparation of official missions (both for AVP ERD, and for ERD's support to the Office of the President), external meetings, conferences, events, and internal forums. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and lead follow-up activities, as appropriate.In particular, assist in the preparation and review of effective briefing materials, which includes the analysis and coordination of policy papers, reports, presentations, talking points and other documentation. Key Performance IndicatorsTimely review and delivery of strategic advice on briefings, correspondence, KiTs, memos and other items as assigned.Effective coordination for ERD on missions, including for UNGA, WB Annual Meetings, COP30 and more.Effective coordination for the AVP's external engagements and missions, including delivery of briefing notes, preparation of talking points, overall programme coordination and notes to file. Working RelationshipsThe incumbent liaises with ERD Divisions, OPV and other departments on a regular basis and must demonstrate strong skills in partnership building and positive collaboration. Job Profile RequirementsOrganizational Competencies:Level 2:Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externallyCommunicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skillsDemonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports changeFocusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused cultureLearning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning cultureManaging performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organizationManaging time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resourcesProblem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impactStrategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership rolesTeam working - Fosters a cohesive team environmentEducation:Advanced university Degree in international relations, political sciences, public administration, international development, economics or any other related subject from an accredited institution. Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php.Experience:At least 2 years of progressively relevant professional experience of in a related role providing analytical support within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and/or the United Nations system.Proven track record in reviewing and analysing financial documents.Experience in policy engagement, project/programme management in the field, especially in a fragile or conflict-affected country, or private sector financing for development would be a strong asset, as would strong communication skills and relevant experience in the field of communication and advocacy.Demonstrated competency in evidence-based analysis and synthesis of information.Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, internally and externally. Ability of maintaining a high level of confidentiality and handling sensitive issues with good judgement and care. Act with diplomacy and tact.Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities on high-level activities.Personal resilience and flexibility are important. Ensures that in all matters the Office of the Associate Vice-President upholds IFAD's core values - Results, Integrity, Professionalism and Respect.Languages:Required: English (4 - Excellent) Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good) Other InformationA Temporary Professional Officer (TPO) is a short-term staff member. The appointment of a short-term staff member carries no expectation of continuous employment or conversion to any other type of appointment with IFAD.This call is advertised as a short-term assignment with a duration of initially 6 months and expected to start shortly after selection. Should an external candidate (including consultants and staff members not meeting IFAD HR Implementing Procedures' definition of 'internal') be selected, the contract type would be that of a short-term professional (TPO). In the event an IFAD staff member, holding a Fixed Term contract be selected, the movement would be implemented as a Temporary Assignment through the applicable provisions. The temporary assignment is expected to start shortly after selection" and applicants should verify and obtain their supervisors' support to be released in the event they are selected, noting that the temporary assignment with a duration of initially 6 months is expected to start shortly after selection.IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on ethnic, social, or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size, or sexual orientation. This is in line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategyand our Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please refer to the UN disability-inclusive language guidelines.Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org. How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This PositionApplication and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility."Important Application Information:Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."
Organizational SettingThe International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.The Department for Country Operations (DCO) oversees the origination, design and management of IFAD investments, including sovereign and non-sovereign operations, as well as the design and implementation of non-lending activities within country programmes, including policy engagement and SSTC. DCO is the department that primarily interfaces with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to deliver IFAD's programme of work and to provide oversight to ensure quality of the portfolio. DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and is composed of five (5) regional divisions: Asia and the Pacific Division (APR), East and Southern Africa Division (ESA), Latin America and Caribbean Division (LAC), Near East, North Africa and Europe Division (NEN) and West and Central Africa Division (WCA), the Private Sector Operations Division (PSD), and two (2) units: the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Unit (SSTC) and the fragility unit (FRU).The Regional Division WCA is led by a Divisional Director, based in the IFAD Regional Office in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The Division leads on the design and delivery of IFAD country and regional programmes in WCA. The precise country coverage of the division varies across replenishment periods. Job RoleThe Programme Officer is responsible for coordinating programmes and/or projects within the assigned portfolio. Key Functions and Results1.COUNTRY STRATEGY AND COUNTRY PROGRAMME SUPPORT: The incumbent provides a solid understanding of international practices and of IFAD's policies and procedures to ensure activities of a programme or project within their assigned portfolio enhance the related technical quality of IFAD 's activities within the relevant country, through effective programme (COSOP) and project (grants and loans) design, supervision, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, reporting (PSR) and completion (PCR) activities. The incumbent also provides substantive contributions toward the development of advice and technical guidance in support of sustainable government strategies, policies and programmes to improve agricultural development and rural poverty reduction. The incumbent is further accountable for capacity building activities including identifying, analyzing, documenting, harmonizing and disseminating both national and local issues as well as conditions and best practices and lessons learned among partner development agencies. Capacity building activities will include coordinating meetings, workshops and seminars with project management teams, government, partners and other stakeholders. 2. COUNTRY OFFICE SUPPORT: The incumbent is accountable for day-to-day administration and reporting in support of the Supervisor and for supervision of assigned Country Programme Associate/Assistant. In addition to human resources management, The incumbent has accountability for financial and material resources and related processes including managing contracts for services. The incumbent provides inputs to budget preparation and monitors expenditures, manages contract completion and certifies payments. 3. SUPPORT TO PARTNERSHIP BUILDING: As a key DCO team member, the incumbent enhances IFAD's relationships and collaborations with in-country counterparts through the identification of synergies and proposing coordinated strategies with multilateral/bilateral donors and civil-society organizations involved in agricultural development and rural poverty reduction. The incumbent establishes and maintains counterpart contacts to promote programme and project collaboration and harmonization as well as identifies financing opportunities with other donors. 4. POLICY DEVELOPMENT/KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The incumbent participates in relevant policy meetings and events of interest to IFAD's target groups and which involve the government, donors, and civil society, including NGOs, in order to develop an enabling environment for sustainable, pro-poor development. From an international best practices perspective, The incumbent analyzes evidenced based recommendations from projects to link the realities on the ground and the voices of the poor with the policies and programmes of the government. The incumbent contributes to IFAD's policy intelligence with regular updates and information exchange with their Supervisor on relevant policy discussions and ensures a continuous knowledge flow with peers in accordance with the knowledge management mechanism in place. This will serve to enhance the empowerment of the rural poor and disadvantaged so that they can enter into partnerships at all levels of policy dialogue. 5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. Key Performance IndicatorsThe incumbent maintains the standards for IFAD's competence in development in their assigned portfolio. The incumbent has demonstrated technical expertise and credibility in portfolio management and creates the foundation for IFAD's capacity and reputation for programme delivery and enhances its recognition as a reliable development partner. The incumbent provides substantive support in the development of country strategy, project design, partnership building and policy development and the foundation for enhancing sustainable government strategies and policies to improve the livelihoods of the poor and other disadvantaged groups. Working RelationshipsIn the context of programme development and delivery, the incumbent ensures the exchange of information, advocates for programme and policy enhancements and ensures consistency and reliability in the provision of development assistance to the government. In collaboration with other members of the UN country team, bi-lateral development agencies, NGOs and country programme counterparts, the incumbent establishes and maintains relationships and projects the image of IFAD as a credible/reliable partner striving for harmonization of development activities. Job Profile RequirementsOrganizational Competencies:Level 1:Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationshipsCommunicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and othersDemonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to changeFocusing on clients - Focuses on clientsLearning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovatesManaging performance and developing staffManaging time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectivelyProblem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making abilityStrategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influenceTeam working - Contributes effectively to the team Education:Education includes Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://whed.net/home.php in rural development, agriculture, economics, rural finance, development policy or other job-related fields is required (*):(*) Note: For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures. Experience:At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in rural development, agriculture, economics, rural finance, development policy or other job-related fields.Languages:Required English (4 - Excellent) Desirable: Spanish or Arabic Position-specific requirement: Proficiency in French is essential (4 - Excellent) Skills:IFAD partners: Knowledge of IFAD's partners' functioning and mandate, such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actorsAnalytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendationsTime management: Adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time); ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teamsInitiative and good judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters)Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic languageWritten communication: Clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)Loans & grants: Know-how in designing loan and grant operations and managing loan and grant preparation processPolicy dialogue: Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner, advocating and promoting IFAD's mandate and vision; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - like ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil societyTopical expertise - Programme Mgmt for Agricultural Development: Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. For ethics office assistant, procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct, Discipline and Anti-harassment provisions of applicable rules and guidelines)Project/Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation Other InformationIFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation in line with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.orgIn accordance with IFAD's provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD's remuneration package, please visit IFAD's compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.Applicants are required to complete the Personal History Form (PHF) in full, as the main document considered in the selection process. Incomplete PHFs may lead to disqualification. (Please note that CVs will not be reviewed). However, supporting documents such as certifications and motivation may be attached.https://www.ifad.org/en/careers/compensation-and-benefitshttps://commonsystem.org/cp/calc.asphttps://webapps.ifad.org/members/eb/134/docs/EB-2021-134-R-9.pdfhttps://www.ifad.org/documents/38711624/42415556/SEA_e_web.pdf/85275c4d-8e3f-4df0-9ed8-cebaacfab128?t=1611326846000 How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This PositionApplication and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility."Important Application Information:Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."