Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer – 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 Office of the President and Vice-President of IFAD (OPV) oversees the Corporate Services Support Group (CSSG) and supervises the Protocol Unit. The CSSG comprises the: (a) Office of the General Counsel (LEG) ; and (b) Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO), reporting to the President; (c) Office of Strategic Budgeting (OSB); (d) Quality Assurance Group (QAG); (e) Change, Delivery and Innovation Unit (CDI); and (f) Office of Enterprise Risk Management (RMO), reporting to the Vice-President; and (g) Ethics Office (ETH), a stand-alone unit reporting administratively to the Vice-President. 

The Office of Enterprise Risk Management (RMO) is a dynamic, strategic and responsive service provider, leading IFAD’s second line of defense by fully supporting the management of all risks across the organization. The RMO implements, monitors, and maintains an efficient and effective Enterprise Risk Management programme, supporting IFAD’s strategic vision and mandate. The RMO aims to enable better informed risk taking by using consistent risk management best practices across the organization to achieve the Fund’s objectives in the long-term and deliver on its development commitments. The Office is responsible for oversight and monitoring of risk exposures and enabling clear reporting of IFAD’s risk profile.

The Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer reports to the Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Management Officer under the overall strategic guidance of the Associate Vice President (AVP) & Chief Risk Officer and will work in the operational and programme delivery risk team or function.

The Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer provides seasoned verbal and written advice and guidance to supervisors and staff on operational and programme delivery matters, rules and procedures, facilitating a mutual understanding of roles and fiduciary accountabilities in direct support of integrity in the management of the Fund’s financial resources.

1. AGENT OF CHANGE: The Risk Officer understands and contributes in applying the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and positive change. The incumbent has a general knowledge of results based management, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and information technology. At this level the Risk Officer contributes to change, working with the manager in consulting inter-organizational and internal risk management colleagues, IFAD senior management and outreaching client offices to build understanding of risk management practices, and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes in the Fund’s risk management standards, regulations and rules. The incumbent might supervise the work of junior unit staff to ensure the achievement of divisional objectives. 

2. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Risk Officer is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised. This includes People Management through supporting the Lead Risk Officer with technical leadership/capacity development initiatives and awareness campaigns. UN and IFI documentation & processes, Knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, regulations and guidelines on document processing and distribution within the UN and other IFIs.

Position-specific functions:

• Contribute to the mandate/work of risk management function in efficiently implementing the operational risk and programme delivery framework; 
• Assist the unit in the implementation and maintenance of the Risk Control Self-Assessments process across the organization for the identification of risks, existing controls and action plans for mitigation;
• Assist in the regular monitoring of the RCSA activity, follow up on action plans and in the preparation and implementation of the work plan for control testing. 
• Support the analysis of operational risk incidents recorded in IFAD repository;
• Review and challenge the key risk indicators regularly submitted by risk owners for inclusion in the Corporate Risk Dashboard and work closely with risk owners for the identification of new metrics that allow for the enhancement of the control environment; 
• Perform the monitoring of Projects risk appetite established by the Board of the Level 2 programme delivery risk sub-categories; 
• Perform ad-hoc risk analysis of IFAD projects portfolio in line with the established guidelines;
• Perform controls on the first line portfolio risk assessment tools; 
• Develop and enhance interdepartmental communication and engage with the 1st line of defence to enabling the evaluation of the adequate implementation of operational and programme delivery risk management practices and effectiveness of controls;
• Consult and collaborate with a variety of internal stakeholders to promote risk culture; 
• Support the Lead to constantly enhance technical risk committees (Operational Risk Committee and Programme Delivery Risk Committee)

Risk Officers work in an independent and rigorous risk management function and are accountable, under the Lead Officer supervision, for producing various reports to stakeholders and others interested in the activities of the Fund. The incumbent contributes to achieve RMO work plan goals and objectives also through the preparation of new and/or modified versions of existing policies, practices and techniques. Based on a thorough knowledge of finance and risk principles, concepts and systems, the Risk Officer independently performs the full range of tasks assigned. The supervisor may be consulted in the analysis of complex and/or precedent setting cases to ensure consistency in the interpretation and application of regulations and rules and to document such decisions. The work typically requires the identification of the need for changes to risk policies, as well as the authoritative interpretation and application of risk policies, rules and regulations to a broad range of complex casework. The Risk Officer’s responsibilities also include supporting the supervisor in key decision-making initiatives. The key performance indicators for Risk Officers at this level include both technical and behavioural results. Accurate performance of assigned risk operations, technical quality in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to client needs and customer service approach to problem resolution.

The Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer works in an independent and rigorous risk management function. The incumbent works within a framework of broad policies, principles, and goals, applying a high degree of autonomy in selection of work methods in consultation with the Lead Officer.

The key results from this role have impact on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of risk management at IFAD, as well as the successful establishment and implementation of risk policies and standards to accompany the new organizational architecture and business model for IFAD 13 and beyond. The key performance indicators include efficient performance of assigned responsibilities, technical quality, and team working characteristics.

Internally, Risk Officers are the Fund’s technical experts. Contacts extend throughout the organization and include Country Office staff, internal audit officers and evaluation officers. The incumbent may need to be performed in collaboration and coordination with other organizational units to ensure the effective implementation of risk management rules and procedures. External work relationships, if and when required by the Lead Officer, supporting the Lead Officer, the incumbent may need to be in direct contact with external auditors and counterparts in other IFI and UN organizations, which normally requires a potential exchange of information with external stakeholders. They are also delegated authority to make commitments on routine aspects of the assignment.

Work relationships for the Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer involves the provision of cooperation in operational and programme delivery risk advice, including to Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer and, when required, to the AVP & CRO.
The Officer may represent the Unit on related matters at internal and external meetings, as requested by the Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer or the CRO.
Internally, the role requires interdepartmental communication on subjects relating to operational risk and programme delivery risks. The Operational risk and Programme Delivery Risk Officer will use their experience on operational risk and programme delivery policy and risk management to ensure overall oversight and adherence to IFAD’s policies and procedures. Work relationships will extend throughout the organization.
Externally, the Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer may be requested to liaise with other multilateral development banks and relevant institutions in the sharing of information and knowledge on policies, methodologies, and related techniques in risk management.

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. The advanced university degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in the above-mentioned subjects plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience outlined below.
  Areas – Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, Banking and other relevant areas.

  University degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job-related field (*)
  (*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Certifications:

• Risk Expert Certification provided by renowned Business School and/or world’s leading professional association for risk managers is desirable

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively relevant experience is required, including work in international IFIs or financial services industry particularly in operational and programme delivery risk and internal control.  
• Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Knowledge of inter-agency relations within the UN System and with international financial institutions or multinational development banks is an asset.

Languages:

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

Skills:

• Risk & compliance: Know-how in asset liability management, risk reporting, capital adequacy, quality assurance and compliance (e.g. Anti-money laundering (AML), Know your customer (KYC) processes), etc.
• UN and IFI documentation & processes: Knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, regulations and guidelines on document processing and distribution within the UN and other IFIs
• 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
• Project coordination: Identification of key-priorities, ability to work with others, coordinate and structure work to meet deadlines and adjustment of workplan/resource allocation when needed, identification and management of project-related risks
• 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
• Strategy implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions
• 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
• Risk management (e.g. reputational): Know-how in identifying and assessing of potential legal, reputational, ethical risks and liabilities in relation to the Fund’s activities; contributing strongly to the division as second line of defence function; demonstrating ability to manage these risks by advising senior management on contingency and mitigation strategies.
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Business acumen, private sector knowledge: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Initiative and good judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters)
• Integrity and ethics: Strong emphasis on acting with honesty, not tolerating unethical behaviour, demonstrating equity, impartiality and sensitivity in exercising authority and interacting with staff, and other  stakeholders. Conduct must be guided by IFAD core values, the Code of conduct and a high sense of ethics
• 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
• 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.)
• Programme/Project development, management: Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management
• Research & impact assessment: Know-how in designing, coordinating, conducting technical research & impact assessment in own thematic area

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

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