Special Envoy to the Middle East and Arab Funds

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 and finances 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's External Relations Department (ERD) is responsible for leading the organization's external engagement through public advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization, and strategic communications. ERD also oversees IFAD's Replenishment process, which involves mobilizing core funding from Member States and setting priorities for the Fund's work during each three-year replenishment period. The department is led by an Associate Vice President and consists of two divisions: the Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) and the Communications Division (COM), along with the Food Systems Coordination (FSC) initiative.

Job Overview:
The Special Envoy to the Middle East and Arab Funds position is situated within the External Relations Department (ERD) and reports directly to the Associate Vice President of ERD, while also coordinating closely with the President's Office. This role serves as a senior strategic adviser to the President regarding IFAD's engagement in the Middle East, providing high-level strategic and diplomatic leadership to enhance IFAD's relationships with Gulf and Middle East Member States, regional institutions, and influential stakeholders. The Special Envoy is tasked with advancing IFAD's mandate by fostering trusted relationships, identifying resource mobilization opportunities, and positioning IFAD as a key partner in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, rural transformation, climate resilience, and stability. The role requires keeping the President informed about political, institutional, and financing developments in the region that could impact IFAD's strategic priorities and partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Envoy's key functions include providing strategic direction in policy development and interpretation within the Middle East and Arab funds scope, serving as a representative of IFAD to catalyze partnerships with various institutions, and ensuring the transparent management of IFAD's resources. Specific responsibilities include developing and leading engagement strategies for Gulf and Middle East partners, cultivating relationships with senior government officials and regional organizations, co-leading diplomatic engagements to increase financial contributions to IFAD, and ensuring that the President is briefed on relevant developments in the region. The Special Envoy is also responsible for coordinating with various divisions within IFAD to ensure high-quality support for engagement efforts, pursuing strategic collaborations, and representing IFAD in high-level meetings and conferences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Development, or Middle East Studies from an accredited institution. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive senior-level diplomatic experience is highly desirable. The degree must be from an institution listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, International Law, International Development, or Middle East Studies. Candidates should have their degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least fifteen (15) years of progressively senior leadership experience in an international financial institution, multilateral organization, or government entity. This experience should include a proven track record of providing strategic leadership, advising senior decision-makers, and managing sensitive external relationships. Additionally, candidates must have at least ten (10) years of direct experience working with Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at senior levels, including engagement with ministries and development finance institutions. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and strategic fundraising initiatives is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Desirable additional languages include French and Spanish.

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. New staff members are typically placed at the first step in their grade level. For compensation details, candidates can refer to IFAD's compensation and benefits page. The recruitment process may include a written test, presentation, and interviews. IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to a policy of non-discrimination based on various factors, including ethnicity, gender, and disability. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent job offers and note that IFAD does not charge fees during the recruitment process.