Head of Regional Support

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 Financial Operations Department (FOD) is a dynamic, strategic and responsive business partner responsible to set and implement IFAD's financial strategy and manage its financial and material resources. FOD ensures that IFAD's resources are efficiently, economically and effectively used to achieve the Fund's objectives in the long-term, safeguarding IFAD's financial sustainability, and delivering on its development commitments. FOD is led by the Associate Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and is comprised of three (3) divisions: the Treasury Services Division (TRE), the Financial Controller's Division (FCD) and the Procurement and Financial Management Division (PFM) and a Development Finance (DF) team. 

The Procurement and Financial Management Division (PFM) ensures a robust fiduciary system across IFAD operations, identifying and mitigating project procurement and project financial management risks through rigorous processes and controls.

The PFM Division supports IFAD's development effectiveness through a twofold mandate: (i) to provide assurance that the funds provided by IFAD are used for the intended purpose; and (ii) to assist country teams and client countries to ensure robust procurement and financial management arrangements in all project designs, providing a proactive support to resolve implementation issues, building and strengthening national Procurement and Financial Management (PFM) systems and capacity, and to drive an increased use of national systems.

The Head of Regional Support leads IFAD's regional procurement, financial management and operational support functions, ensuring the delivery of timely, practical and risk-based support to regional and country teams across the programme portfolio. The incumbent provides strategic direction, management oversight and technical leadership to regional fiduciary staff, promotes consistent application of policies and professional standards, and supports the resolution of complex implementation challenges. The role is jointly accountable with Regional Directors, Country Directors and technical teams for improving portfolio performance, implementation effectiveness and fiduciary outcomes, fostering a culture of shared ownership, collective problem-solving and results-focused delivery. The Head of Regional Support monitors emerging portfolio risks, directs support and resources to priority areas, strengthens collaboration between headquarters and regional teams, and supports the Divisional Director on regional delivery trends, resource deployment and organizational priorities.

The incumbent works in close collaboration with senior technical staff at the Department of Country Operations, Office of Technical Delivery and the Regional Directors to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of procurement, financial management and disbursement support by the regional and HQ-based PFM teams and provision of programme development support. In particular, the incumbent provides overall strategic, policy and management guidance to the Director PFM and mentors senior Procurement Officers and Finance Officers/ Team leads to help operationalize policy decisions. 

Position specific:

As a key member of the PFM leadership team, the Head of Regional Support will contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the Division, foster a strong and inclusive organizational culture, and uphold the vision and values that guide the work and impact of the PFM team and to realise the objectives of the recent PFM recalibration process.

1. DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGY AND POLICY: The incumbent supports the Divisional Director in implementing its modernization agenda and in leading the continuous evolution of PFM's operating model, promoting simplified, principles-based approaches, digital enablement and stronger integration between procurement, financial management and disbursement (collectively, referred to as fiduciary) and operational delivery functions. The incumbent proactively develops principle-based and risk-based strategic responses to the on-going evolution of the operational model of the Fund, including new financing products, emerging fiduciary challenges in the client countries and new financing sources. Performing this role effectively will require strong change management skills and the ability to productively and collaboratively engage with and consult colleagues in other Divisions, both formally and informally.The incumbent is accountable for leading and managing medium to long-term procurement and financial management strategies, reforms and innovations to strengthen IFAD's project fiduciary oversight capacity for its full Program of Work and to support the development of capacities of relevant country fiduciary institutions and project management units, giving due consideration to harmonization and alignment with work done by donor partners in this area. On occasions the incumbent will also be tasked to dialogue with senior officers in client governments on matters relating to best practices and international standards in public procurement management and public financial management. 

2. EXPERTISE IN PROCUREMENT, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND DISBURSEMENT: The incumbent helps drive the modernization of fiduciary practices through the use of data, technology and risk-based professional judgement to improve operational effectiveness and project outcomes. The incumbent serves as an expert in procurement and financial management, and is a credible, trusted business partner, supporting the Director in developing the Fund's fiduciary strategy as applicable to the global Program of Work of the Fund. The incumbent provides authoritative advice to improve the quality of fiduciary policy analysis, policy development and strategic thinking with a particular focus on COSOPs, project designs and implementation. The incumbent has expertise and knowledge of relevant international standards in these functions, including relevant international diagnostic instruments and methodologies. Prior experience and knowledge of best practices in these areas will be key to providing functional leadership and authoritative guidance to team members and supporting the Division's performance. The incumbent will also occasionally provide authoritative advice to Senior Management on Project procurement and financial management.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND POLICY DIALOGUE: The incumbent develops and maintains a network of peer contacts and partners outside IFAD to keep abreast of recent developments and trends and facilitate sharing of information, knowledge exchanges, positioning IFAD in the global arena, and joint advocacy to enhance the Fund's profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. The incumbent will also occasionally participate in consultative groups with other Multilateral Development Banks and financial institutions relevant to Divisional work, to facilitate cross learning and harmonization of fiduciary policies and practices. The incumbent builds strategic partnerships across operational, technical, and corporate functions to promote shared accountability for project delivery, fiduciary performance, and institutional change objectives.

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent supports the Divisional Director in leading the cultural and organizational change required to implement the PFM modernization agenda, fostering collaboration, innovation, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across geographically dispersed teams. Maintaining open and productive communications with team members will be critical to ensure that they remain motivated; client relationships are sound and support to Country Operations is provided in a timely and efficient manner. For PFM to deliver on the Divisional objectives and work plans, the incumbent will need to regularly monitor staff workload and adjust this as needed and feasible. An important attribute is an ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, perspectives on technical matters and viewpoints of the Division to internal and external stakeholders, with an open stance on feedback provided. The incumbent champions the development of a high-performing professional community by strengthening technical capabilities, fostering innovation, and embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. The incumbent contributes to recruitment of staff, and can coach, mentor and motivate them, identify staff capacity development needs, and evaluate their performance. In addition, the incumbent sets an example for ethical behaviour, integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of Division's work plan and the Fund's mandate, ensuring a client focused problem-solving approach, in particular ensuring strong support to the regional divisions and other operational and technical divisions and project staff.

5. KEY RESULTS IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND DISBURSEMENTS: The incumbent promotes more efficient and client-focused financial management and disbursement practices by leveraging systems improvements, automation and risk-based approaches to oversight and support. The incumbent has primary responsibility for developing annual and medium-term work plans for the Division's regional teams, comprising the global portfolio of IFAD's Program or Work, and developing appropriate KPIs. The incumbent supervises the implementation of these work plans by the regional teams, from design stage through implementation to completion, ensuring compliance with institutional and Divisional policies and procedures, in particular including the underlying risk-based assurance framework and related procedures. In addition, the incumbent provides oversight of financial management and disbursement activities undertaken by Borrowers/Recipients in the context of IFAD-financed projects to ensure that these are conducted effectively and efficiently and are consistent with applicable corporate policies and guidelines. Regular monitoring and reporting of KPIs to reflect the Division's work plans will be arranged, including analytical reports, for the benefit of Divisional and Departmental management. Occasionally and as needed, undertake analytical work to highlight portfolio performance on fiduciary aspects, using data and information available internally or externally. The incumbent will maintain close liaison with other Divisions on matters relating to lending terms and provide timely guidance to regional teams of PFM.

6. KEY RESULTS IN PROJECT PROCUREMENT: The incumbent provides overall strategic direction for the development of IFAD's project procurement oversight function, ensuring that procurement activities undertaken by Borrowers/Recipients in the context of IFAD-financed projects are conducted effectively and efficiently and are consistent with applicable corporate policies and guidelines. The incumbent champions modern procurement approaches that strengthen implementation support, increase efficiency, enhance transparency and support value-for-money outcomes throughout the project lifecycle. The incumbent is accountable for leading and managing medium to long-term strategies, reforms and innovations to strengthen IFAD's project procurement oversight capacity and to support the development of national procurement capacities, giving due consideration to harmonization and alignment with internationally accepted practices for public procurement. She/he provides authoritative advice and guidance to management as well as to procurement and other operational staff on strategic and complex operational procurement issues. The incumbent participates in the design of IFAD's corporate strategic approaches and ensure that procurement considerations are fully integrated in the design of assigned activities. 

7. QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE: The incumbent strategically guides the organization, function and delivery of project fiduciary oversight and support services across IFAD's portfolio, ensuring appropriate fiduciary and quality controls, and consistent application of IFAD's project procurement and financial management standards by PFM staff and consultants. The incumbent oversees the transition from compliance-driven review processes towards a more risk-based and principles-driven assurance framework that strengthens accountability while supporting timely project delivery. 

8. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING: The incumbent contributes towards the development of practical guidance, learning programmes and communities of practice that support adoption of new operating models, emerging technologies and tools, and ways of working across the global PFM function. 

The incumbent ensures access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation, strengthen regional and national technical capacity and lead the preparation of knowledge products and advisory partnerships as well as coordinating knowledge dissemination and learning processes for enhanced capacity building of both IFAD staff and client project staff. The incumbent will serve as resource person reaching out beyond IFAD regional divisions to partners in development and stakeholders at the corporate and global level.

9. IMPLEMENTATION OF RECALIBRATION ACTIONS: The incumbent acts, in collaboration with the Divisional Director, as a senior change leader for the modernization programme, ensuring effective implementation of organizational, process, technology and workforce reforms while maintaining business continuity and service excellence. 

The incumbent uses authoritative professional expertise and technical leadership in defining, proposing, revising and/or enhancing programmes or policies for PFM and the Fund, innovating and adapting them to the evolving operational model of the Fund.

The incumbent works in an independent and rigorous risk management function. The incumbent works within a framework of broad policies, principles and goals, applying a high degree of autonomy in selection of work methods. The incumbent's responsibilities also include managing and participating in key decision-making processes and leading the development of innovative approaches to improve fiduciary practices in IFAD's global portfolio and Program of Work,including complex fiduciary contexts, by providing authorative advice on best practices.

The KPIs include delivery of Divisional objectives and work plans, on both the fiduciary performance of the portfolio and efficient performance of assigned corporate tasks. Successful implementation of the approved recalibration action plan will be a key performance indicator.

The incumbent manages professional and general service staff and other professionals as relevant and leads to improved relevant policies and procedures. Contacts extend throughout the organization at all levels and include Regional Office management, internal auditors and Evaluation Officers, colleagues from technical and service Divisions. Demonstrated aptitude to deal with other professional colleagues both within and outside the Division with maturity,cultural sensitivityand professional integrity will be an important attribute.

Work in close collaboration with Regional Directors of DCO, Country Directors, procurement colleagues within PFM and other program management and technical staff to ensure cohesion,consistencyandsynergyin the application of technical and program development / implementation support.

Externally, work relationships require collaboration, coordination and partnership building with local counterparts and external stakeholders, including staff from governments, specialized agencies, host agencies, Borrowers and Cooperating institutions, external auditors, and others, to ensure the effective implementation of financial rules and procedures, with particular reference to the use of donor funding through contacts with Borrowers and donor institutions. In particular, the incumbent will be called to represent IFAD in complex and precedent-setting or sensitive cases. The incumbent will also represent IFAD and PFM in global technical fora and be in direct contact with external auditors and counterparts in other IFI and UN organizations.

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

• Teamwork: 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 with clients

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

• Diplomacy in managing relationships with internal / external clientsand managing conflicts that may arise, to derive negotiated outcomes that are in the best interest of the Division and the Fund.

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. 

• Areas - Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, Finance.

• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on .

Certifications:
 

• Professional qualification of finance, accounting, auditing and development financing or similar professional qualification including Chartered Accountancy,CPA, or equivalent from an internationally recognized Institute or a professional certification in public procurement is mandatory.

Work experience:

• At least ten years of relevant international professional experience in private or public sector, with progressive growth in responsibilities, in financial management (accounting, auditing, finance, financial analysis,) and in project administration in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

• Experience with an international financial institution, audit firm, NGO with global outreach or other relevant institution would be an asset.

Languages:

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

Skills:

Position specific: 

• Big picture thinking, able to understand the Fund's strategic initiatives and helping develop PFM's operational strategies and work plans; provide overall strategic, policy and management guidance to PFM Director.

• Advocacy: Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD's vision to external actors.

• 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.).

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

• Innovation and technology: Strong track record of driving innovation and organisational change, including the effective use of digital technologies, data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve portfolio performance, simplify business processes and strengthen client-focused support. 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. 

• 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. This will be in addition to excellent written and verbal communication, strong ability to use communication as a main tool in profession, including for preparing analytical reports; clear, succinct, and convincing written communication; highly professional, balanced, and diplomatic language.

• Excellent awareness and understanding of procurement procedures, rules and regulations as are applied in donor financed operations.

• Financial reporting & accounting, reasonable know-how in financial accounting and reporting, standards, loan credit risk, financial management regulations, policies, rules and procedures applicable to international financing institutions (IFIs). 

• Clear understanding of internationalauditing standards and best practicesand ability to analyse audit reports.

• Strong knowhow of public sector accounting and reporting standards and good practices in public revenue and expenditure management, including internationally acceptable diagnostic instruments that assess performance in these areas.

• Project financial management, excellent know-how in project financial management, e.g. internal controls, rural investments, project audit and funds flows.

• Data management: Data collection, cleaning, transformation and consolidation; data presentation.

• Financial crime, working knowledge of 3rd party integrity due diligence, KYC, AML, CFT, PEPs, anti-fraud/corruption and compliance standards, practices and application of industry standard tools and monitoring including professional judgment; Internal policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of risk management concepts and best practices, including latest international developments.

• People management, assessing staff performance against KPIs, ability to assess staff capacities and development needs, providing clear feedback on performance, guiding and motivating staff to improve individual and collective performance. 

• 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.

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

• Client orientation, very strong critical thinking combined with communication skills to liaise between the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions. 

• Development finance, know-how in lending terms, financial policies including pricing, concessionally and resource allocation.

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 in line with its and the . 

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