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 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 globally, with a significant presence in developing countries, and is committed to improving the livelihoods of rural populations through sustainable agricultural practices and financial inclusion. The organization is structured into various departments, including the Department for Country Operations (DCO), which oversees the origination, design, and management of IFAD investments, and the Private Sector Operations Division (PSD), which focuses on private sector investments and partnerships. IFAD's mission is to empower rural communities and promote sustainable development through innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships.

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 in the design, development, monitoring, and evaluation of IFAD's private sector investments, particularly focusing on the Agri-Business Capital Fund (ABC Fund). This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including country directors and technical specialists, to ensure the effective delivery of non-sovereign operations (NSOs) and to integrate private sector perspectives into country strategic opportunities programs (COSOPs). The incumbent will also be responsible for mobilizing resources, building partnerships, and managing the monitoring and evaluation of NSOs, contributing to the overall objectives of IFAD's investment strategy.

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 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 supervision.
• Engage with key divisions at IFAD for efficient review and implementation of NSOs.
• Support the delivery and reporting of the PSD work program, adapting to evolving priorities and opportunities.
• Facilitate knowledge management by ensuring access to the latest information on private sector investments and establishing new partnerships.
• Mobilize resources and build partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs), impact investors, and corporate partners.
• Manage the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of NSOs, implementing performance monitoring systems and preparing analytical reports for decision-making.
• Supervise external consultants and junior staff as needed, ensuring integrity and transparency in resource management.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree in Finance, Rural Finance, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a relevant discipline. A first university degree may be substituted by a Bachelor’s degree plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience. Candidates should have 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 a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in relevant fields such as Finance, Rural Finance, Agricultural Economics, or Business. A first university degree may be accepted if accompanied by significant additional relevant professional experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of rural finance and investment strategies in developing countries.

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 and a minimum of two years at the international level. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record in managing private sector investments and development projects supported by international organizations.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Desirable languages include French, Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Arabic, with a proficiency level of 3 (Good). This multilingual capability is beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and partners across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is co-terminus, meaning it is contingent on project funding and has a maximum duration of seven years, including any extensions. The role does not carry any expectation of conversion to a permanent appointment with IFAD. Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply, with their employment terms remaining unchanged. The position may require geographical mobility, and candidates should be prepared for potential changes in location based on IFAD's strategic priorities. The recruitment process may include written tests, presentations, and interviews. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors, including ethnicity, gender, or disability.