Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-President, Rome

Job Title : Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-President – Rome, Italy

ID : 23795

Location : ROME

Date of issue : 10/10/2024

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 10/28/2024

Organizational Unit : Office of President & VP

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Regular

Assignment Duration : 2 Years

Grade : P-4

Organizational Setting

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 Office of the President and Vice-President of IFAD (OPV) oversees the Corporate Services Support Group (CSSG) and supervises the Protocol Unit. The CSSG comprises: (a) Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO), reporting to the President, and the Ethics Office (ETH) reporting administratively to the President; and (c) Organisational Development and Budget Division (POB) reporting to the Vice-President.

OPV provides strategic oversight and direction to the entire organization, including all decentralised offices, and is responsible for IFADs strategic leadership, and all departments report to it. Most importantly, OPV is the highest-level of political and strategic engagement with IFAD Member States, Rome-based agencies, and other UN agencies and IFIs, leveraging the Fund’s resources, knowledge, relationships and reputation to ensure IFAD achieves its mandate through IFAD-funded programmes and non-lending activities providing sustainable impact to its target groups. The Office also serves as the primary liaison with the Senior Executive Management Team and supports general governance of the organization. The Office of the President and Vice-President leads the implementation of the strategic plan for the organization, as well as develops or champions new initiatives to improve organizational efficiency, visibility, and organization-wide leadership development.

The Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-President works in close coordination and collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the rest of OPV Cabinet.

Job Role

The Senior Advisor to the President & Vice-President is accountable for authoritative provision of qualitative strategy support and guidance to the departmental Team in general. The incumbent advises and supports the executive managers and divisions on the programme, goals and objectives through coordination, monitoring and reviewing of all initiatives, policies and papers in the department. They will assume responsibility for organizing, and coordinating operations involving the Office of the President and Vice-President, as well as monitoring any corporate agenda items. The incumbent will provide substantive contribution to the overall functions of the Office of the President and Vice-President and provide coordination to its workflow and administration. The incumbent will also work closely with all IFAD Directors in general, to ensure proper communication flows, build consensus and ownership of departmental plans/strategies.

Work at this level is characterised by the provision of policy-level and technical expertise on strategic topics to lead the production of strategic papers and contributions to IFADs strategic direction. It also requires keeping abreast with global priorities and global themes and developments in order to ensure IFADs strategy first into the broader development context.

Key Functions and Results

1.Senior-Level Advice: The Senior Advisor to the President & VP, will be responsible for the following major functional activities having direct and frequent interaction with the President: (i) Provide expert input, synthesis and advice based on review and analysis of initiatives and proposals submitted to the Office of the President and Vice-President for decision and/or consideration. This involves pre-reading documents received and following up with relevant originators, preparing briefings on content as appropriate, and progressing draft versions of documents for the President.

(iii) Develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects to support special corporate projects or initiatives by consulting and cooperating with all Directors as well as other relevant stakeholders as required. This includes direct programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment on corporate initiatives to ensure effective and timely action, facilitating collaboration and providing guidance in problem-solving.

(iv) Coordinate any strategic corporate project(s) assigned by the President or the Vice-President.

(iii) Review, analyse and provide substantive input on operational / economic / financial documents submitted to the Office of the President and Vice-President.

(iv) Contribute to processes of institutional change and reform, consulting with inter-organisational colleagues to build shared understanding of, and to ensure regular communications pertaining to, ongoing and planned changes related to corporate strategies, standards and rules.

(v) Provide strategic advice on operational, governance, and financial matters across IFAD’s functions, as well as on complex institutional and/or governance issues.

(vi) Ensure close coordination with legal, compliance, and audit functions to handle sensitive and confidential matters with integrity and adherence to institutional policies.

(vii) Provide expert advice to the President and to the Vice-President on a wide range of issues related to the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the President and Vice-President.

(viii) Provide direct advice on sensitive institutional matters, including legal disputes, financial risks, and compliance with UN regulations.

2. Research and Development of Corporate Strategies and Stratgic Papers: On the basis of the state-of-the-art knowledge and analysis of current thematic conditions, emerging economic challenges, and the state of rural poverty globally and in the region, the Senior Advisor provides authoritative direction in the preparation of strategic papers. The incumbent: a. Provides substantive and analytical input in the preparation of papers and reports for presentation for high-level meetings and events; prepare various written outputs for the President, e.g. policy statements, briefing notes, background papers, analysis, inputs to publications, etc.

b. Supports preparations and implementation of IFADs Executive Management Meetings (EMC) on policy, strategy, and corporate management issues.

3. Partnership Building and Representation: The Senior Advisor develops and maintains a network of peer contacts and partners outside IFAD to keep abreast of recent developments and trends and facilitate brokering of information, knowledge exchanges, IFAD positioning in the global arena, and joint advocacy to enhance the Funds profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development and results. The accountabilities may include: (i) Provide substantive inputs and develop results-oriented outreach strategies for IFAD and the Office of the President and the Vice-President to expand its global reach and effectiveness.

(ii) Lead, supervise and coordinate preparation, support and implementation of the Presidents missions and high level events with a particular focus on substantive engagement ensuring safeguarding of IFADs corporate visibility and status; and participate in the missions, as required, ensuring appropriate protocol, profile, representational opportunities, and visibility for the visits.

(iii) Lead, contribute and coordinate substantive inputs to the preparation of high level speeches and publications in association with the Governing Council and other major events.

(iv) Represent the President in meetings on corporate initiatives, coordinate action notes and follow ups if required.

(v) Lead the preparation background information on important stakeholders and issues and gather information and data from internal and external sources that may aid in the development of partnerships and improve IFAD’s positioning that the President will be promoting.

(vi) Participate in missions, as required, ensuring appropriate protocol, profile, representational opportunities, and visibility for the visits.

(vii) Represent IFAD at external meetings, as required. Leverage thematic expertise in agricultural and rural development, policy-oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches, results-based agriculture rural development projects, country-specific knowledge, migration, enviornment, private sector, etc., to engage in strategic dialogues with partners.

(viii) Steer and provide substantive inputs to periodical publication of knowledge products to effectively message to IFADs stakeholders on its global advocacy for rural and agricultural development as well as corporate trends and performance.

4. Agent of Change: The incumbent understands and applies the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. At this level, the incumbent manages change through consultations with all internal divisions and departments to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes.

5. Managerial Functions: The Senior Advisor is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes People Management through technical leadership/capacity development. This includes: (a) People Management through support to recruitment of technical specialists and technical leadership/capacity development, coaching and mentoring of new staff, supervisory role and evaluation of performance of professionals and general service staff under her/his purview; and b) Resource Management by providing strategic and technical advice into programme development.

Key Performance Indicators

The Senior Advisor at this level is accountable for senior professional expertise providing advice and guidance to the President and his office. The incumbent makes recommendations to senior management on questions of any matters related to the Office of the President and Vice-President assisting the President and Vice-President in the execution of their mandate at the forefront of the Fund. In particular, The incumbent advises and supports the President, the Vice-President and the Chief of Staff.

Working Relationships

Internally, the Senior Advisor provides authoritative advice on any matters related to the Office of the President and Vice-President, including but not limited to policy advocacy, communication and outreach strategy, mission and event planning. In collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the other professional staff within the Office of the President and Vice-President, the Senior Advisor ensures for efficient and consistent political alignment of the Office of the President and Vice-President.

Externally, work relationships require collaboration and coordination with senior officials to ensure engagement on high-level events ensuring safeguarding of IFADs corporate visibility and status.

Job Profile Requirements

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 from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field.
• Areas – Economics, International Development, Business Administration, International Affairs, Management, International Law or any 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 eight (8) years of progressively relevant professional experience including experience within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and the United Nations system. Experience in another IFI is an asset.
• Four (4) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.
• Position-specific experience: A strong track record in advising senior managers or leaders.

Languages:

• Required: English (4, Excellent) plus one other of IFADs working languages (4, Excellent).
• Desirable: Any additional IFAD working languages (3, Good).

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 IFADs goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all; 4
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• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice; IFAD partners , Knowledge of IFADs partners’ functioning and mandate, such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors; 4
• Confidentiality and discretion: Proven track record of handling highly sensitive institutional matters with a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment, ensuring organizational integrity.4
• Institutional and governance knowledge: advanced understanding of frameworks and governance policies within international institutions, with the ability to advice and/or manage complex organizational issues. 4
• Policy Dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner, advocating and promoting IFAD’s mandate and vision; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts, line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society; 4
• Advocacy, Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFADs vision to external actors; 4
• Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented 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
• Synthesis, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences; 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
• Strategy implementation, Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions; 4
• Resources management, Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources; 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
• 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.); 4
• 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); 4
• Adaptability, Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes; 4
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management; 4
• Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFADs activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies (e.g. reputational). 3

Position Specific

• Rural Development, Expertise in social and economic development of rural communities in developing countries; 3
• Confidentiality and Discretion: Establishes self and division as trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by maintaining a 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 her/his work. 4
• Initiative and Good Judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters). 4
• Verbal communication, Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language; 4

Other Information

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.

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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse .

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 .

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.

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.