Associate Vice-President (ASG grade level), Corporate Services Department - Rome, Italy

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. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Corporate Services Department (CSD), led by the Associate Vice-President, CSD, provides IFAD with the human resources, administrative services, safety and security, information technology resources and medical support services required to allow IFAD to meet its objectives of enabling rural people overcome poverty. The work of the CSD is undertaken by three divisions: (i) Administrative Services Division (ADM) comprising field support services; (ii)Human Resources Division (HRD); and (iii) Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT) and one unit: (Medical Services Unit (MSU). The department is responsible for providing corporate services across IFAD HQ and all field offices in a proactive, people-centred, client-oriented, efficient, and solutions-driven approach.

The Associate Vice President, CSD reports to the Vice-President of IFAD. 

The Associate Vice-Presidents (AVPs), as members of the executive management team, head the designated Department of IFAD. They have the responsibility to lead their divisions to achieve IFAD's vision and mission; organizational change, policy implementation and corporate development by ensuring the technical quality of IFAD's programme of work and encouraging a focus on outputs, outcomes and results whilst encouraging innovation.

As the Head of the Department, the AVP, CSD provides leadership to over 100 staff in the Department and ensures that high morale is maintained, paying particular attention to staff located outside headquarters. In this regard, the AVP has the overall responsibility to ensure the Department is adequately staffed with the requisite competencies and skills to deliver its annual programme. The AVP is also responsible for the prudent and efficient management of the financial resources made available to the Department annually.

As a member of the senior management team of IFAD, the AVP, CSD is expected to contribute to corporate and operational policy discussions and decisions of the Executive Management Committee (EMC), chaired by the President of IFAD and the Operations Management Committee (OMC), chaired by the Vice President. Governing Council, and other Governing Body meetings.
In particular, the AVP CSD leads the work of IFAD's Corporate Services Department (CSD) and is a member of the United Nations High Level Committee on Management (HLCM).

While the majority of CSD staff are based in IFAD Headquarters in Rome, as part of IFAD's efforts to decentralization, some services in CSD have also been decentralized with staff based in IFAD regional offices and further structural changes within the CSD divisions are ongoing to identify service functions moving to field offices.

1. STRATEGIC PROGRAMME DIRECTION AND IFAD'S MISSION: The AVP leads the work of IFAD's Department by providing strategic leadership and guidance to Division Directors and staff on IFAD's mandate. The AVP also guides, directs and seeks continual improvements in the organization's external visibility, partnerships and resource mobilization activities with governments (including IFAD's replenishment process), the United Nations system, including Rome-based agencies, the private sector and other partners. This is achieved by strategic engagement and partnerships with IFAD's top donors; expanding IFAD's global profile, visibility and influence with key external decision makers; and contributing to discussions on IFAD's strategic direction; and IFAD's corporate knowledge management agenda. The incumbent strategically leads and assumes ownership of ensuring and managing appropriate internal control mechanisms for mitigating risks in line with the applicable organizational framework and policies for risk management, and in line with the mandates of the Department.

2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND POLICY STRATEGY: The AVP acts as a champion for change, promoting and endorsing solutions to intractable challenges and has an entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry. They encourage evidence-based knowledge generation and its dissemination in all activities and contribute to resource mobilization activities and to evidence-based policy making at the international, national, and local level to advocate for the extreme poor and food insecure in rural areas. Furthermore, the AVP mobilises and manages supplementary funds to finance activities relevant to IFAD's mandate. The AVP advocates the Organization's policy positions and expands the Organization's external visibility and positioning, including through communications of IFAD's messages at HQ and regional levels. In order to promote organizational change and keep abreast of technology advancement, set clear priorities for the Department and lead by example.

3. CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT: The AVP leads and contributes to the corporate development effectiveness agenda and plans, monitors and leads IFAD's collaboration with its institutional partners and member countries on resource mobilization and corporate partnerships, in accordance with agreed priorities, approved programme/budgets, strategic objectives and corporate policies. The incumbent promotes the development of rigorous evaluations, reviews, analysis, and lessons to inform IFAD's lending and non-lending portfolio (including country programme strategies, policy engagement initiatives, etc.), particularly on issues surrounding food security, agriculture, and rural development. The AVP oversees the development and implementation of the annual programme and budget of the Department in the context of IFAD's Strategic Framework and IFAD Replenishment Commitments and provides guidance in the assessment and reporting of corporate impacts of IFAD's funded projects.

4. PARTNERSHIPS, REPRESENTATION, AND INFLUENCE: The AVP develops and maintains political and business relationships with key donor Member States and strong collaboration with strategic partner organisations, which among other partnership priorities, can help drive mobilisation of resources from the financial sector and private sector as desirable. The incumbent often represents IFAD and leads in IFAD's external relations and outreach with the public, other donors, and client countries. The AVP closely collaborates with other Departments in discussions and dialogue on IFAD's overall external positioning, including in development policy issues and leads the prioritization of IFAD's work through engaging, convening and forging strategic partnerships with global organizations and other entities like the European Union, G7 and G20. The incumbent also cultivates relationships with civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, academia, media and think tanks, and the broader development community. They promote ideas and optimal service practice to a multi-cultural, diverse audience and set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results while being comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.

5. MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES: AVPs are accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources, human, financial and material in their Department. The key responsibilities of the Associate Vice President, CSD include:

i. Provision of Strategic Leadership and championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Direct the strategic vision and operational efficiency of the Corporate Services Department, ensuring all divisions align with IFAD's mission. Lead and champion IFAD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy, fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. Drive the department towards achieving organizational objectives through innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring a safe and secure working environment by applying United Nations security standards at headquarters and global offices.

ii. Ensuring Robust Risk Management and Compliance: Implement and oversee comprehensive internal control mechanisms to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with organizational policies and external regulations. The AVP/CSD reviews and approves recommendations made by the Chair of the Contract Review Committee (CRC) to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all contractual agreements. Oversee the implementation of the IFAD Headquarters Agreement, privileges and immunities agreements, and security services.

iii. Stewarding Financial Resources and managing Capital Budget: Oversee the prudent allocation and management of financial resources, including the capital budget through the IT Governance Committee (ITGC). Ensure financial planning and resource distribution to align with IFAD's strategic priorities, maximizing the impact of investments. Manage procurement, inventory control, and general administration, including building facility management, catering, and transport services.

iv. Leading Human Resources Development and overseeing Decentralization: Develop and implement comprehensive HR policies and strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent within IFAD. Lead the development and management of the Fund's human resources, establishing a state-of-the-art HR management environment and incentives. Oversee the IFAD2.0 decentralization initiative, ensuring effective extension of services to regional offices and providing necessary support and resources to enhance their operational capacity.

v. Driving Corporate Policy and Executive Engagement: Contribute to the formulation and execution of corporate policies and strategies. Actively participate in executive management discussions and decisions, representing CSD in high-level committees and initiatives to ensure alignment with IFAD's strategic goals and enhance the department's role in achieving these objectives. Lead the development of a conducive information and communications environment to generate strategic efficiencies and streamline workflows through the application of new effective technologies.

Within IFAD's overall Strategic Framework and Medium-Term Plans, AVPs are responsible for establishing priorities, providing leadership to departmental level programmes, overseeing of operational management activities and ensuring a results-based approach to meeting IFAD's vision and mission. They also identify and mitigate risks.

Leadership activities include the optimum planning and utilization of human, financial, technology and material resources for the achievement of greater efficiency and effectiveness.

The incumbent's impact extends beyond departmental goals and objectives to include larger organizational goals benefiting the rural poor in developing countries and impacting the organization's reputation.

Key performance indicators for AVPs include leadership in strategic planning, policy development and advice, sustainable programme decisions and integrity and accountability in resource management.

The AVP, CSD works with the Vice-President and the executive management team to establish departmental goals and strategies and overseeing their implementation to ensure IFAD's sustainability in delivering IFAD-funded programmes and projects.

Within IFAD, AVPs provide authoritative advice to senior management on the department's vision, strategic planning, policy, and divisional programme and operational management. They are accountable for collaboration and coordination within the Fund to ensure appropriate consultation, cross-functional synergy and coordination of programme planning and activities.

Externally AVPs develop strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with counterparts spanning a broad range of institutions including borrowers, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, UN agencies, funds and programmes, IFls, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions for the purpose of programme co-operation, knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and/or resource mobilization. They are also accountable for the provision of authoritative advice during Executive Management Committee (EMC) meetings, the annual Governing Council and related subordinate bodies including the audit and evaluation committees.

AVPs represent the Fund in official United Nations committees and networks, and in international financial institutions, multilateral and bilateral meetings, symposia, fora and conferences upon request of the President, and build organizational networks with peers in major private, public and international financial institutions.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, the AVP, CSD supports the President and Vice President in providing vision and oversight in the area of corporate services.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally;
• Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills;
• Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change;
• Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused culture;
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture;
• Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization;
• Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources;
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact;
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles;
• Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment.

Education:

Education includes Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://whed.net/home.php in economics, management, business administration, finance, diplomacy, communications, corporate governance, political sciences, international relations, international development law or related field is required (*):
(*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 
 

Experience:

• At least twenty (20) years of progressively responsible, relevant professional experience, including management experience within an international organization, financial institution, Multilateral Development Bank, and/or the United Nations system;
• Substantive relevant senior level experience exceeding fifteen (15) years at an international level in an institution, which could include a multi-cultural or international organization providing support on a global scope;                                                                                                                                                                              
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills to manage a complex organization with staff of diverse cultural backgrounds in multiple locations, as well as the ability to mobilise various forms of support from multi-stakeholders and partners;
• Demonstrated leadership experience with proven skills in change management, reform, organizational development and leading organizational transformations;
• Extensive and proven managerial experience with a focus on people management;
• Experience in working with tight deadlines with multiple priorities.

Languages:

• Required English (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: French, Spanish and/or Arabic

Skills:

• Advocacy: Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD's vision to external actors;
• IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work;
• Performance management: Know-how in managing performance, learning management, establishing learning plans and ensuring staff supervised meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD;
• Stakeholder management: Strong alignment capabilities and consultation skills, building on effective interactions and relationships with different stakeholders (e.g. for the co-creation of communication material with member states) and ability to build and maintain a strong network (e.g. with journalists, media outlets, etc.);
• Planning: Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources;
• Resources management: Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources;
• Change management: Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented;
• Collaboration: Successfully work toward a common goal with others by communicating clearly, actively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting different perspectives of stakeholders;
• Integrity and ethics: Strong emphasis on acting with honesty, not tolerating unethical behaviour, demonstrating equity, impartiality and sensitivity in exercising authority and interacting with staff, and other  stakeholders. Conduct must be guided by IFAD core values, the Code of conduct and a high sense of ethics;
• Leadership: Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside and outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD's core values and competencies, and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD's goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all;
• Political acumen: Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice;
• Specialized communication skills: Ability to negotiate on behalf of IFAD and drive for creative and pragmatic solutions in complex negotiations with key partners, both public and private sector;
• Strategic mindset: Proactive, ongoing identification of strategic opportunities, potential synergies and partnerships;
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language.

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

In accordance with IFAD's provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD's remuneration package, please visit IFAD's compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.  See here.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation in line with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org