Lead Investment Officer – P5

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 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 Private Sector operations Division (PSD) is led by a Divisional Director based in IFAD Headquarters in Rome, Italy. PSD is responsible for origination, structuring, delivery and portfolio management of IFAD private sector investments, or Non-Sovereign Operations (NSO), as well as for business development, which includes developing the NSO pipeline and supporting complementarity between NSOs and sovereign operations within country programmes.

Job Role

The incumbent is an expert in a specialized thematic area with managerial functions. The incumbent provides technical expertise and strategic guidance at the corporate level and all stages of design, development, monitoring and evaluation of IFAD’s private sector investments. The incumbent may work collaboratively with other thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors, Investment Officers and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

The incumbent has a global lead technical role in private investment and private sector operational engagements. The incumbent leads the PSD Senior Investment Officers, and works collaboratively with Country Directors and regionally mapped thematic Technical Specialists, as well as with the rest of PSD staff, to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of private sector operation and activities.

The incumbent supports the coordination of and contributes to:¿a.) the delivery of IFAD’s private sector investment activities (Non-Sovereign private sector Operations-NSOs) globally ; b.) advising on, and facilitating, the integration of a private sector development and private sector investment perspective into Country Strategic Opportunities Programmes (COSOPs) and sovereign projects in the region of focus, upon request from the Regional Director and concerned Country Directors and based on planning agreed with Director PSD; c.) activities carried out by PSD globally, including in the areas of partnerships, knowledge management, and reporting.

Key Functions and Results

1. SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVICE IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT: The incumbent will provide guidance and manage the PSD Senior Investment Officers, and work closely with country directors, technical specialists and regionally assigned staff on the origination, screening, structuring and delivery of IFAD Non-Sovereign private sector operations (NSOs) which could entail both direct funding and indirect through financial intermediaries. Main accountabilities include:

• a. Provide guidance and collaborate with PSD Senior Investment Officers and staff to build a pipeline of NSO investments, with a focus on projects promoting job creation, women’s economic empowerment, climate change adaptation, and other strategic themes.
• b. Lead the development and maintenance of a strong pipeline of potential NSO investments and liaise extensively with global clients
• c. For each new NSO, provide guidance and review the investment rationale, financial structure, risk, and impact assessments, ensuring concept notes and project designs meet internal quality standards.
• d. Provide technical support and guidance to the PSD Investment Team during the design and implementation phases of NSOs.
• e. Lead complex transactions or new initiative and support the Director of PSD through the internal NSO review process to seek Board approval
• f. Participate in internal review meetings for NSO screening and ensure alignment with blended finance best practices when applicable.
• g. Assist in drafting investment proposals and support the Director of PSD through the internal NSO review process to seek Board approval, as well as post-approval management, implementation, supervision, and restructuring.
• h. Coordinate PSD’s interactions with key IFAD divisions to facilitate the review, development, and implementation of NSOs.
• i. Coordinate the planning and implementation of technical assistance managed by PSD.
• j. Lead in in building capacity for regional and country teams to engage with private sector partners in line with Country Strategies and sovereign investments.
• k. Aid Technical Specialists in integrating NSOs within IFAD’s country programs.
• l. Support PSD efforts to analyze private sector landscapes and market contexts within priority value chains in selected country programs.
• m. Lead select field and due diligence missions throughout the project cycle, including design, implementation, and supervision phases, to ensure successful NSO development and oversight in complex transactions.
• n. Solve challenges and issues during the design and negotiations with the clients and/or internal and external stakeholders

2. SUPPORT THE DELIVERY AND REPORTING OF PSD WORK PROGRAM

• a. Asist the Director of PSD in developing and executing the PSD work plan, fostering synergies and building capacity for coordinated team collaboration.
• b. Coordinate PSD NSO workflows, guiding and supporting Technical Specialists in executing NSO deals.
• c. Support the Director of PSD in adapting to changing priorities and opportunities within IFAD and among external partnerships.
• d. Assist the Director of PSD in delivering PSD Special Initiatives.
• e. Ensure the in-house timely processing review of NSOs with the various stakeholders

3. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The incumbent will contribute to ensuring the appropriate access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation on private sector investments, private sector development and establish new knowledge and partnerships in support to the operational needs of country teams in the region of focus, as well as in support to the regional NSO agenda.
Accountabilities include:

• a. Support drafting and reviewing policies, procedures, guidelines, monitoring tools, and manuals.
• b. Assist in developing and delivering training modules for high-impact Private Sector (PS) programs.
• c. Participate in IFAD-wide discussions and provide technical and operational insights on private sector topics.
• d. Contribute to knowledge-sharing activities to guide strategic decisions for new programs, financial instruments, and policies within IFAD’s Private Sector Strategy (PSS).
• e. Support activities related to implementing IFAD’s Private Sector Strategy.
• f. Contribute to or develop lessons learned on NSOs.
• g. Contribute or oversee special initiatives and programs managed by PSD.

4. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The incumbent helps to mobilize resources and build relevant partnerships. Accountabilities may include:

• a. Represent IFAD in meetings and discussions with development partners, international financial institutions, private finance actors (e.g., impact investment funds, high net-worth individuals, foundations, banks), and other relevant partners.
• b. Participate in global events and forums relevant to the PAI unit to build networks and mobilize resources.
• c. Contribute to partnership and outreach initiatives with DFIs, impact investors, foundations, and corporate partners to expand resources and market opportunities for smallholders, producers, cooperatives, and agribusiness.
• d. Support PSD resource mobilization for NSOs in collaboration with the External Relationship Department through partnerships and outreach activities.
• e. Guide and assist Senior Investment Officers in developing thematic investment platforms.

5. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The incumbent contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of NSOs. Accountabilities may include:

• a. Support the development and application of a results framework for NSOs.
• b. Implement performance monitoring systems and innovative approaches for monitoring the NSOs portfolio.
• c. Prepare analytical findings and reports to aid divisional and country-level decision-making on project viability and sustainability.

6. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised. The incumbent may also be asked to supervise work of external consultants and more junior staff.

• a. Coordinate PSD NSO workflows, providing support and guidance to staff in the execution of NSO deals.
• b. Oversee and support PSD Senior Investment Officers in originating NSOs, ensuring projects are financially sound and offer strong development impact.
• c. Contribute to annual work plans for PSD initiatives, to be reviewed and approved by the PSD Director.
• d. Contribute to and manage the recruitment, capacity building, coaching, and mentoring of PSD staff, and oversee the performance evaluation of consultants, interns, and other team members.
• e. Contribute to PSD unit budget, coordinating with all PSD initiatives and its front office, and prepare budget reports.

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for the full programme/project cycle as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include substantive inputs to project methodology and design of projects, knowledge sharing among peers and counterparts to enhance cooperation, complementarity and synergy and monitoring and evaluation to measure and report on lessons learned and best practices. The work is considered moderately complex requiring in-depth technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating at the country or regional levels, the incumbent’s work may be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan.

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for programs, projects and initiatives related to private sector investments, as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts.

The work involves both technical analysis and provision of inputs to projects, programs and initiatives, knowledge sharing among peers and counterparts to enhance cooperation, complementarity and synergy and monitoring and evaluation to measure and report on lessons learned and best practices.

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise in private sector investment and in private sector development.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of the incumbent at this level are primarily for the exchange of information regarding development projects. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and sub-regional context/conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

The work relationships of the incumbent involves the provision of technical advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in private sector project design and appraisal, supervision/implementation support and in the preparation of studies and reports. The incumbent serves as an expert in private sector investments and works with full technical independence in the provision of technical expertise and methodological guidance at the country level, as well as regionally as required. Contacts are with counterparts and senior officials within other DFIs, United Nations organizations having related programmes and with officials of governments, private sector and foundations, non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations, impact investors.

In servicing inter-governmental bodies, expert groups and other meetings, the including both regular and blended finance operations provides technical expertise and recommendations for policy formulation and official conclusions in a consultative capacity; the incumbent also may provide information regarding the organization’s policies, and act as the representative of the organization. Contacts are maintained to identify and evaluate emerging developments.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

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

Education:

• Level – Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.
• Areas – finance, financial engineering, economics, accounting, business management, or related field.
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php .

Experience:

• At least five (10) years progressively responsible experience in the management, structuring and execution of private sector investment projects/NSOs and facilities in the agriculture sector involving loan, equity and/or guarantee investments, with demonstrated sound business judgement;
• Prior experience in International Financial Institutions (IFIs) or, development institutions or commercial or investment banks in private sector operations and initiatives is required;
• Knowledge of key agriculture and small-scale producers development finance debates and forums, preferably with specific reference to the region of focus;
• Ability to work in autonomous manner and to write recommendations in a succinct and clear manner.
• Ability to represent IFAD externally and to develop and manage relationships with clients, donors, institutional and private investors, government, media, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in structuring and deploying blended and climate finance investments is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated extensive management experience, including overseeing cross-functional teams, handling complex projects, and ensuring that organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively. Brings a track record of fostering productivity, accountability, and high performance.

Languages:

• English (4 – Excellent)

Skills:

• Development finance: Know-how in debt, lending terms, financial policies including pricing, concessionality and resource allocation
• 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
• Stakeholder management: Strong alignment capabilities and consultation skills, building on effective interactions and relationships with different stakeholders (e.g. for the co-creation of communication material with member states) and ability to build and maintain a strong network (e.g. with journalists, media outlets, etc.)
• Strategy implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions
• Training skills: Ability to develop and provide trainings
• Performance management: Know-how in managing performance so that staff supervised deliver on the agreed objectives and meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD. Is proficient in establishing clear performance goals (operational and behavioural) and learning plans as well as in evaluating the performance of staff against the set goals.
• Resources management: Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• 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)
• 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)
• 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.
• Problem solving: Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies
• 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
• Synthesis: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• Written 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.)
• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Private Sector Investment: Expertise in assessing private sector investment proposals, review of transactions and complex facilities and interventions using regular and blended finance, conducting due diligence, and recommending financial/investment decisions accordingly; Proven expertise in deploying financial instruments
• Project/Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation

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 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 IFAD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and IFAD policy to preventing and responding 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

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