Director, ECG

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 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).

ECG takes the lead in mainstreaming cross-cutting themes of environment and climate, nutrition, gender, youth, and indigenous peoples into IFAD's portfolio, to strengthen the quality of IFAD’s operations and achieve improved impacts in these areas. It contributes to the generation of evidence and knowledge on these cross[1]cutting themes, and facilitates their use in IFAD projects and activities. ECG also provides guidance and support to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women, indigenous peoples and rural youth, into IFAD operations. In addition, IFAD competitively sources and manages environment and climate change global finance, which it uses to help mainstream environmental sustainability and climate change resilience into its regular agricultural development work. Some examples are the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF), the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), the Adaptation Trust Fund and IFAD’s Adaptation For Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP). 

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Associate Vice-President of Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD), the Director will lead, manage and motivate a team of managers/senior specialists who are also supervisors, specialists and assistants. 

The position is located in the Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) division.

Directors are responsible for managing a Fund division or office and serve on IFAD's senior management team. 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.

Position specifics: The Director provides authoritative advice to senior management on ECG’s vision, strategic planning, policy, and divisional programme and operational management related to Environment and Climate, Gender, Nutrition, Youth, Indigenous People and other relevant social inclusion areas of the work of the division. He/She is accountable for collaboration and coordination within the Fund to ensure appropriate consultation, cross-functional synergy and coordination of programme planning and activities.

1.VISION & STRATEGY: Directors develop and promote a strategic vision for translating IFAD’s corporate and departmental mandates; strategies, goals and objectives into a divisional programme of work and for ensuring evolving divisional programme activities are integrated in the evolution of departmental goals and objectives. They participate in the design of IFAD’s and departmental strategic approaches and ensure that corporate strategies are fully integrated in the design of assigned activities. 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 & 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 a 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 accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources (human, financial and material). This includes: People Management through workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, learning and career management of P and GS staff:
(a) Identifies best qualified candidates for vacancies, with appropriate regard for gender balance and geographic distribution;
(b) Motivates, coaches and supports staff of the division, wherever they are located, to create cohesive teams that work effectively to achieve common divisional goals and objectives;
(c) Manages staff performance and development through regular performance feedback, mentoring and career planning. 
Divisional Budget Management by leading divisional strategic and data inputs into the departmental budget preparation exercises and by ensuring accountability and fiduciary integrity in the Division’s budget execution; 
(i) Material Resources Management through accountability for the material resources assigned to the Division.
(ii) Knowledge and Content Management to achieve innovative outcomes and cost effective processes as well as to promote the generation, validation and dissemination of knowledge by ensuring (a) knowledge content is continuously updated and available, (b) best practices are continuously identified, documented and distributed and (c) appropriate and up-to-date information and tools are available as appropriate. 
(iii) Information Technology Management through leveraging ERP functionality for improved 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 represents 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 builds organizational networks with peers in major private, public and international institutions.

Position specifics: 

6. STARTEGIC LEADERSHIP: The Director, ECG contributes significantly to resource mobilization efforts for additional funding beyond IFAD’s regular resources related to the mainstreaming themes (environment, climate, gender, social inclusion, nutrition, youth employment). In particular the Director is responsible for mobilizing, managing and reporting on funds from supplemental sources. The Director ECG also manages IFAD’s new Rural Resilience Programme composed of the ASAP+, the GCF, Great Green Wall Umbrella Programme and the Sustainability, Stability and Security (3S) Initiative in Africa).  
The Director is responsible for managing a technical team that serve as project delivery team members (and/or leads) to deliver a large portfolio of operations in all regions where IFAD works. In this context, the Director supervises Cluster Technical Leads, Global Technical Leads, and Regional Technical Leads who are senior staff members based in Headquarters and decentralized locations serving in the regions where IFAD works. S/he will be responsible for ensuring the technical quality of operations with regards to the mainstreaming themes by ensuring that ECG’s contribution is evidence based and uses cutting edge innovative approaches to enhance impact.

Within IFAD's overall Strategic Framework and Medium Term Plan, Directors establish IFAD's priorities for and provide leadership to division level programme and operational management activities and are accountable for a results-based approach to meeting assigned goals and objectives. Leadership activities include the optimum utilization of human, financial, technology and material resources for the achievement of greater efficiency and effectiveness. The incumbents' impact extends beyond the successful achievement of divisional goals and objectives to include larger departmental goals and objectives in strategic planning collaboration. The expected results directly and/or indirectly benefit the ultimate stakeholders, the rural poor in developing countries.

The key performance indicators for Directors 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.

Position specifics: 

The Director, ECG ensures: 
i.    all mainstreaming themes (environment, climate, gender, social inclusion, nutrition, youth employment) ,are properly incorporated into IFAD operations in a manner that maximizes impact;
ii.    all IFAD investments target the right populations based on the targeting guidelines and targeting policy;
iii.    IFAD is able to mobilize external resources to fund the implementation of its programme in these key areas; and,
iv.    IFAD is viewed as a global leader on environment and climate, gender, nutrition, youth and other social issues in relation to small scale producers.
v.    Ensures that mainstreaming themes and supplementary funds are integrated across IFAD’s programme to maximize impact.

Within IFAD, Directors provide authoritative advice to senior management on the division's or office'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 Directors 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 Board sessions, the annual Governing Council and related subordinate bodies including the audit and evaluation committees.
Directors represent the Fund in official  United Nations committees and networks, and in international financial institution, 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.

Position specifics: 

The Director, ECG will need to maintain close working relations within SKD with the other Divisions and outside of SKD with other Departments. Key partners for Director ECG will be with the Regional Divisions in the Programme Management Department on all issues related to operations and portfolio management and with the External Relations and Governance Department on resource mobilization efforts. In this context, the Director ECG will be a key active member of a number of internal management committees.

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 - environment and climate, economics, sociology, nutrition, law, anthropology, rural development, regional development planning and any other technically relevant discipline with specialization in areas related to sustainability, nutrition, gender, youth and social inclusion from an accredited institution.

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

Work experience:

• At least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible professional experience in technically related area of operations in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Five (5) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Position-specific experience: Strong professional record with an international reputation in at least climate finance and knowledge of one of the key thematic areas (environment, gender, social inclusion, nutrition, youth employment, or a combination of those) is required. Experience in facilitating innovative thinking of thematic teams in finding out of the box solutions to complex challenges. Experience in managing large and complex programmes, in engaging with external donors and clients, and in participating in global dialogues. Demonstrated experience and ability at leading and managing multicultural teams is required.

Languages:

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

Skills: 

Job role specific:

• 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 specifics: 

• 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
• Cross-cutting themes - Environment & climate change, Expertise specific to the environment and climate change cross-cutting theme (e.g. climate and environmental policy, biodiversity, agroecology ; 4
• Cross-cutting themes - Gender and social inclusion, Expertise specific to gender and social inclusion cross-cutting theme (e.g. youth, targeting strategies); 4
• Cross-cutting themes – Nutrition,  Expertise specific to nutrition cross-cutting theme (e.g. food systems); 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, staff members are subject to the authority of the President who 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 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.