Senior Advisor - NSO Transformation and Implementation Consultant

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 has a significant presence in various countries, working collaboratively with governments and other stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Advisor Consultant position is a temporary role within the Office of the President and Vice-President (OPV) of IFAD, aimed at supporting the implementation, operationalization, and institutionalization of the NSO Transformation Programme. This role is critical in ensuring that the reforms from the NSO Core Process Redesign are effectively integrated into IFAD's governance structures, operational model, portfolio management practices, and organizational culture. The Senior Advisor will provide independent, senior-level implementation support across organizational boundaries, facilitating the transition from process redesign to practical execution. The position requires a deep understanding of development finance, investment governance, and organizational transformation, as well as the ability to engage with senior management and stakeholders to drive change and enhance operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the NSO Transformation Programme by monitoring and providing feedback on the redesigned NSO operating model, including Deal Team structures, project eligibility processes, and governance documentation standards.
• Strengthening governance and accountability by clarifying roles and responsibilities, optimizing committee structures, and enhancing decision-making transparency.
• Assisting in the operationalization of the Investment Committee framework, identifying governance bottlenecks, and recommending improvements.
• Translating strategic risk appetite into practical operating guidance, developing decision-making frameworks, and resolving transaction-level issues.
• Enhancing portfolio management capabilities through improved supervision methodologies and monitoring systems.
• Supporting organizational change management by engaging stakeholders, facilitating communication strategies, and monitoring implementation progress.
• Building institutional capacity through mentoring, training programs, and the development of practical guidance materials.
• Providing strategic advisory support to senior management on NSO implementation, governance effectiveness, and risk management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development finance, private-sector investments, or related fields. Extensive experience within multilateral development banks or comparable organizations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in managing non-sovereign investment portfolios, investment governance, and organizational transformation. Proven experience in supporting institutional reforms and managing cultural change is also required. Strong communication, facilitation, and drafting skills are crucial for success in this role. Desirable qualifications include experience with institutions such as EBRD, IFC, or AfDB, and expertise in agricultural finance or rural development.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a master's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Advanced qualifications or certifications in development finance or investment management may be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have significant experience across the full investment lifecycle, including origination, due diligence, structuring, approval, supervision, and recovery. Experience operating effectively at senior management and board levels is critical, as is a strong understanding of investment governance arrangements and risk management practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to IFAD's operational regions, is considered an asset. Knowledge of Italian may be beneficial given the location of the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is structured as a Senior Advisory Consultancy with an initial contract duration of six months, with the possibility of extension for an additional six months. The role requires a substantial in-person presence at IFAD Headquarters in Rome, with regular participation in working groups and management discussions. The Advisor is expected to undertake mission travel as required to support the implementation of the NSO Transformation Programme.