IDB3222 – Manager, Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to manage the Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment Division of the ISFD, coordinate all ISFD poverty alleviation programs, projects, and Funds in its two strategic thematic areas (i) Human Capital Development and (ii) Economic Empowerment, create visibility of the poverty reduction activities of ISFD within IsDB Group and externally, and ensure close alignment between poverty alleviation and empowerment (PAE) and resource mobilization (RM) divisions where required.

To lead the development, formulation, and rethink of ISFD/IsDB policy and strategy on poverty reduction activities based on the requirements of member countries particularly those of LDMCs, the operating environment and the objectives of IsDB stakeholders. To lead the development and review of policies and guidelines governing the ISFD loans and grants and contribute to other policies related to the usage of ISFD resources such as Financial Management Policy, Resource Management Policy.

To lead all poverty alleviation activities and relationship management of external partners. The role will work closely with the Manager of the Resource Mobilization Division to coordinate knowledge sharing and project development (both PAE and RM) to ensure selection of quality projects to attract external interest for co-financing and other mechanisms for fund raising.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic planning and implementation

• Support the DG in development of ISFD’s poverty alleviation strategy through detailing and coordinating the development of the strategy, ensuring alignment with IsDB Group strategy.
• Lead and coordinate ISFD participation in Member Country Partnership Strategies (MCPS) as undertaken by IsDB Group teams of specialists.
• Lead the development of the division’s annual plans, budget and support proper implementation of the same.
• Contribute to the preparation of ISFD’s operational plan and work program as they relate to poverty alleviation activities.

Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment Division management and oversight

• Manage and oversee all poverty alleviation activities.
• Manage and oversee performance of Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment Division.
• Oversee and report on aggregate poverty alleviation portfolio composition and alignment with ISFD strategy.
• Report on deviation of operations portfolio from strategic allocation and develop solutions (for recommendation to the DG) to ensure portfolio composition alignment with ISFD strategy.
• Design and develop (in coordination with the Manager of Resource Mobilization Division and the DG’s office) methods and measures for ISFD’s poverty alleviation division key performance indicators (annual).
• Lead the implementation of an impact results management system.
• Oversee and monitor development impacts against impact KPIs and identify corrective measures in coordination with relevant stakeholders (these may include employees within PAE and RM).
• Review new programs fit with portfolio construction criteria.
• Work closely with the Manager of ISFD Resource Mobilization Division to manage pipeline, ensuring link between, and oversight of related PAE and RM initiatives).
• Recommend poverty alleviation programs and projects for approval to the DG.

Policies, processes and procedures

• Coordinate and manage development of operational policies for ISFD poverty alleviation (including poverty alleviation policy, project development policy, project eligibility and selection policy, lending and loan pricing policy, project monitoring and assessment policy, grant policy).
• Review and coordinate updates to policies for ISFD poverty alleviation.
• Coordinate and manage development, updates to, and implementation of processes and procedures specific to poverty alleviation function.

Relationship management

• Manage external relationships with key partners involved in central programs in coordination with relevant Lead Programs Coordinator (partners include donors, in kind contributors, program implementers.
• Engage with existing and potential donors alongside relevant Resource Mobilization counterpart if and when required.

People management

• Generate commitment, motivation and enthusiasm to the division’s goals and communicate to directly report clear performance expectations.
• Provide opportunities for the division’s staff members to suggest, participate and contribute to initiatives of improvement, innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Manage the performance and resources of the division through delegation of responsibility, setting stretched objectives and providing regular feedback on results at a division level, promptly addressing areas of under-performance.
• Monitor and assess the skills and capabilities of the division, and determine the actions needed to increase the division’s impact.
• Support filling in key capability gaps within the division through capacity development and recruiting efforts in coordination with ISFD Technical Support Section and IsDB HRMD.

Outreach and Marketing

• Partake in activities and engagements (internally within IsDB Group and externally) to create visibility on ISFD poverty alleviation programs and impact alongside the DG and relevant IsDB departments (activities may include, for example, attendance of conferences, partaking in panel discussions).

Governance

• Act as Chair of ISFD Technical Committee.
• Attend ISFD Management Committee, and Financial Management Committee and report on business operations status and issues specific to poverty alleviation and empowerment division and propose solutions/recommendations for decisions to be made by committee.

Reporting and communication

• Report directly to the DG.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports as and when required by the DG.
• Communicates regularly with the Manager of ISFD Resource Mobilization Division to coordinate knowledge sharing and alignment of goals for related RM and PAE projects.

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics/ Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of prior relevant experience in the similar role in a Multilateral Development Bank or similar international organizations.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial/ supervisory experience.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge:

• Ability to adapt to changing business circumstances to maintain effective performance of complex.
• Ability to draw actionable steps from IsDB overall strategy.
• High degree of confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain a rational and objective demeanour when faced with stressful or emotional situations.
• Ability to carry out performance evaluations at sub-complex and direct report level.
• Plans and prioritizes work tasks appropriately.
• Influence others using rational arguments. Identify basis for compromise and reaches agreement.
• Ability to identify risks and implement necessary mitigation measures.
• Consistently works to a high standard and looks for ways to improve current working practices and processes for the benefit of customers and the company.

Languages:

• English – Mandatory
• Arabic – Mandatory
• French – Preferred