Senior Advisor to the President & Vice President

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. Established to invest in rural people, IFAD finances programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and increase rural incomes. It advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. The Office of the President and Vice-President (OPV) provides strategic oversight and direction to the organization, ensuring that all departments and offices align with IFAD's strategic leadership. OPV engages with IFAD Member States, Rome-based agencies, and other UN agencies and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to leverage resources and knowledge, ensuring sustainable impact through IFAD-funded programs and non-lending activities. OPV also oversees the Corporate Services Support Group (CSSG), which includes the Office of Audit and Oversight, the Ethics Office, and the Planning, Organizational Development and Budget Division. The organization is committed to improving efficiency, visibility, and leadership development across its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Advisor will be responsible for organizing and coordinating operations within the Office of the President and Vice-President, monitoring corporate agenda items, and providing technical and operational support. This role requires keeping IFAD's vision and values at the forefront of decision-making and actions. The Senior Advisor will contribute to the overall functions of the OPV, supporting the President and Vice-President in their workflow and administration. The incumbent will work closely with senior managers to ensure effective communication, build consensus, and foster ownership of departmental plans and strategies. The position demands a proactive approach to managing the office's operations, anticipating the needs of the President and Vice-President regarding events, travels, and meetings, and ensuring timely follow-up on action points and deliverables.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice on corporate policy and strategy, including technical input and synthesis based on operational and corporate initiatives. Prepare briefings and draft documents for the Vice-President, develop plans for special projects, and track corporate initiatives.
• Assist in coordinating activities of the President and Vice-President, supporting workflow and administration, and advising on periodic analyses of relevant issues.
• Contribute to partnership building by representing the OPV in meetings, coordinating background information on stakeholders, and participating in missions as required.
• Advocate for change management principles and serve as a role model for transformation within the organization.
• Manage IFAD resources with integrity and transparency, demonstrating leadership and capacity development.
• Collaborate with senior officials on missions, special events, and OPV initiatives, providing authoritative advice on operational and corporate management matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant area such as Business Administration, Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Economics, or Social Sciences. A first-level university degree combined with at least four additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should have at least eight years of progressively relevant professional experience, including experience within an international financial institution or development cooperation agencies. A strong track record in rural development is essential, along with experience in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing global support.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field is required. Acceptable fields include Business Administration, Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Economics, and Social Sciences. The degree must be from an institution listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of progressively relevant professional experience, including at least three years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scale. Experience within an international financial institution or development cooperation agencies is highly desirable, along with a strong track record in rural development.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement is English at an excellent level (4). Desirable languages include French, Spanish, or Arabic at a good level (3).

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international civil servant role, and staff members are subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile, and positions may change locations based on strategic priorities. New staff members are typically placed at the first step in the grade level for which they are selected. Applicants should be aware that IFAD does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that official communication will come from emails ending in @ifad.org. Candidates may be required to take a written test and participate in interviews. IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to a policy of diversity, equity, and inclusion.