Senior Investment Officer, Co-Terminus

Organizational Setting

The advertised position is Co-terminus, i.e., subject to a limited duration and contingent on project funding. The successful candidate will be offered a co-terminus appointment, the duration of which is strictly limited to the period of funding for the specific project and/or assignment. Any extension, if applicable, will be contingent upon the continued availability of the same funding source, the continued existence of the position, and operational needs. Co-terminus appointments are also subject to a maximum total duration of seven years, including any contract extensions. This type of appointment does not carry any expectation, legal or otherwise, of conversion to any other type of appointment with IFAD, regardless of length of service.

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

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 Department for Country Operations (DCO) oversees the origination, design and management of IFAD investments, including sovereign and non-sovereign operations, as well as the design and implementation of non-lending activities within country programmes, including policy engagement and SSTC. DCO is the department that primarily interfaces with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to deliver IFAD's programme of work and to provide oversight to ensure quality of the portfolio.

DCO is led by an Associate Vice-President and is composed of five (5) regional divisions: Asia and the Pacific Division (APR), East and Southern Africa Division (ESA), Latin America and Caribbean Division (LAC) , Near East, North Africa and Europe Division (NEN) and West and Central Africa Division (WCA), the Private Sector Operations Division (PSD), and two (2) units: the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Unit (SSTC) and the fragility unit (FRU).

The Private Sector operations Division (PSD) is led by a Divisional Director based in IFAD Headquarters in Rome, Italy. PSD is responsible for origination, structuring, delivery and portfolio management of IFAD private sector investments, or Non-Sovereign Operations (NSO), as well as for business development, which includes developing the NSO pipeline and supporting complementarity between NSOs and sovereign operations within country programmes. PSD is composed of a front office and two Units: the Investment Unit and the Trust Fund Management and Control Unit, which is responsible for the management and control of the Private Sector Trust Fund and other off-balance as well as the on-balance sheet funding (PSD financial resources). The Division works in close coordination with other divisions in DCO and other departments, offices, and divisions in IFAD. In alignment with the decentralised structure of the Fund, the division operates in a geographically distributed manner, including IFAD Headquarters and Regional Offices.

Position Specifics:

IFAD has structured and launched the Agri-Business Capital Fund (ABC Fund) as one of three pillars to drive inclusive smallholder and rural SME finance, as well as create employment opportunities for rural youth and women. Impact Fund investments are core to IFAD's NSO Investment Strategy for IFAD to pursue its objective to mobilize additional concessional funding for agricultural development in developing Member States. The ABC Fund is a blended capital vehicle anchored by the European Commission (EC), the African, Caribbean and Pacific Groups of States, the government of Luxembourg and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). It is supported by a technical assistance facility also managed by IFAD. By providing loans and equity investments, the ABC Fund aims at bridging the funding gap at the level of SMEs agribusiness companies, financial institutions and farmer organizations in Africa and other developing countries, while the technical assistance facility is expected to address their non-financial constraints.
The incumbent plays a key role in the fulfilment of ABC Fund activities as indicated in the relevant agreement between EC and IFAD. He/she works under the direct supervision of a Lead Investment Officer, PSD, and under the indirect supervision of the Director, PSD.

Job Role

The incumbent is an expert in a specialized thematic area. The incumbent 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. The incumbent may work collaboratively with other thematic Technical Specialists, Country Directors, Investment Officers and other staff to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of programme development support.

Position specifics:

Under the supervision of the Lead Investment Officer, PSD, the incumbent has a regional technical role in private investment and private sector operational engagements, with particular focus on ABC related activities and associated interlinkages. The incumbent works collaboratively with the Regional team, including Country Directors and regionally mapped thematic Technical Specialists, as well as with the rest of PSD staff, to ensure consistency, cohesion and synergy in the application of technical advice and provision of private sector operation and activities.

The incumbent contributes to: a.) the delivery of IFAD's private sector investment activities (Non-Sovereign private sector Operations-NSOs) in the region of focus as well as exceptionally on a global level, as required; b.) advising on, and facilitating, the integration of a private sector development and private sector investment perspective into Country Strategic Opportunities Programmes (COSOPs) and sovereign projects in the region of focus, upon request from the Regional Director and concerned Country Directors and based on planning agreed with Director PSD; c.) activities carried out by PSD globally, including in the areas of partnerships, knowledge management, and reporting.

Key Functions and Results

1. SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVICE IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT: The incumbent will work closely with country directors, technical specialists and regionally assigned staff 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 Country Directors and other staff in country teams and in the regional team 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, or other themes as requested.
• Screen potential NSOs both in terms of development impact and financial soundness, structure and lead the drafting of investment proposals and support the Lead Investment Officer and Director PSD, throughout the internal review process to seek Board Approval; ensure post approval management, implementation and supervision.
• Engage with various key divisions at IFAD to ensure efficient and effective review, development and implementation of the NSOs;
• Provide senior level support to the Lead Investment Officer, Country Directors, and Regional Directors in building operational relationships with private sector partners within the scope of Country Strategies and of sovereign investments;
• Provide senior level support to the Lead Investment Officer, Country Directors and Regional Directors to integrate NSOs within IFAD country programmes;
• Support the identification and mapping of the private sector landscape and market context within value chains prioritized for focus in selected country programmes in the region of focus; and
• 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 PSD WORK PROGRAM

• Assist the Lead Investment Officer and the Director, PSD in the delivery of the PSD work plan; to build synergies and capacity to ensure close coordination and collaboration among the various teams;
• Assist the Lead Investment Officer and Director, PSD to respond in an adaptive manner to the evolving priorities and opportunities around and within IFAD and the various initiatives and external partnerships; and
• Provide support to the Lead Investment Officer and Director, PSD in the delivery of PSD Special Initiatives

3. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: The incumbent will support and ensure appropriate country-level access to the latest sources of knowledge and innovation on private sector investments, private sector development and establish new knowledge and partnerships in support to the operational needs of country teams in the region of focus, as well as in support to the regional NSO agenda.
Accountabilities include:

• Provide support on the drafting and review on the development of relevant policies and procedures, guidelines, monitoring tools, manuals, etc.
• Provide senior-level support to the development and delivery of training modules focused on developing high-performing and high-impact Private Sector (PS) programs;
• Participate in IFAD-wide thematic discussions and develop appropriate technical and operations on private sector.
• Perform other activities necessary to implement IFAD's Private Sector Operational Engagement Strategy.
• Develop lessons learnt on NSOs.
• Oversee special initiatives and programs hosted by PSD

4. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: The incumbent helps to mobilize resources and build relevant partnerships. Accountabilities include:

• Develop 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, small-scale producers, cooperatives and/or agribusiness;
• Ensure IFAD's representation and communication in technical issues (including representing IFAD at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences fora);
• Contribute to the mobilisation of resources for NSOs in collaboration with the External Relationship Department, through partnerships and outreach activities; and
• Support the development of thematic investment platforms.

5. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING: The incumbent contributes to managing the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of NSOs. Accountabilities include:

• Support the development and/or application of a results framework for NSOs;
• Implement performance monitoring systems and new approaches to performance and NSOs portfolio monitoring; and
• Prepare analytical findings and reports for divisional and country-level decision making on project viability and sustainability.

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

Position specifics:

The above functions will be performed with a main focus on ABC Fund and on the region(s) assigned. Exceptionally, the incumbent may be required to perform them for other regions, as required.

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise and input for the full programme/project cycle as well as in knowledge sharing with peers and counterparts. The work goes beyond technical analysis and synthesis to include substantive inputs to project methodology and design of projects, 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 considered moderately complex requiring in-depth technical analysis and reporting. Typically operating as a specialist at the country or regional levels, the incumbent's work may be reviewed for technical accuracy, but more typically is reviewed for achieving the established work plan.

Position specifics:

The work assignments require the provision of seasoned technical expertise, technical analysis and input for ABC, and other interlinked programs, projects and initiatives related to private sector investments and private sector development, as well as 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.

Working Relationships

The work relationships of the incumbent at this level are primarily for the exchange of information regarding development projects. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and sub-regional context/conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

Position specifics:

The work relationships of the incumbent 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 with a focus on the ABC Fund. The incumbent 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; the incumbent 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.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills
• Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused culture
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture
• Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization
• Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles
• Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment
• Education:
• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution; an advanced university degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience.
• Areas - Finance, Rural Finance, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a relevant discipline.

Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of structuring and management of rural finance and agriculture private sector investments in developing countries, including private equity experience, of which at least 2 of the 8 years of experience should be at the international level.
• Active experience in serving as non-executive board member or investment committee member in impact fund is a plus

Languages:

• Required: English (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: French, Spanish, Portuguese and/or Arabic (3 - Good)

Skills:

• Communication strategy: Expert in planning and implementing internal and external communication to achieve communication objectives: defining communication goals, target audience, creating a communication plan and identifying the right channels. Expert in communication concepts, processes, or data to support long term goals of the organisation;
• 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)
• 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.)
• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• 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
• Authoritative expertise in the area of private sector investments applied to rural finance and agriculture in emerging markets, experience in private equity and in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific regions is an asset;
• Proven experience in reviewing, structuring and managing private sector investments as well as management of development projects supported by international organizations;
• Ability to share guidance/knowledge at the governmental and peer levels as well as to inspire more junior specialists and staff in the development of viable project activities.
• Good analytical and drafting skills in English.

Other Information

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.

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 at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

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 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

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