Senior Investment Officer

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 and finances 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 support rural development in developing countries, and has a significant presence in various regions including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The organization is structured into several divisions, including the Department for Country Operations (DCO), which oversees the origination, design, and management of IFAD investments. DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and consists of five regional divisions, the Private Sector Operations Division (PSD), and specialized units. IFAD's work is characterized by a commitment to sustainable development and poverty alleviation through strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Investment Officer position at IFAD is a co-terminus role, meaning it is subject to a limited duration based on project funding. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise and strategic guidance throughout the design, development, monitoring, and evaluation of IFAD's private sector investments. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors, and Investment Officers, to ensure cohesive application of technical advice and support for program development. The incumbent will focus on the Agri-Business Capital Fund (ABC Fund), which aims to drive inclusive finance for smallholder farmers and rural SMEs, creating job opportunities for rural youth and women. The position requires a strong understanding of private sector investment strategies and the ability to integrate these perspectives into country programs and sovereign projects. The Senior Investment Officer will also be responsible for knowledge management, partnership building, and resource mobilization to support IFAD's objectives in rural development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide senior technical advice in private sector investment, working closely with country directors and technical specialists to originate, screen, structure, and deliver Non-Sovereign private sector operations (NSOs).
• Develop a pipeline of potential NSO investments that promote job creation and support climate change mitigation efforts.
• Structure and lead the drafting of investment proposals, ensuring post-approval management and implementation.
• Engage with key divisions at IFAD to facilitate efficient review and implementation of NSOs.
• Support the delivery and reporting of the Private Sector Division (PSD) work plan, adapting to evolving priorities.
• Manage knowledge sharing and ensure access to the latest information on private sector investments.
• Build partnerships and mobilize resources for NSOs, representing IFAD at international meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of NSOs, implementing performance monitoring systems.
• Supervise external consultants and junior staff as needed, ensuring integrity and transparency in resource management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Finance, Rural Finance, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a related discipline. A first university degree may be substituted by a Bachelor’s degree plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience. The role requires at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in structuring and managing rural finance and agriculture private sector investments in developing countries, including private equity experience. At least two years of this experience should be at the international level. Active experience as a non-executive board member or investment committee member in an impact fund is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution is required for this position. Candidates with a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) may be considered if they have at least four additional years of relevant professional experience beyond the minimum required. The educational background should be in areas such as Finance, Rural Finance, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a relevant discipline that supports the functions of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the area of structuring and management of rural finance and agriculture private sector investments in developing countries. This includes experience in private equity, with at least two of those years at the international level. Candidates with experience serving as a non-executive board member or investment committee member in an impact fund will have an advantage.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is co-terminus, meaning it is contingent on project funding and has a maximum duration of seven years, including any extensions. The appointment does not carry an expectation of conversion to a permanent position. Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply, with their employment terms remaining unchanged. The role may require geographical mobility, and candidates may need to participate in a written test and interviews as part of the selection process. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors. Applicants should be aware of fraudulent job offers and that official communication will come from IFAD emails ending in @ifad.org.