Senior Portfolio Advisor

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 operates through its Department for Country Operations (DCO), which manages investments and non-lending activities across various countries. The DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and consists of five regional divisions, including Asia and the Pacific, East and Southern Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North Africa and Europe, and West and Central Africa, along with the Private Sector Operations Division and specialized units. The organization has a significant presence in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to its mission of improving rural livelihoods.

Job Overview:
The Senior Portfolio Advisor is a key position within IFAD, responsible for providing authoritative advice on operational matters related to the divisional portfolio. This role involves contributing to corporate processes aimed at enhancing the efficiency of IFAD-funded operations. The Senior Portfolio Advisor will work closely with various stakeholders, including country teams and regional directors, to ensure compliance with operational policies and to promote best practices in project management. The advisor will also engage in knowledge management and capacity building, sharing insights and best practices across country programs. This position requires a deep understanding of rural development and financial management, as well as the ability to navigate complex operational challenges. The Senior Portfolio Advisor will play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on portfolio performance, ensuring that IFAD's investments yield positive results for rural communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Portfolio Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to operational policy advice by supporting the development and revision of operational policies and procedures, promoting compliance among country teams, and coordinating divisional efforts to ensure quality assurance in project deliverables.
• Providing country program advice and development by offering authoritative guidance on operational requests, monitoring portfolio performance, and ensuring quality reviews of project completion reports.
• Engaging in knowledge management and capacity building by documenting implementation-related issues, designing training modules, and sharing best practices.
• Coordinating results monitoring and reporting processes, including organizing portfolio data analysis, producing performance reports, and ensuring timely submission of reports.
• Assisting the Divisional Director with managerial functions, including coordinating complex processes, providing technical advice, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of outputs.
• Managing IFAD resources with integrity and transparency, supporting recruitment and mentorship of staff, and ensuring continuous knowledge management within specialty areas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Rural Development, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience, including work with international organizations or government services in rural development. Experience in a multi-cultural organization is also required, along with a strong understanding of operational policies and procedures related to rural development programs. The ability to provide authoritative advice and engage in policy dialogue is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Rural Development, Finance, Economics, or Public Policy is required. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills needed for the Senior Portfolio Advisor role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience, particularly in the implementation and supervision of rural development programs. Candidates should have experience working with international organizations or government services, with at least two years in a multi-cultural environment. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of rural development and the operational challenges faced by IFAD.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory, with a proficiency level of 4 (Excellent). Knowledge of Arabic and/or French is considered desirable, with a proficiency level of 3 (Good). This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is advertised as a temporary assignment with a duration of 9 months. The expected start date is shortly after selection. If an external candidate is selected, the contract type will be that of a short-term professional (TPO). IFAD staff members are subject to the authority of the President of IFAD and are required to be geographically mobile. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. 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 participate in a written test and interviews as part of the selection process.