Project Procurement Officer

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 comprises three divisions: Treasury Services Division, Financial Controller's Division, and Procurement and Financial Management Division. The Procurement and Financial Management Division ensures a robust fiduciary system across IFAD operations, identifying and mitigating procurement and financial management risks through rigorous processes and controls.

Job Overview:
The Project Procurement Officer plays a critical role in ensuring that IFAD's core values of integrity, transparency, and equity are upheld in alignment with the organization's procurement policies and procedures. This position is responsible for supporting the effectiveness of procurement management during project implementation and design, ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines and frameworks. The officer will oversee project procurement activities, provide policy support, and engage with various departments to ensure procurement requirements are integrated into project recommendations. The role also involves drafting documentation, conducting research, and providing guidance to regional divisions and project delivery teams on procurement policies and practices. The Project Procurement Officer will contribute to capacity building by identifying training needs and delivering training to country teams and procurement consultants, ensuring robust management of procurement risks and effective project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Procurement Officer's duties include promoting the fulfillment of IFAD's project procurement oversight function, drafting high-level documentation for submission to various units, conducting research and analysis on corporate procurement issues, and providing policy support at the corporate level. The officer will manage procurement investigations, support procurement planning, and facilitate the review of procurement activities requiring IFAD's prior review. Additionally, the officer will assist in the elaboration of concept notes and project designs, ensuring procurement requirements are embedded for optimal results. The role involves monitoring procurement performance, preparing regular reports on procurement risks, and proposing actions for improvement. The officer will also support capacity building efforts, organize training sessions, and contribute to the development of IT systems for project procurement management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business administration, public administration, law, commerce, finance, or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in project procurement activities within an international organization, demonstrating a proven record of supporting and delivering complex procurement programs. Knowledge of procurement policies and systems in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is essential, and experience working in multiple geographic regions is an asset. Candidates should also have strong skills in contract management, risk management, stakeholder management, and performance management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as business administration, public administration, law, commerce, or finance. The degree must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). For internal candidates, the educational requirement will be assessed according to IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in project procurement activities within an international organization. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting and delivering complex procurement programs and relevant field experience. Familiarity with procurement policies, procedures, and systems in the LAC region is crucial, and experience working in more than one geographic region, as well as at headquarters, is considered an asset.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Spanish, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Additionally, knowledge of Portuguese or French at a proficiency level of 3 (Good) is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an international civil servant role, subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. All staff members are required to be geographically mobile, and positions may change locations based on strategic priorities. IFAD is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and does not discriminate based on various factors including ethnicity, gender, or disability. The organization emphasizes integrity and ethics in all interactions and adheres to a strict code of conduct. Candidates may be required to undergo a written test, deliver a presentation, and participate in interviews as part of the selection process. IFAD staff members are also subject to the organization's policies regarding remuneration and benefits, which can be reviewed on the IFAD website.