ICT Specialist (Finance Solutions) – Rome, Italy

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 Corporate Services Department (CSD), led by the Associate Vice-President, CSD, provides IFAD with the human resources, administrative services, safety and security, information technology resources  and medical support services required to allow IFAD to meet its objectives of enabling rural people overcome poverty. The work of the CSD is undertaken by three divisions (i) Human Resources Division (HRD) (ii) Administrative Services Division (ADM) and (iii) Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT) and three units: (a) Front Office CSD (b) Field Support Unit and (c) Medical Services Unit. 
The Information & Communications Technology Division (ICT) delivers secure, reliable, and integrated technology solutions which enable delivery of business value and provide IFAD with a strategic advantage through technical innovation and agile ICT services, and by streamlining corporate processes using effective ICT solutions. It facilitates access to information, ensures reliable and secure availability of information and communication means, provides a sustainable and secure digital environment and offer standard ICT services. 
ICT Specialists work under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the ICT Director and the direct supervision of an ICT Manager/Senior ICT Specialist.

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of ICT Solutions Coordinator.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Specialists at this level are seasoned professionals reflecting an in-depth, complete understanding of ICT systems and applications development. The applications development work is original or involves major modifications requiring the development of specifications in consultation with diverse users who have diverse needs. 
When tasked with supervision, they are typically supervisors of general service (GS) staff. Frequently ICT Specialists will coordinate the work of and provide technical guidance to external consultants and/or other temporary staff.

Position specific: The ICT Specialist (Finance Solutions) provides technical and subject matter expertise in respect to IFAD’s Banking platform and related financial systems. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day availability and operation ability of the banking applications, co-ordinating with Business Process Owners (BPO), software vendors and hosting partners to resolve any issues. The incumbent is responsible for identifying, analysing and implementing enhancements to applications in this space, in-line with corporate priorities and supporting IFAD’s evolving financial model. 

1. ICT BUSINESS PARTNER: ICT Specialists are credible, trusted partners to the client offices served and the Division where assigned, serving as a responsive and constructive service provider with a focus on results. They participate in the development, implementation and achievement of established ICT Service Level Objectives (SLOs). The incumbents support the Fund’s ICT strategy and plans as well as model a commitment to systems integrity. ICT Specialists provide seasoned verbal and written advice and guidance to supervisors and staff on the functionality of information and communication technology systems and applications as well as on the requirement for modifications or enhancements/extensions. 

2. ICT MANAGEMENT: ICT Specialists are seasoned professionals accountable for development, design, implementation and management of complex, interrelated applications and/or components of major ICT systems. Representative accountabilities/key results include (a) undertaking feasibility studies, systems analysis and design for specific systems, applications and/or for components of the more complex systems of the Fund’s ICT System; (b) translating user requirements into functional and technical specifications for new applications, developing integrating existing modules, developing local enhancements, etc.; (c) configuring systems/application environments and leading the installation, maintenance, problem resolution/trouble shooting, optimization and system/applications upgrades; (d) monitoring transactions to measure the performance and continuing effectiveness of assigned systems and working with systems software personnel to resolve operational problems; (e) writing scripts to extract and transfer data from databases, ensuring security measures to protect confidentiality; (f) developing strategy for specific applications and participating in developing overall strategy for major systems including addressing interfacing and/or integration requirements; (g) developing training materials, technical and user documentation, and publicity information and training staff in information/data systems; and ensuring that all the necessary technical knowledge and procedures for area of assignment are documented, up-to-date and shared across ICT teams.

3. AGENT OF CHANGE: ICT Specialists understand and apply the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. They use a seasoned knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other information technology to develop, analyze and promote acceptance of new methods of work and automated workflows. At this level ICT Specialists manage change through consultations with ICT colleagues and outreach to client offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes in the Fund’s information and communication technology strategy, standards, regulations and rules. 

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: Is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised.

Position specific:  The ICT Specialist (Finance Solutions) 

• Is responsible for the overall availability, business continuity and day-to-day support of IFAD’s core financial systems. Monitors system availability and responds to technical issues raised by the Business Process Owner.
• Provides specialized technical support on IFAD finance applications including analyzing technical problems and proposing solutions to be implemented.
• Ensures that the software vendors provide timely support and technical solutions to proprietary software.
• Provides technical expertise on the deployment of data/software fixes, upgrades, security patching.
• Develops the ICT pipeline in respect of financial solutions, liaising with Business Process Owners and Software Vendors, identifying, analyzing and implementing solutions responding to corporate priorities in support of IFAD’s evolving financial model.
• Ensures integration between the financial platforms and other IFAD corporate systems, ensuring the availability and timely flow of data between applications, leveraging and developing API’s to facilitate the process.
• Manages the relationships with the Business Process Owners (BPO’s), Software Vendors and Hosting Partners to ensure alignment.
• Provides input and evidence in support of financial audits and internal controls.
• Co-ordinates the annual disaster recovery testing.

The work of ICT Specialists involves several component parts and requires resolving problems of integration and interface. Thus the work at this level directly impacts on the processing work of systems and applications users and the overall services provided by the ICT Division; their technical decisions affect internal structures of the applications assigned and indirectly impact on the accomplishment of the Fund’s overall objectives, goals and functions. 
The key performance indicators for ICT Specialists at this level include effective design and accurate performance of assigned application development and relevance to client requirements.

Internally, ICT Specialists at this level are required to explain, clarify and train users on new information and communications technology functionality and operations as well as to develop and clarify user requirements, and also take the lead as subject matter experts to ensure the appropriate level of building and running related technical services in there area of expertise. They advocate directly and indirectly both technical and non-technical users to accept limitations or modifications of applications and provide advice in regard to requirements or capabilities requirements. Within the ICT Division, they are collaborating with other technical leads for the purpose of of solving complex problems and persuading others to accept modifications of specifications. External contacts involve a professional exchange of information with colleagues in the information and communication technology community to collect/exchange information on emerging technology and ensuring IFAD is leveraging the latest best practice in ICT. They may also negotiate with external service providers and/or vendors on services and new hardware/software and in the technical evaluation and selection of same. ICT Specialists at this level are delegated authority to make commitments on routine aspects of the assignment.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships – Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating – Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership – Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients – Focuses on clients
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating – Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff
• Managing time, resources and information – Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making – Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development – Personal influence
• Team working – Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

• Level – Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.
• Areas – Computer science, information technology, mathematics or other job related field
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php
  (*) Note: For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

  Position specific: Continuing education and certification – please list all technical certificates and evidence of proven exposure relating to the requirements of this vacancy announcement.
   

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively relevant, responsible professional experience in information technology, network infrastructure and/or communications technology in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Position specific experience/skills:

• Financial Systems, technical expertise in working with enterprise financial systems: their implementation, configuration and technical support. Understanding of business context, including compliance and financial rules, that drive business needs. Expertise in mapping financial needs to enterprise systems, through configuration, development or add-on solutions.
• Experience of working with Oracle on-premise and/or Cloud financial systems.

Languages:

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

Skills:

Job role specific: 

• Data analysis/architecture, Know-how in the analysis and interpretation of data needs and sources taking into account its operational context, using systems and models to disseminate ensuring integrity, availability to meet reporting and business analytics needs;
• Basic ICT & digital fluency, Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. in-depth, computer information systems, including micro-computer operating systems software, hardware and applications software and other office technology equipment), end-user computing configuration management;
• Emerging technologies, Expertise to evaluate and identify business and technical opportunities in emerging technologies including methodologies, tools, systems and applications (including  Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Robotics, GIS Analytics, etc.);
• Cyber-security, Expertise specific to cyber-security principles, tools, systems and applications;  
• 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;
• Agile ICT services, Use various agile methods, such as daily stand-ups, sprints and hackathons, to generate end products early on;
• User experience, Strong focus on the delivery of a positive and intuitive user experience, building on a proactive clarification of user needs and requirements;  
• User technology enablement and support, Advanced configuration and endpoint management, digital mobile communication, seam IT monitoring and backup, incident response and endpoint management;
• DevOps, Expertise in continuous integration, configuration management, deployment automation, infrastructure orchestration and monitoring and analytics;
• System and Database Administration, Expertise in the provisioning, configuration, management, tuning and performance monitoring of systems and databases;
• Technical enablement of data analytics and data mining tools, Expertise in the design, development, deployment, maintenance and management of Data Warehouse, data visualization, data analysis, data mining and reporting tools;
• IT Vendor and Contract Management (incl. cloud),  Expertise in contract and vendor management of IT Software, hardware and services (including cloud);
• 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;
• Data Management, Data collection, cleaning, transformation and consolidation ; data-base architecture & development ; data presentation;
• Strategy implementation, Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions;
• Client Orientation, Strong critical thinking combined with communication skills to liaise between the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions;
• 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;
• 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;
• Financial data integrity and financial systems, know-how in systems interface control, core banking / treasury system management, data mining and analytics;
• Budgeting, resource management, Know-how in budget administration and accounting, resource allocation and planning at divisional level;
• Procurement, Know-how in the application of the procurement policies, rules and regulations applicable to IFAD HQ and/or Country Programmes/Projects, including for complex individual cases.

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 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.

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.

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.org

This position is also included in the pool of positions made available to IFAD staff members in the context of the 2024 reassignment exercise. Priority will be given to internal staff in reassignment who are deemed appointable for positions at the same grade level.