Director, Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicationg rural proverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people by providing low-interest loans and grants to developing countries to finance programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocating for policies that contribute to rural transformation. 

The External Relations Department (ERD), comprising the Communications Division  (COM) and the Global Enggagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR), leads IFAD's engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization and strategic communications.

The Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization (GPR) Division has a specific focus on global engagement, partnerships (including with the private sector, foundations, bilateral and mulilateral organizations), and on driving the resource mobilization efforts with traditional and non-traditional donors and partners. Within this framework, the GPR Division addresses three main functions: 

      (i) Global engagement and mulitilateral relations;

     (ii) Strategic partnerships; and

     (iii) Replenishment and resource mobilization, including supplementary funds and blended finance.

The mission of the Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) is to enhance IFAD's contribution to inclusive and sustainable rural transformation and Agenda 2030 through strengthening global engagement, partnerships and resources mobilization.

The Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization (GPR) has the following decentralized Liaison Offices:

• The Americas Liaison Office (ALO) with 2 offices based in Washington and New York, United States of America;

• The Saudi Arabia Liaison Office (SLO) with one office based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

• The Japan Office (JLO) with one office based in Yokohama, Japan, and

• A newly established presence in Brussels (EU/BRX)

The Director GPR reports to the Associate Vice-president, ERD.

Directors are responsible for managing a division. The main focus of Director positions is strategic leadership, innovation and management. Most typically as a member of a departmental management team, they are responsible for managing and supervising the delivery of a division's programme of work within an allocated budget.

The Director, GPR, is responsible for setting IFAD’s strategic directions around : i) IFAD's corporate outreach, global engagement and multilateral relations, ii) IFAD's partnerships, in particular with key contributing countries; and iii) support for replenishment, resource mobilization, and funds oversight and management.

The incumbent is responsible for leading, managing and motivating a team of managers/senior specialists who are also supervisors, specialists and assistants, under the overall guidance and supervision of the Associate Vice-President External Relations Department (ERD).

The Director, GPR is responsible for managing the GPR division and serves on IFAD’s senior management team.

1.VISION AND STRATEGY: Directors at IFAD are responsible for developing and promoting a strategic vision that translates the Organization’s corporate and departmental mandates; strategies, goals and objectives into a divisional programme of work.  They ensure that the division’s activities are integrated with the overall Fund mandates and strategies and they participate in the design of IFAD’s strategic approaches. Directors set and communicate clear strategic and operational objectives and are held accountable for the division being seen as a credible and trusted partner in  managing for results and as an innovator in its field.

2. POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVICE: Directors provide leadership in the development and interpretation of major policies, regulations and rules, and systems that govern the work of a division and ensure they support divisional goals and objectives within the overall Fund mandates and strategies. Directors also serve as trusted business/programme advisors with a significant role in authoritative policy advice within the Fund at the senior management level as well as in policy dialogue in their representational activities.

3.PROGRAME MANAGEMENT: Directors provide leadership in (a) all phases of the division’s medium term planning and management, including operational requirements such as (i) establishing annual work plans, (ii) ensuring regular programme assessment and (iii) identifying opportunities for innovation and implementation of best practices generated within the Fund as well as in peer organizations, both private and public; (b) reviewing and innovating core processes of the division in order to achieve better efficiency and effectiveness, as well as financial sustainability, of operations; (c) enhancing synergy among divisional staff and holding staff accountable for results and (d) ensuring the preparation of all divisional publications, reports and governing bodies documents.

4. MANAGEMENT  OF RESOURCES: Directors are responsible for ensuring the transparent, equitable, and efficient management of IFAD's resources, including human, financial, and material resources. This includes managing staff through workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, and career development. Directors are also responsible for managing the division's budget, ensuring accountability and integrity. Additionally, they are responsible for managing material resources and promoting knowledge and content management to achieve innovative outcomes and cost-effective processes. Directors also leverage information technology to improve business results, reporting processes, and client services.

5. REPRESENTATION: Directors serve as designated representatives of the Fund. They catalyse effective partnerships with a broad range of institutions including borrowers, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, UN agencies, funds and programmes, international financial institutions (IFls), non-governmental organizations and academic  institutions  for the purpose of programme co-operation,  knowledge sharing,  policy dialogue and/or resource mobilization. Directors represent the Fund in official United Nations committees and networks, and in IFls, multilateral and bilateral meetings, symposia, fora and Global conferences upon request of the President, and build organizational networks with peers in major private, public and international institutions.

The key responsibilities for the Director, GPR include:

1. Global Engagement and Strategic Visibility

   • Lead IFAD’s global engagement agenda to enhance the Fund’s global visibility and influence, fostering increased engagement with multilateral institutions, private sector entities, and international fora, including within the UN and the G7 and G20 processes.

   • Expand and strengthen strategic partnerships to support IFAD’s mission, leveraging synergies with other development actors to maximize impact.

2. Strategic Positioning and Advocacy

   • In collaboration with the Communications Division and other relevant departments, oversee the management and strategic positioning of IFAD’s mission and priorities.

   • Ensure the delivery of impactful messages (through briefings and presentations) in high level events and meetings with key stakeholders, reinforcing IFAD’s role and agenda in global forums and discussions.

3. Resource Mobilization and Replenishment

   • Lead IFAD’s replenishment processes, focusing on maximizing resource availability for developing countries to finance their rural development agendas.

   • Develop and implement innovative resource mobilization strategies, including engagement with traditional and non-traditional donors, private sector investors, philanthropic organizations and climate finance mechanisms, among others.

   • In collaboration with the Environment and Climate Division, drive efforts to mobilize climate finance, integrating climate resilience and sustainability into IFAD’s financing and operations.

   • Foster partnerships with the private sector to unlock new funding sources and promote sustainable agricultural practices and rural development initiatives.

4. Supplementary Funds and Financial Innovation

   • Explore and secure supplementary funds from diverse sources, including Member States, philanthropic organizations, international funds, and private entities.

   • Promote financial innovation within IFAD, encouraging the development of new financial instruments and funding mechanisms to support rural development goals.

5. Political and Strategic Partnerships

   • Strengthen IFAD’s political engagement, building alliances with key stakeholders, including governments, international financial and development organizations, other UN organizations, Rome-based Agencies, and civil society.

   • Represent IFAD in strategic negotiations and high-level dialogues, advocating for policies and initiatives that support rural development and poverty reduction.

6. Management and Institutional Agility¿¿¿

   • Facilitate problem-solving and troubleshoot institutional challenges to enhance agility and responsiveness.

   • Promote a culture of innovation within IFAD, encouraging the adoption of new approaches and innovations to improve operational efficiency and impact.

Directors establish IFAD's priorities and provide leadership to division level programme and operational management activities, ensuring a results-based approach to meeting assigned goals and objectives.

Leadership activities include leadership in viable strategic planning, authoritative and relevant policy development and advice, sustainable programme decisions and integrity and accountability in the planning and management of the Fund's human, financial and material resources assigned to the division.

As Director, GPR, specific KPIs will include successfully achieving divisional goals and objectives to include larger departmental goals and objectoves in strategic collaboration. The expected results directly and/or indirectly benefit the ultimate stakeholders, rural poor in developing countries.

The incumbent has specific perfomance expectations on advancing IFAD's overall global policy engagement, resource mobilization and strategic partnerships.

Directors are responsible for building and maintaining strong working relationships both within and outside of IFAD. Internally, Directors provide strategic advice to senior management and collaborate with other divisions to ensure effective coordination of programme planning and activities. Externally, Directors develop strategic partnerships with a range of institutions, including borrowers, development agencies, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations, for the purpose of programme cooperation, knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and resource mobilization. Directors also represent IFAD in official committees, meetings, and conferences, and build organizational networks with peers in major private, public, and international financial institutions. PMD Directors have additional responsibility for ensuring a “one team” approach to operations across divisions.

The Director, GPR works in close collaboration and coordination with the AVP, External Relations Department and the Director of the Communications Division, as well s the Office of the President, members of IFAD Senior Management, Directors and other senior officials to jointly deliver corporate results.

Organizational Competencies - Level 2

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership

• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change

• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture

• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture

• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact

• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources

• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment

• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills

• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally

• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively

Education

• Level - Advanced university degree

• Areas - economics, public policy, international relations or any other relevant field from an accredited institution

      Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php .

Work Experience

• At least (12) years of progressively responsible professional experience in global engagement, partnership[s or resource mobilization within an international organization, financial institution, Multilateral Development Bank, and /or the Unites Nations system, with a proven track record of global reach and impact

• Seven (7) years experience in leading in a multi-lateral work environment with a global scope;

• Demonstrated experience and ability at leading and managing diverse, multicultural teams, preferably in an international financial institution through a combination of corporate and field-based experience. Proven experience in the development of replenishment processes with international organizations would represent a strong asset.

• Significant experience in resource mobilization, including the development and implementation of strategies to secure funding from a variety of sources such as bilateral donors, private sector, climate funds, and philanthropic organizations.

• Proven experience in engaging with the private sector and/or securing climate finance, demonstrating the ability to bring in diverse actors into funding strategies and projects.

• Strong background in strategic advocacy and policy influence, with experience representing organizations at high-level international forums and in negotiations, fostering strategic alliances with key stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, financial institutions, private sector, and other actors.

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent)

• Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 – Good)

Skills

• 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; 4

• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice 4

• Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks and conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented 4

• Planning, Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources 4

• Advocacy, Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD’s vision and strategic priorities to external actors 4

• Policy dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner;  effective consultations with IFAD counterparts — line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society 4

• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation) 4

• Strategy implementation, Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions 4

• 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) 4

• Confidentiality and Discretion, Establishes self and division as trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by maintaining high level of discretion and confidentiality in assignments; demonstrates sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters; drives good governance and is a "Culture Carrier" demonstrating IFAD institutional conscience through 4

• 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 4

• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD’s activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies;  (e.g. reputational) 4

• Resources Management, Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources 3

• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management 3

Position Specific Skills::

• Resource mobilization, Know-how in resource mobilization strategies (including marketing and communication) for IFI, international public bodies and within the UN; 4

• UN and IFI documentation & processes, Knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, regulations and guidelines on document processing and distribution within the UN and other IFIs; 4

• Marketing, Know-how in marketing and communication resource mobilization strategies for IFIs and international public bodies; 4

• Partnership building, resource mobilisation, knowledge management and project management skills, with the ability to formulate new approaches or identify new opportunities to build relationships with both traditional and non-traditional partners, focusing on impact and results.

• Performance management:   Know-how in managing performance so that staff supervised deliver on the agreed objectives and meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD.  Is proficient in establishing clear performance goals (operational and behavioural) and learning plans as well as in evaluating the performance of staff against the set goals; 4

• 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.); 4

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 and official travel on behalf of the Fund to any part of the world at any time, in line with business needs, strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD. The definite set-up of the Private Sector Operations Division is being finalized and is subject to organizational adjustments. Further details will be communicated to selected candidates during the recruitment process.

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 the 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 IFAD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and IFAD policy to preventing and responding 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