IFAD, Vice-President

Level:                                             Under-Secretary-General (USG)

Duty station:                                  Rome, Italy

Duration of assignment:            2-year fixed term (subject to renewal)


1. Organizational context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an International Financial Institution and a specialized United Nations Agency whose mission is enabling poor rural people to improve their food security and nutrition, raise their incomes, and strengthen their resilience. To achieve these goals, IFAD develops and finances programs and projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and incomes and reducing rural poverty. IFAD's headquarters is in Rome, Italy, but has offices in 40 countries and finances programs and projects in more than 90 countries.

2. Purpose of the position

Reporting directly to the President of IFAD, the Vice-President is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Fund. As a member of the Executive Management Committee, the Vice-President provides counsel and advice to the President on the strategic direction of the Fund and all aspects of its operations and activities.

3. Duties and responsibilities

The Vice-President has the following specific duties and responsibilities:

Chair the Operations Management Committee (OMC) of the Fund, which has the responsibility for overseeing the implementation and delivery of the Fund's corporate policies, strategies, and programme of work and budget;
Ensure effective inter-departmental communication, collaboration and coordination;
Give direction and oversee the work of the  Office of Budget and Organizational Development (BOD) which reports directly to the Vice-President;
Oversee the optimal deployment of the Fund's human resources through the annual strategic workforce planning (SWP) exercise undertaken by BOD in the context of the preparation of the annual work programme and budget;
Support the resource mobilization and partnership efforts of the Fund and, in particular, the triennial replenishment of the Fund;
Champion the reform efforts of the Fund and, in particular, the drive to enhance institutional  efficiency;
Supports the President in strengthening the political and financial support for IFAD among Member States through outreach and advocacy;
Strengthen collaboration with the other Rome-based agencies through liaison with the Deputies of FAO and WFP;
Represents the President in his/her absence or at his/her request; and
Other duties as may be assigned by the President.

4. Qualification and skills required

 Education and experience

Advanced university degree in economics, management, business administration, or a related field.
At least 15 years of professional experience including management experience within an international financial institution, and/or the United Nations system.
Proven record in leadership and strategic management.
Extensive and proven managerial experience with a focus on people management.
Experience in working with tight deadlines with multiple priorities.
Knowledge of inter-agency relations within the UN System and with international financial institutions is an asset. 
Technical/Functional competencies

 Negotiator and Communicator - strong diplomatic and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate skillfully and develop close and effective working relationships with internal and external clients.  Ability to articulate and present convincingly.  Capacity to promote ideas and optimal service practice to a multi-cultural diverse audience.
Planner and Organizer / Decision-maker - excellent judgment and the ability to think strategically, setting clear priorities in the Office of the President. Well organized and disciplined.
Creator of an enabling environment - creating opportunities for staff members to grow and develop and delegating responsibilities to staff or concerned offices.
Leader/ Team builder/Team player - excellent management skills, with the ability to lead, build and inspire teams and to foster teamwork by being a good team player; strong interpersonal skills.
Facilitator of change - acting as a champion for change, developing solutions to intractable challenges.
Model of integrity, trustworthiness and confidence - ensuring that in all matters the Office of the President upholds IFAD's core values - Results, Integrity, Professionalism and Respect. 
Languages and other skills

 Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.

5. 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 is committed to achieving diversity and is seeking a balanced workforce from IFAD's Member States. Women, in particular, are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if desired, 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 make a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

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