Partnership Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people by financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and increase rural incomes. The organization advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. IFAD operates globally, with a mission to improve the livelihoods of rural populations, and is led by an Associate Vice President overseeing the External Relations Department (ERD), which is responsible for public advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization, and strategic communications. The ERD also manages the replenishment process for core funding from Member States, ensuring that priorities and targets are set for the Fund's work during each three-year replenishment period. IFAD has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on sustainable development and poverty alleviation in rural areas.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Analyst position is a short-term assignment expected to last for an initial duration of 7 months, with the possibility of starting shortly after selection. This role is designed for entry-level professionals who will support the Senior Partnership Officer in the Replenishment process across various organizational units within the Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR). The primary purpose of the Partnership Analyst is to enhance corporate-level collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitating environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence. The analyst will serve as a focal point for specific thematic areas relevant to partnership development, ensuring that IFAD's visibility and influence are maximized in support of its mission. The role involves working collaboratively with colleagues across the GPR Division to maintain consistency and synergy in technical advice and program development support, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of IFAD's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Analyst will be responsible for several key functions, including:

• Analyzing new potential partnership and resource mobilization opportunities by screening inquiries from potential collaborators and facilitating communication with relevant IFAD staff. The analyst will provide backstopping support to senior partnership officers by conducting environmental scans to identify opportunities and risks, sharing information promptly with relevant staff.
• Managing the database of key contacts and expanding the donor base by developing familiarity with current and prospective partners, maintaining a comprehensive database, and analyzing trends to formulate strategic recommendations.
• Supporting outreach, engagement, policy influence, and collaboration by identifying opportunities for high-level outreach and monitoring the implementation of annual partnership engagement plans.
• Contributing to the effective planning and management of the Fund's replenishment processes, ensuring interdepartmental collaboration and effective dialogue with member states.
• Providing logistical and programmatic support for corporate engagement with assigned partners and ensuring accountability for the integrity and transparency of IFAD resources used in the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong relationship management skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to integrity and transparency. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying partnership opportunities and managing stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Additionally, the candidate should have a strong client orientation and the ability to listen effectively to understand and address the needs of various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in international development, international relations, political science, or a related field is required. The degree must be from an institution recognized on the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
At least two years of progressively relevant experience is required, preferably in a multicultural organization providing analytical support. Experience in partnership building and resource mobilization is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the workings of international organizations and donor engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an asset, with a proficiency level of 3 (Good) being desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term assignment with a duration of initially 7 months, expected to start shortly after selection. The contract type for external candidates will be that of a short-term professional (TPO), while IFAD staff members may be assigned as a Temporary Assignment. Applicants must verify and obtain their supervisors' support for release if selected. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographical mobility for its international professional staff and may require changes in location based on strategic priorities.