Director – Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI) – D1  

Organizational Setting

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 Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD’s strategic direction, thematic priorities and technical quality of IFAD’s operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating and disseminating IFAD’s development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes, and encouraging innovative application of cutting-edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to support countries tackle their most complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. SKD is composed of the (i) Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG); the (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI); and the (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).

PMI provides technical support to IFAD Country Programs to ensure the proper application of corporate quality standards required for achieving development results and impact in key thematic areas, including food production systems (i.e. fisheries, livestock, and agronomy), land, natural resources management, water and rural infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, rural markets and enterprises, ICT4D and rural institutions. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD projects and activities. PMI also leads IFAD’s non sovereign private sector investment activities. 

The Director, PMI works under direct supervision of the AVP, SKD.

Job Role

Directors are responsible for managing a Funding division and office and serve on IFAD’s senior management team. The main focus of Director positions is strategic leadership, innovation and management. Most typically as a member of a departmental management team, they are responsible for managing and supervising the delivery of a division’s programme of work within an allocated budget.

Position specifics: The Director, PMI is responsible for managing the PMI division and serves on IFAD’s senior management team. Most typically as a member of SKD departmental management team, the Director PMI, will be responsible for managing and supervising the delivery of PMI division’s programme of work.

Key Functions and Results

1.    VISION & STRATEGY: Directors develop and promote a strategic vision for translating IFAD’s corporate and departmental mandates; strategies, goals and objectives into a divisional programme of work and for ensuring evolving divisional programme activities are integrated in the evolution of departmental goals and objectives. They participate in the design of IFAD’s and departmental strategic approaches and ensure that corporate strategies are fully integrated in the design of assigned activities. Directors set and communicate clear strategic and operational objectives and are held accountable for the division being seen as a credible and trusted partner in  managing for results and as an innovator in its field.

2.    POLICY DEVELOPMENT & ADVICE: Directors provide leadership in the development and interpretation of major policies, regulations and rules, and systems that govern the work of a division and ensure they support divisional goals and objectives within the overall Fund mandates and strategies. Directors also serve as a trusted business/programme advisors with a significant role in authoritative policy advice within the Fund at the senior management level as well as in policy dialogue in their representational activities. 

3.     PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT: Directors provide leadership in 

• All phases of the division’s medium term planning and management, including operational requirements such as (i) establishing annual work plans, (ii) ensuring regular programme assessment and (iii) identifying opportunities for innovation and implementation of best practices generated within the Fund as well as in peer organizations, both private and public.
• Reviewing and innovating core processes of the division in order to achieve better efficiency and effectiveness, as well as financial sustainability, of operations.
• Enhancing synergy among divisional staff and holding staff accountable for results and
• Ensuring the preparation of all divisional publications, reports and governing bodies documents. 

4.     MANAGEMENT  OF RESOURCES: Directors are accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources (human, financial and material). This includes: People Management through workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, learning and career management of Professional and General Service staff. More specifically, Directors are responsible for:

• Identifing best qualified candidates for vacancies, with appropriate regard for gender balance and geographic distribution. 
• Motivating, coaching and supporting staff of the division, wherever they are located, to create cohesive teams that work effectively to achieve common divisional goals and objectives.
• Managing staff performance and development through regular performance feedback, mentoring and career planning. Divisional Budget Management by leading divisional strategic and data inputs into the departmental budget preparation exercises and by ensuring accountability and fiduciary integrity in the Division’s budget execution.
• Material Resources Management through accountability for the material resources assigned to the Division. 
• Knowledge and Content Management to achieve innovative outcomes and cost effective processes as well as to promote the generation, validation and dissemination of knowledge by ensuring (a) knowledge content is continuously updated and available, (b) best practices are continuously identified, documented and distributed and (c) appropriate and up-to-date information and tools are available as appropriate. 
• Information Technology Management through leveraging ERP functionality for improved business results, reporting processes and client services.

5.    REPRESENTATION: Directors serve as designated representatives of the Fund. They catalyse effective partnerships with a broad range of institutions including borrowers, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, UN agencies, funds and programmes, international financial institutions (IFls), non-governmental organizations and academic  institutions  for the purpose of programme co-operation,  knowledge sharing,  policy dialogue and/or resource mobilization. Directors represents the Fund in official United Nations committees and networks, and in IFls, multilateral and bilateral meetings, symposia, fora and Global conferences upon request of the President, and builds organizational networks with peers in major private, public and international institutions.

Position Specifics:

1.    Programme management and knowledge work

• Co-lead planning and delivery of the design and implementation of IFAD’s sovereign investment projects: assign project technical leads and Project Design Team members, attend internal quality assurance meetings, act as a member of various formal review committees, provide input on technical issues relevant to PMI and contribute to decision making.
• Contribute to the delivery of IFAD’s non sovereign private sector operations for the 5 regions targeting SMEs, aggregators and financial intermediaries serving rural poor and small producers: contribute to business and pipeline development, assist in reviewing project investment proposals and related documentation, support negotiations and monitoring of portfolio performance.  
• Oversee a portfolio of grants piloting new approaches to promote innovation, knowledge and evidence use in new projects and policy formulation.
• Oversee an annual program of knowledge products and research activities as well as multiple communities of practice and partnerships, ensure produced evidence is used to inform project design, implementation and policy dialogue; is disseminated externally to deliver stronger impact and advice. 
• Oversee the coordination of IFAD’s reimbursable technical assistance activities.

2.    Partnership, management of resources and policy & strategic work

• Lead the preparation and implementation of various corporate strategic documents and policies that fall under PMI areas of expertise.
• Lead resource mobilization of various programs and initiatives led by PMI and contribute to overall corporate resource mobilization of supplementary funds.
• Oversee the management of special facilities and programs providing advice on remittances and diaspora investment, agriculture risk management and professionalization of farmers organizations funded by various donors: manage operational delivery, relationships and reporting to donors on financial and development aspects.
• As a member of IFAD’s replenishment consultation committee: lead and contribute to the drafting of various technical and strategic documents as well as strategic discussions with member states.
• Represent IFAD in high level and strategic meetings and contribute to strengthening IFAD’s brand as a leading IFI investing in rural poor and food system transformation. 

Key Performance Indicators

Within IFAD’s overall Strategic Framework and Medium Term Plan, Directors establish IFAD’s priorities for and provide leadership to division level programme and operational management activities and are accountable for a results-based approach to meeting assigned goals and objectives. Leadership activities include the optimum utilization of human, financial, technology and material resources for the achievement of greater efficiency and effectiveness.

The incumbents’ impact extends beyond the successful achievement of divisional goals and objectives to include larger departmental goals and objectives in strategic planning collaboration. The expected results directly and/or indirectly benefit the ultimate stakeholders, the rural poor in developing countries.

The key performance indicators for Directors include leadership in viable strategic planning, authoritative and relevant policy development and advice, sustainable programme decisions and integrity and accountability in the planning and management of the Fund’s human, financial and material resources assigned to the division.

Position specifics: The Director, PMI is responsible for the overall quality of the Fund’s sovereign and non-sovereign operations, timely delivery of the annual work programs and budgets of special programs and facilities hosted by PMI, PMI grant portfolio as well as its annual knowledge program. The incumbent also is responsible for the implementation of selected strategies and policies at corporate level. 

Working Relationships

Within IFAD, Directors provide authoritative advice to senior management on the division’s or office’s vision, strategic planning, policy, and divisional programme and operational management. They are accountable for collaboration  and coordination  within  the Fund to ensure appropriate consultation, cross-functional synergy and coordination of programme planning and activities.

Externally Directors develop strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with counterparts spanning a broad range of institutions including borrowers, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, UN agencies, funds and programmes, IFls, non-governmental organizations and academic  institutions  for the purpose of programme co-operation,  knowledge sharing,  policy dialogue and/or resource mobilization. They are also accountable for the provision of authoritative advice during Executive Board sessions, the annual Governing Council and related subordinate bodies including the audit and evaluation committees.

Directors represent the Fund in official United Nations committees and networks, and in international financial institution, multilateral and bilateral meetings, symposia, fora and conferences upon request of the President, and build organizational networks with peers in major private,  public and international financial institutions.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies – Level 2 

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership.
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change.
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture.
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact.
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment.
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally.
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively. 

Education:

Level – Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field 

Areas – Agriculture, Agriculture economics, Finance or a technically relevant area. A PhD would be a strong asset.

(*) Note: for internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 

Work experience:

• At least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible professional experience in technically related area of operations  in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Five (5) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Position-specific experience:  

• At least 10 years of experience in operational delivery and demonstrated investment experience preferably covering both sovereign and private sector agriculture investment.
• Proven track record in  innovation to support development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large and decentralized team in a multicultural environment, leading by example.
• Capacity to build strong partnerships that lead to results oriented collaborations.
• Ability to lead and contribute to collaborative work within IFAD and with UN agencies, IFIs and other partners.
• Project/programme management: Identification of key-priorities, ability to structure work to meet deadlines and adjustment of workplan/resource allocation when needed. Programme management: overall management of portfolio of work (including PMO interaction ) with expertise to identify dependencies or bottlenecks between projects, managing changes and risks.

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent) 
• Desirable: French, Spanish and/or Arabic (3 – Good) 

Skills:
Job role specific 

• Leadership, Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside and outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD’s core values and competencies, and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD’s goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all
• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice
• Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks and conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented
• Planning, Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Advocacy, Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD’s vision and strategic priorities to external actors
• Policy dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner;  effective consultations with IFAD counterparts line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society
• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Strategy implementation, Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions
• Corporate approach, Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one’s area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Confidentiality and Discretion, Establishes self and division as trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by maintaining high level of discretion and confidentiality in assignments; demonstrates sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters; drives good governance and is a “Culture Carrier” demonstrating IFAD institutional conscience through
• Specialized communication skills, Ability to negotiate on behalf of IFAD and drive for creative and pragmatic solutions in complex negotiations with key partners, both public and private sector
• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD’s activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies;  (e.g. reputational)
• Resources Management, Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management

Position specific 

Project/programme management: Identification of key-priorities, ability to structure work to meet deadlines and adjustment of workplan/resource allocation when needed. Programme management: overall management of portfolio of work (including PMO interaction) with expertise to identify dependencies or bottlenecks between projects, managing changes and risks.

Knowledge strategy & management: Extensive expertise in knowledge management & dissemination strategies; technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge Management (e.g., conceptualization, technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge management (e.g. development and dissemination of Knowledge management (e.g. development and dissemination of knowledge products and learning).

Specialized communication skills: Technical know-how relevant to the specific communication role considered (e.g., communication planning, building and maintaining media relations, video production, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management, internal communication and events management).

Development finance: Know-how in debt, lending terms, financial policies including pricing, concessionality and resource allocation.

Partnership building: Ability to formulate new approaches or identify new opportunities to build relationships with both traditional and non-traditional partners, focusing on impact and results.

Time 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 teams.

Strategy implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions.

Analytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations.

Other Information

Applicants should note that IFAD 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.

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. Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

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.

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.

In 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.  See here. 

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