Prog. Delivery Risk Analyst

Organizational context

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. 

Post's organizational accountability

The newly established Office of Enterprise Risk Management (RMO) is a dynamic, strategic and responsive service provider, leading IFAD's second line of defense by fully supporting the management of all risks across the organization. The RMO implements, monitors, and maintains an efficient and effective Enterprise Risk Management programme, supporting IFAD's strategic vision and mandate. The RMO aims to enable better informed risk taking by using consistent risk management best practices across the organization to achieve the Fund's objectives in the long-term and deliver on its development commitments. The Office is responsible for oversight and monitoring of risk exposures and enabling clear reporting of IFAD's risk profile.

The Programme Delivery Risk Analyst (P2) reports to the the Lead Programme Delivery Risk (PDR) Officer under the overall strategic guidance of the Director & Chief Risk Officer, RMO and will work in the programme delivery risk team or function. The Programme Delivery Risk Analyst’s accountabilities/key results include:

• Contribution to and support on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
• Change Agent
• Managerial Functions

Key results expected / Major functional activities

Under the supervision of Lead Programme Delivery Risk Officer  RMO, the Programme Delivery Risk Analyst will have a definite role in the following functional activities:

Contribution to and Support on the ERM:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of IFAD's risk management function. S/he provides support in continual risk assessment i) development of comprehensive risk policies, frameworks and guidelines, and ii) implementation of risk management strategies and processes.
• Contribute to  the implementation of the ERM framework for programme delivery risk
• Contribute to and enhance the collaboration and coordination with relevant functions and departments across the Fund on matters of programme delivery risk, including, but not limited to, the Programme Management Department and the Strategy and Knowledge Department.
• Provide support to the Lead PDR Officer on corporate risk management policy and strategy, by providing support and technical advice on all matters related to programme delivery risk at IFAD, and by liaising with relevant functions and departments across the Fund on matters of programme delivery risk.

AGENT OF CHANGE

S/he will advocate and apply the principles of change management and proactively serve as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. At this level, the incumbent manages change through consultations with his/her supervisor and other IFAD offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes.

MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS

S/he will maintain integrity, transparency, and fairness in performing the assigned tasks, and will provide oversight and guidance, if and when delegated by the Lead Officer, on any junior or internship staff. Will ensure integrity as well as correctly utilize and supervise the right use of equipment and supplies.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

The Programme Delivery Risk Analyst works in an independent and rigorous risk management function. S/he works within a framework of broad policies, principles, and goals, applying a high degree of autonomy in selection of work methods in consultation with the Lead Officer.

The key results from this role have impact on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of risk management at IFAD, as well as the successful establishment and implementation of risk policies and standards to accompany the new organizational architecture and business model for IFAD 11 and beyond. The key performance indicators include efficient performance of assigned responsibilities, technical quality, and team working characteristics.

Representation / Work relationships

Work relationships for the Programme Delivery Risk Analyst involve the provision of cooperation in programme delivery risk advice, including to Lead Programme Delivery Risk Officer and, when required, to the Director & CRO.

The Analyst may represent the Unit on related matters at internal and external meetings, as requested by the Lead Programme Delivery Risk Officer or the CRO.

Internally, the role requires interdepartmental communication on subjects relating to programme delivery risks. The Programme Delivery Risk Analyst will use his/her experience on programme delivery policy and risk management to ensure overall oversight and adherence to IFAD's policies and procedures. Work relationships will extend throughout the organization.

Externally, the Programme Delivery Risk Analyst may be requested to liaise with other multilateral development banks and relevant institutions in the sharing of information and knowledge on policies, methodologies, and related techniques in risk management. 

Competencies

Organizational

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change (Level 1)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture (Level 1)
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture (Level 1)
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact (Level 1)
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources (Level 1)
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment (Level 1).
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills (Level 1)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally (Level 1)
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively (Level 1).

Technical/Functional

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of risk management and financial analysis. A good understanding of the risk landscape for International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
• Championing of IFAD's values: results-orientation, professionalism, respect and integrity.
• Technical expertise in analysing business processes and proven ability to understand properly the intricacies of an institution's risk exposures.
• Familiarity with the designing and analysing risk self-assessment checklists and/or scorecards.
• Strong analytical capabilities with a good eye for detail, demonstrated familiarity with risk indicators and risk taxonomies.
• Ability to exercise good degree of independent judgment and initiative in analysing complex issues with the ability to identify, assess and suggest options for mitigating project risks.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Skill in conducting technical research and in the identification of innovative solutions to emerging issues.
• Ability to share technical guidance/knowledge as well as to inspire junior specialists and programme staff in the development of viable programme activities.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in the field of specialization, or its equivalent. The advanced degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in the above-mentioned subjects plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience outlined below.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of solid professional experience in high pressure and complex environments / matrix organisations.
• Knowledge of inter-agency relations within the UN System and with international financial institutions or multinational development banks is an asset

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

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

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