Special Adviser to Chief Financial Officer P-4

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialised United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas in developing countries. It does so by financing projects and programmes that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and by advocating at local, national and international level for policies that enable poor rural people to overcome poverty.





Division Context



The Financial Operations Department (FOD) is a dynamic business, strategic and responsive service provider fully supporting IFAD in managing its financial, investments, and material resources. FOD ensures that these resources are efficiently, economically and effectively used to achieve IFAD's objectives in the long-term and deliver on its development commitments. Headed by the Chief Financial Officer of IFAD, FOD comprises the Controller's and Financial Services Division, the Treasury Services Division and the Financial Planning and Risk Analysis Unit.




Duties and Responsibilities


Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Special Adviser will ensure day-to-day oversight of the front office of the FOD. The role of Special Adviser is, in effect, the CFO's Chief of Staff. As such s/he will be involved in almost all aspects of the CFO's duties and will be central to the strategic thinking and process shaping the Finance function and also providing wide ranging input into discussions affecting many aspects of IFAD. In addition, s/he will:

- Build consensus within the department and with clients on corporate financial objectives and strategy.
- Review, analyse and synthesize accounting, financial, policy and related initiatives and proposals submitted to the front office by user divisions for the information and decision of the CFO.
- Develop strategies to support the programme of work of FOD, including special projects or initiatives.
- Lead the alignment of departmental resources with institutional priorities and the integration of corporate initiatives in FOD.
- Monitor progress on departmental initiatives and agreed outputs for programme of work, liaising with FOD divisions to ensure effective and timely action, facilitating divisional collaboration and providing guidance in problem-solving. Lead the coordination of FOD business.
- Formulate finance and policy papers, reports, speeches, presentations, guidelines and other documentation related to departmental business or to involvement of the CFO, in IFAD governing bodies, committees, workshops, etc.
- Perform other duties, such as representing IFAD at external meetings, as assigned.




Education and qualification


- Advanced university degree, preferably in finance, business administration, management, international relations or any other relevant discipline.
-Minimum of eight years progressively responsible experience in a financial administrative, management or advisory capacity or related role, at least three years of which would have been with an international organisation or a multilateral financial institution.




Required functional/technical competencies


Financial and analytical skills and experience: possessing proven experience and knowledge of international financial reporting practices as well as excellent analytical abilities in the review of policy and strategic issues.
Results-oriented: having excellent planning and organizational abilities, commitment to performance and timely delivery of results; capacity to generate innovative solutions.
Negotiator and problem-solver: experience as a team-player and member of a multicultural environment; proven ability in managing strategic relationships.
Leadership: good leadership skills and high degree of initiative.
Excellent networker: able to establish and foster professional relationships internal and external to the organisation.
Developer: with the capacity to develop and manage the performance of others; commitment to sharing knowledge.
Visionary: commitment to championing IFAD's mission and core values (focus on results, integrity, professionalism, respect) and keeping these at the forefront of actions.




Communication


- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations and ability to craft high-quality written products.

- Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to develop a close and effective working relationship with clients.




Other Information


Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in 'How to Apply' before you start.

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.


Special Adviser to Chief Financial Officer P-4 - Financial Operations Department - deadline: 21 February 2012