Country Director

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 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 through its Department for Country Operations (DCO), which oversees the origination, design, and management of IFAD investments, including both sovereign and non-sovereign operations. The DCO also manages non-lending activities within country programs, including policy engagement and South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). The DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and comprises five regional divisions, each focusing on different geographical areas, and two specialized units. The Regional Division for East and Southern Africa (ESA) is responsible for designing and delivering IFAD's country and regional programs in that area, with its leadership based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director is responsible for managing the IFAD portfolio in Uganda, ensuring adherence to IFAD's core values of integrity, transparency, and equity. The role involves advocating for national government programs that enhance access to natural resources, agricultural technologies, financial services, and employment opportunities for poor rural populations. The Country Director is expected to promote capacity building among key government counterparts and the rural poor, facilitating their participation in policy and programming processes. This position requires active engagement with the private sector and local stakeholders to foster collaboration and enhance the effectiveness of IFAD's operations in the country. The Country Director will lead the development and implementation of medium to long-term strategies for collaboration with governments and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with IFAD's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• COUNTRY STRATEGY MANAGEMENT: Lead the development and implementation of country strategies for agricultural development and rural poverty reduction, ensuring alignment with IFAD's principles of ownership and harmonization. Analyze agricultural dynamics and define IFAD's value addition in the context of Uganda.
• COUNTRY PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT: Manage IFAD-funded projects, leading design, supervision, and negotiations in accordance with IFAD policies. Monitor and evaluate project results, contributing to organizational change agendas.
• INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATION AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT: Ensure IFAD's presence at the country level, catalyzing partnerships with stakeholders in agricultural development. Represent IFAD in the UN Country Team and coordinate operational activities with development partners.
• CONTRIBUTION TO POLICY LEADERSHIP: Engage in policy dialogue to promote pro-poor agricultural policies, maintaining constructive dialogue with government and civil society. Contribute to IFAD's policy intelligence and knowledge management.
• OFFICE MANAGEMENT: Support the management of resources, including human resources and financial management, and supervise a small team for the Small and Medium Agribusiness Development Fund (SMADF).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in rural development, agriculture, rural finance, development policy, or related fields, with a preference for economics. They should have in-depth knowledge of IFAD's governance structure, strategic priorities, and technical work, as well as familiarity with the functioning of IFAD's partners, including public and private sector actors. Strong skills in performance management, risk management, and evidence-based policy formulation are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate effective communication and negotiation skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to build strategic partnerships.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in fields related to rural development, agriculture, rural finance, or development policy is required. Candidates with a preference for economics will be given priority. Internal candidates will be assessed according to IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in rural development, agriculture, rural finance, or related fields, with a preference for experience in economics. A minimum of two years of experience in international organizations, rural development institutions, or government services is required, focusing on project design, development, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in rural development programs.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement of level 4 (Excellent). Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable and would be considered an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an international civil servant role, subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. Staff members are required to be geographically mobile, and positions may change locations based on strategic priorities. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates. The organization does not charge fees during the recruitment process, and official communications will come from IFAD email addresses. Candidates may be required to participate in written tests, presentations, and interviews as part of the selection process. The organization emphasizes cost-effective use of resources and will only respond to shortlisted candidates.