Head of Regional Support

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people, 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 through its Financial Operations Department (FOD), which is responsible for implementing the financial strategy and managing resources efficiently to achieve the Fund's long-term objectives. The FOD is led by the Associate Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and consists of three divisions: Treasury Services Division, Financial Controller's Division, and Procurement and Financial Management Division, along with a Development Finance team. The PFM Division ensures robust fiduciary systems across IFAD operations, identifying and mitigating procurement and financial management risks through rigorous processes and controls.

Job Overview:
The Head of Regional Support plays a crucial role in supporting IFAD's development effectiveness through a dual mandate: ensuring that funds provided by IFAD are utilized for their intended purposes and assisting country teams in establishing robust procurement and financial management arrangements in project designs. This position involves providing proactive support to resolve implementation issues, building national Procurement and Financial Management (PFM) systems, and driving the increased use of these systems. The incumbent leads regional procurement, financial management, and operational support functions, ensuring timely and risk-based support to regional and country teams. The role requires strategic direction, management oversight, and technical leadership to regional fiduciary staff, promoting consistent application of policies and professional standards. The Head of Regional Support is accountable for improving portfolio performance and implementation effectiveness, fostering a culture of shared ownership and results-focused delivery, and monitoring emerging portfolio risks while directing resources to priority areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development of Strategy and Policy: Support the Divisional Director in implementing modernization agendas and leading the evolution of PFM's operating model. Develop strategic responses to fiduciary challenges and manage procurement and financial management strategies.
• Expertise in Procurement, Financial Management, and Disbursement: Drive modernization of fiduciary practices using data and technology. Provide authoritative advice on fiduciary policy analysis and development.
• Partnership Building and Policy Dialogue: Maintain networks with peers and partners to share information and enhance IFAD's profile. Participate in consultative groups with other financial institutions.
• Managerial Functions: Lead cultural and organizational change, monitor staff workload, and ensure effective communication.
• Key Results in Financial Management and Disbursements: Develop work plans for regional teams, supervise implementation, and ensure compliance with policies.
• Key Results in Project Procurement: Provide strategic direction for project procurement oversight and champion modern procurement approaches.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Guide project fiduciary oversight and ensure consistent application of standards.
• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Develop guidance and learning programs to support new operating models and strengthen technical capacity.
• Implementation of Recalibration Actions: Act as a senior change leader for modernization programs while maintaining service excellence.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant area such as Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, or Finance from an accredited institution. A professional qualification in finance, accounting, auditing, or development financing is mandatory. Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant international professional experience in financial management and project administration, with progressive growth in responsibilities. Experience with international financial institutions or NGOs with global outreach is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, or Finance. The degree must be recognized by the World Higher Education Database. Professional qualifications such as Chartered Accountancy, CPA, or equivalent are mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant international professional experience in financial management, accounting, auditing, and project administration. Experience in a multicultural organization or with an international financial institution is preferred, demonstrating progressive growth in responsibilities.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Desirable languages include French, Spanish, or Arabic, which would be beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and staff members are required to be geographically mobile. IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on various factors. The recruitment process may include written tests and presentations. Candidates are encouraged to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate salary and benefits. IFAD staff members are expected to adhere to ethical behavior and integrity in their work.