Private Sector Finance Specialist

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 invests in rural people to enhance agricultural productivity, increase rural incomes, and strengthen resilience. The organization operates globally, focusing on rural transformation and advocating for policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development. IFAD's Financial Operations Department (FOD) serves as a strategic partner, managing financial resources effectively to achieve its long-term objectives. The department comprises three divisions: Financial Controller's Division (FCD), Procurement and Financial Management Division (PFM), and Treasury Services Division (TRE), along with a Front Office that includes a Development Finance team. This team plays a crucial role in aligning operational and financial planning, ensuring coherence in IFAD's financial profile, and facilitating the development of innovative financing mechanisms to support both sovereign and non-sovereign sectors.

Job Overview:
The Private Sector Finance Specialist position is situated within the Front Office of the Financial Operations Department (FOD) and reports directly to the Associate Vice President (AVP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The role is pivotal in providing financial, analytical, coordination, and strategic support to advance IFAD's non-sovereign operations (NSO) priorities. The incumbent is expected to prepare high-quality written outputs, including briefing notes, analytical reports, and presentations related to NSO activities. This position requires collaboration across various divisions within FOD, ensuring effective communication and coordination on financial and operational matters. The specialist will also support the review and coordination of NSO transactions throughout the project cycle, from initial eligibility assessments to project appraisal stages. Additionally, the role involves leading coordination efforts between the FOD Front Office and other relevant divisions to facilitate the development and implementation of NSO transactions and departmental initiatives. The specialist will also be responsible for identifying system gaps affecting NSO processes and implementing practical solutions to enhance efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The core duties and responsibilities of the Private Sector Finance Specialist include:

• Providing direct support to the AVP and CFO in preparing high-quality written outputs, including briefing notes, analytical reports, presentations, and internal communications related to NSO activities.
• Offering analytical and coordination support across FOD divisions, including Treasury Services (TRE), Financial Controller's Division (FCD), Procurement and Financial Management Division (PFM), and Development Finance (DevFin) on financial and operational matters related to NSO activities.
• Supporting the review and coordination of NSO transactions throughout the project cycle, including at the Project Eligibility Note (PEN), Project Concept Note (PCN), and Project Appraisal Report (PAR) stages.
• Leading coordination between the FOD Front Office and the Private Sector Division (PSD), the Office of Enterprise Risk Management (RMO), the Office of the General Counsel (LEG), the Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE), and other relevant functions to facilitate the development and implementation of NSO transactions and departmental initiatives.
• Supporting the implementation of process improvements across FOD, including the Dahlberg recommendations and new tools and automation initiatives, to enhance the efficiency of NSO-related processes and workflows.
• Identifying critical system gaps affecting NSO processes and workflows across FCD and TRE, and collaborating with ICT and relevant teams to develop and implement practical solutions.
• Coordinating with TRE on NSO transaction pricing, considering IFAD's available financing sources and applicable financial parameters.
• Reviewing and providing analytical comments on Private Sector Advisory Committee (PSAC) documentation and related materials.
• Participating in Operational Strategy and Policy Guidance Committee (OSC) NSO meetings and representing FOD as appropriate, providing relevant financial and operational input. 1
• Performing other duties as required to support FOD's NSO activities and broader private sector financing agenda.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Private Sector Finance Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in finance, economics, business administration, development finance, public policy, or another relevant field. The degree must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in private sector finance, treasury, investment analysis, financial or policy advisory services, transaction support, or project management.
• Experience in an international financial institution, multilateral development bank, development finance institution, investment bank, or comparable financial-sector organization is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in private sector or non-sovereign transactions, including financial analysis, transaction structuring, blended finance, funding structures, and pricing considerations.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders and supporting transaction or project processes from concept development through appraisal and implementation.
• Experience reviewing, testing, and implementing new processes, digital tools, or workflow automation initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in finance, economics, business administration, development finance, public policy, or another relevant field. The educational institution must be recognized and listed in the World Higher Education Database, ensuring that the degree meets international standards for higher education qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to private sector finance, treasury, investment analysis, financial or policy advisory services, transaction support, or project management. Candidates should have a strong background in working within international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, investment banks, or similar organizations in the financial sector. Experience in managing private sector or non-sovereign transactions, including financial analysis and transaction structuring, is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate their ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary stakeholders and support transaction processes from concept development through to appraisal and implementation.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong coordination and stakeholder management abilities. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to IFAD's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position is advertised as a short-term assignment with an initial duration of 11 months, expected to commence shortly after selection. If an external candidate is selected, the contract type will be that of a short-term professional (TPO). In the case of an IFAD staff member holding a Fixed Term contract being selected, the movement will be implemented as a Temporary Assignment through applicable provisions. Applicants are advised to verify and obtain their supervisors' support for release in the event of selection. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal opportunity regardless of ethnic, social, or political background, gender, or other characteristics. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographical mobility for international professional staff, as positions may change locations based on strategic priorities. Compensation details can be found on IFAD's website, and candidates may be required to participate in written tests, presentations, and interviews as part of the selection process.