Role Description

* This is a two-year fixed-term co-terminus position. A co-terminus fixed-term appointment is an IFAD employment contract externally funded (supplementary funded, funded by trust funds in administration or other), strictly limited in duration to the funding of the position, where appointment and extension is conditional on the availability of resources and limited to the externally funded assignment. A co-terminus appointment shall not exceed the duration of the specific assignment and/or project outlined in the letter of appointment and does not carry any expectation, legal or otherwise, or conversion, irrespective of the length of service. There is no guarantee of renewal or conversion into another kind of contract. 

The Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD's strategic direction, thematic priorities and technical quality of IFAD’s operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating  and  disseminating IFAD’s development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes, and encouraging innovative application of cutting-edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to support countries tackle their most complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. SKD is composed of the (i) Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG); the (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI); and the (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).

PMI provides technical support to IFAD Country Programs to ensure the proper application of corporate quality standards required for achieving development results and impact in key thematic areas, including food production systems (i.e. fisheries, livestock, and agronomy), land, natural resources management, water and rural infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, rural markets and enterprises, ICT4D and rural institutions. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD projects and activities. PMI also leads IFAD’s non sovereign private sector investment activities. 

The Private Sector Advisory and Implementation Unit (PAI) was created to lead IFAD’s Non sovereign private sector investment operations (NSOs) and host and coordinate various initiatives aimed at leveraging additional private sector investments for smallholder agriculture in alignment with IFAD Strategic Framework 2015-2025 and its Private Sector Engagement Strategy 2019-2024 (PSS). 

The Global Technical Specialist (Private sector Investment) works under the overall strategic, policy and management advice, and supervision of the Head, Private Sector Advisory and Implementation, PAI.
 

The Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) is an expert in his/her thematic specialization. S/He provides technical expertise and strategic guidance at the corporate level and all stages of design, development, monitoring and evaluation of IFAD’s private sector investments. 

Under the supervision of the Head, Private Sector Advisory and Implementation Unit (PAI), the incumbent has a gloal technical role in private investment covering IFAD’s 5 regional divisions. S/He works collaboratively with the thematic Technical Specialists in SKD, Country Directors and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of private sector operation and activities. 

The Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) contributes to  a.) the delivery of IFAD’s private sector investment activities (Non Sovereign private sector Operations-NSOss) and any new relevant initiatives emanating from the PSS into IFAD's operations at both HQ and hub-levels; b.) the delivery of complex investment and financial structures; c.) acts as professional technical expert; d.) PAI unit work plan and all activities related with global engagement and partnerships related to PAI's work stream. S/he works collaboratively with other staff in the PAI Unit and with other experts in the PMI Division and in the rest of IFAD. When required, represents IFAD externally and develops and manages relationships with clients, donors, institutional and private investors, government, media, and other stakeholders.

1.TECHNICAL ADVICE IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT: The Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) will work closely with country directors, technical specialists and Hub directors on the origination, screening, structuring and delivery of IFAD Non-Sovereign private sector operations (NSOs) which could entail both direct funding and indirect through financial intermediaries. Main accountabilities include:   

• Work with the Programme Management Department to develop a pipeline of potential NSO investments (including both regular and blended finance operations), notably NSOs promoting job creation, women economic empowerment and those supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate  change 
• Screen potential NSOs both in terms of development impact and financial soundness, structure and lead the drafting of investment proposals and support PAI Head throughout the internal review process to seek Board Approval; ensure post approval management and supervision 
• Lead with various key divisions at IFAD to ensure efficient and effective review, development and implementation ofthe NSOs
• Lead relationship with private sector partners in close coordination with PAI Head, country directors and Hub directors 
• Lead field and due diligence missions at all stages of the project cycle, including during design, due diligence, implementation and monitoring and  undertaking implementation support missions, including supervision of NSOs

2. SUPPORT THE DELIVERY AND REPORTING OF PAI UNIT WORK PROGRAM 

• Assist PAI head in the delivery of the PAI Unit work plan; to build synergies and capacity to ensure close coordination and collaboration among the various  teams
• Assist PAI head to respond in an adaptive manner to the evolving priorities and opportunities around and within IFAD and the various initiative external partners
• Support or lead the PAI Special Initiatives
   

3. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) will ensure country-level access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation on Private Sector investments and establish new knowledge and partnerships.   
Accountabilities include:
a.    Lead and Contribute to the development of reelvant policies and procedures, guidelines, monitoring tools, etc..
b.    Leads and Contributes to the development and delivery of training modules focused on developing high performing high impact PS programs;
c.    Participate in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and develop appropriate technical and operations on private sector.
d.    Perform other activities necessary to implement IFADs private sector engagement strategy.
e.    Develop lessons learnt on NSOs. 
f.    Oversee sepcial initiatives and programs hosted by PAI

4. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The Global Technical Specialist helps mobilize resources and build reelvant partnerships. Accountabilities may include: 

• Developing partnerships and outreach activities as well as new relationships with DFIs, impact investors, foundations and corporate partners to expand resources, market  and income opportunities for smallholders 
• Ensure IFAD’s representation and communication in technical issues (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences fora)
• Mobilising new resources for IFAD, PSFP and co-fianncing for NSOs in collaboration with the GPR, through partnerships and outreach activities

5. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The Technical Specialist contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of NSOs. Accountabilities may include: 
a.    Developing and monitoring results framework for NSO ; 
b.    Implementing performance monitoring systems and new approaches to performance and NSOs portfolio monitoring; and 
c.    Preparing analytical findings and reports for divisional and country-level decision making on project viability and sustainability. 

6. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Global Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources , including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised. He/she may also be asked to supervise work of external consultants and more junior staff. 

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for programs, projects and initiatives related to private sector investments, as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts.

The work involves both technical analysis and provision of inputs to projects, programs and initiatives, knowledge sharing among peers and counterparts to enhance cooperation, complementarity and synergy and monitoring and evaluation to measure and report on lessons learned and best practices.

The work is requiring speciliazed technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating as a Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) at the country or regional levels, the incumbent work will be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan. 

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise in the private sector.

The work relationships of Global Technical Specialist (Private Sector Investment) involves the provision of technical advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in private sector project design and appraisal, supervision/implementation support and in the preparation of studies and reports. S/he serves as an expert in private sector investments and works with full technical independence in the provision of technical expertise and methodological guidance at the country level, as well as regionally as required.  Contacts are with counterparts and senior officials within other DFIs, United Nations organizations having related programmes and with officials of governments, private sector and foundations, non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations, impact investors.

In servicing inter-governmental bodies, expert groups and other meetings, the including both regular and blended finance operations provides  technical  expertise  and  recommendations for  policy  formulation  and  official  conclusions  in  a consultative capacity; s/he also may provide information regarding the organization's policies, and act as the representative of the organization. Contacts are maintained to identify and evaluate emerging developments.

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients - Focuses on clients
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff -
• Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field (*):
• Areas - finance, financial engineering, economics, accounting, business management, or related field

(*) Note: For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures

Experience:

• At least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in the management, review or structuring of private sector investment projects/NSOs and facilities in the agriculture sector involving loan, equity and/or guarantee investments, with demonstrated sound business judgement; 
• Two (2) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
  
  Position-specific experience:  
• Knowledge of key agriculture and small-scale producers development finance debates and forums. 
• Ability to work in autonomous manner and to write recommendations in a succinct and clear manner.
• Ability to represent IFAD externally and to develop and manage relationships with clients, donors, institutional and private investors, government, media, and other stakeholders
• The following experience would be an asset: Experience in structuring and deploying blended and climate finance investments. Experience advising IFIs or development institutions in the area of private sector investment and organization efficiency. 

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent) 
• Desirable: French, Spanish and/or Arabic (3 – Good) 
• Position-specific requirement: Fluency in one of the desirable languages is considered a strong asset.

Skills:

• Specialized communication skills: Technical know-how relevant to the specific communication role considered (e.g. communication planning, building and maintaining media relations, video production, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management, internal communication and events management)
• Development finance: Know-how in debt, lending terms, financial policies including pricing, concessionality and resource allocation
• Adaptability: Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Corporate approach: Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one's area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)
• Problem solving: Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies
• Synthesis: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• Written communication: Clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Private Sector Investment: Expertise in assessing private sector investment proposals, review of transactions and complex facilities and interventions using regular and blended finance, conducting due diligence, and recommending financial/investment decisions accordingly; Proven expertise in deploying financial instruments
• Project/Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation

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

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.

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. 

Staff members holding an IFAD fixed-term or indefinite appointment are eligible to apply to this co-terminus position with their employment terms and conditions, including contractual status, remaining unchanged. Given that the funding of this position is strictly limited in duration and conditional on the availability of supplementary funds, should the funding finish, the position will be abolished and the staff member will be subject to the relevant provisions foreseen in the HR Implementing Procedures.