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This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of France and is addressed exclusively to PEOPLE WITH THE FRENCH NATIONALITY.
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 and food security.
This post is in the Front Office of the Associate Vice-President for External Relations and Governance of IFAD (ERG/FOE). The Front Office supports the AVP in their daily work as well as their strategic endeavours. The Department is composed of the Office of the Secretary (SEC), the Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR), the Communications Division (COM) and the Food Systems Coordination team. ERG leads IFADโs engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, including through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement and effective institutional governance. It works closely with all IFAD member states, the two Rome-based agencies as well as other UN agencies and multilateral development banks.
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) / Junior Advisor contributes substantively to the provision of technical support to the AVP and department in general. This includes providing analytical support on strategic issues, a key coordination role in all Department operations, and technical advice and backstopping as appropriate on matters related to IFADโs external partnerships, communications, resource mobilization and governance processes. The incumbent will analyse initiatives and proposals on policy matters and corporate initiatives and prepare substantive contributions, including related to ERGโs advice on the IFAD Presidentโs external engagements, in close coordination with the Office of the President and Vice President. The incumbent will analyse and monitor political developments, financial trends, emerging issues and innovative solutions that are relevant for IFADโs business and financial model.ย
The JPO / Junior Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice-President for External Relations and Governance and day-to-day guidance of the Senior Technical Advisor to the AVP.
Position Title of Overall Supervisor: ย Associate Vice-President for External Relations and Governance (AVP ERG).
Key Functions and Results ย
The JPO / Adviserโs core duties/responsibilities will include the following:
Strategic support to Senior Management in ERG:
Review, analyse and recommend decision options on policy matters and departmental initiatives, and prepare summaries and analytical briefs on contextual information materials. ย Identify, analyse and monitor political developments, financial trends and emerging issues relevant for IFADโs business model, and provide inputs on issues to senior executives and colleagues.ย Review and analyse documents and memos submitted for the AVPโs approval. Prepare briefs, analyses and position papers on various subjects, as needed, for the AVP. Support the AVPโs agenda by providing data and other relevant inputs to ensure effective delivery of this agenda. Foster take-up and implementation of innovative and collaborative ways of working with the Office of the President and Vice-President as well as the rest of Senior Management.ยSupport to IFADโs external engagements and ERGโs delivery on corporate priorities
Support the preparation of official missions (both for AVP ERG, and for ERGโs support to the Office of the President), meetings (e.g. governing bodies), conferences, events, and internal forums. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and lead follow-up activities, as appropriate. In particular, assist in the preparation and review of effective briefing materials, which includes the analysis and coordination of policy papers, reports, speeches, presentations, talking points and other documentation;ย In collaboration with the Senior Advisor to the Associate Vice-President, assist in coordination of Department operations and ERGโs engagement with internal stakeholders.Support the work of ERG on key external initiatives, in particular the IFAD13 replenishment.ย
Job Profile Requirements ย
Education and experience:
Advanced university Degree in international relations, political sciences, public administration, international development, economics or any other related subject from an accredited institution.ย Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php. At least 2 years of progressively relevant professional experience of in a related role providing analytical support within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and/or the United Nations system. Proven track record in reviewing and analysing financial documents. Experience in policy engagement, project/programme management in the field, especially in a fragile or conflict-affected country, or private sector financing for development would be a strong asset, as would strong communication skills and relevant experience in the field of communication and advocacy.Organizational/technical competencies:
Organizational
Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1) Demonstrating Leadership: Personal leadership and attitude to change (Level 1) Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge and innovates (Level 1) Focusing on clients: Focuses on clients (Level 1) Problem solving and decision making: Demonstrates sound problem solving and decision-making ability (Level 1) Managing time, resources and information: Manages own time, information and resources effectively (Level 1) Team Work: Contributes effectively to the team (Level 1) Communicating and negotiating: Communicates effectively: creates understanding between self and others (Level 1) Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships (Level 1)Technical
Demonstrated competency in evidence-based analysis and synthesis of information. Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, internally and externally.ย Ability of maintaining a high level of confidentiality and handling sensitive issues with good judgement and care. Act with diplomacy and tact. Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities on high-level activities. Personal resilience and flexibility are important.ย Ensures that in all matters the Office of the Associate Vice-President upholds IFADโs 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.Training Components and Learning Elements:
Training components:
On the job training in work related areas on a wide range of new and emerging issues.ย Participation in trainings (operational procedures and internal processes) organised by IFAD and external training providersย Direct coaching by the AVP, ERG.ยLearning elements:ย
Communicating effectively to suit various audience in a highly diverse setting.ย Learning how to reach out to various internal and external clients, listening and responding effectively; and efficiently to technical queries and building relationships.ย Learning how to be an agent of change, client orientation and service.The JPO / Junior Advisor will gain exposure and experience in:ย
The exposure to all facets of IFAD project activities will provide the JPO with clear and practical insights into the planning, implementation, management and administration of development activities. ย The exposure to all levels of staff and management in IFAD will assist the JPO in developing strong and practical inter-personal and management skills. The organisational role of the JPO will ensure that he / she gains comprehensive understanding of the working of a UN agency and Development Financial Institution. Learning will be achieved through structured courses, on-the job coaching, assignments of increasingly responsible tasks and gradual exposure to all facets of IFADโs work. ย It will be gradual and will continue throughout the JPO period.Other Information ย
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.
This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of France and is addressed exclusively to PEOPLE WITH THE FRENCH NATIONALITY.