IFAD - Special Advisor to the President

Vacancy announcement No.: 09/13/P
Date of issue: 20 April 2009
Deadline for applications: 19 May 2009
Position Title: Special Adviser to the President
Organizational Unit Office of the President and Vice President

Level: P-4/P-5
CCOG Code: 1.P
Duty station: Rome
Date of entry on duty: As soon as possible
Duration of assignment: Fixed term -three years (subject to renewal)

Organizational context

The Special Adviser plays a significant role in assisting the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in the execution of his mandate at the forefront of an organization dedicated to helping the small farm holders in rural areas in developing countries. IFAD has a challenging and dynamic programme of work and has a growing reputation both as an International Financial Institution and as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations.

Functional statement

The Special Adviser will provide technical and operational support and advice to the President keeping IFAD vision and values at the forefront of decision making and actions.

Duties and responsibilities

The Special Adviser, under the direct supervision of the President and in close collaboration with other staff members of the Office of the President, will be responsible for the following duties:

Review policy documents and governing body documents presented for the President’s consideration and advise him accordingly.
Review incoming correspondence for the President and draft responses and prepare other documents for the President’s signature.
Assist the President with the preparations of his statements in various meetings and conferences within and outside of IFAD in close collaboration with the concerned departments.
Ensure that regular updates, reviews and briefs on global issues and trends in agriculture and rural development and on the international financial markets are regularly provided to the President by the concerned departments/offices in IFAD.
Assist the President with resource mobilisation activities as required.
Provide assistance to the President with the preparations for meetings with the Governing Bodies.
Prepare reports for the President on various subjects as required.
The incumbent will perform any other duties as may be assigned by the President and will be expected to travel with the President, as necessary.
Qualifications and experience

Advanced university degree in economics, international development, rural development, rural finance, business administration, management or a related field.
At P-4 - at least seven years of relevant professional experience with a strong track record in rural development including experience within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and/or the United Nations system.
At P-5 – at least ten years of relevant professional experience as indicated above, plus ability to exercise higher degree of independent judgment and initiative in analyzing highly complex issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, Spanish) is desirable.
Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
Core competencies

Negotiator and Communicator – strong diplomatic and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate skilfully and develop close and effective working relationships with internal and external clients. Ability to articulate and present convincingly. Capacity to promote ideas and optimal service practice to a multi-cultural diverse audience.
Planner and Organiser / Decision-maker – excellent judgment and the ability to make interpretative decisions and to identify, assess and mitigate risks. Interpreting programme plans into practice.
Leader/ Teambuilder/Teamplayer – excellent management skills, with the ability to lead, build, and inspire teams and to foster teamwork by being a good team player; strong interpersonal skills. Commitment to strengthening knowledge sharing needs and requirements.
Facilitator of change – understands and prioritizes the needs and motives of stakeholders.
Model of integrity, trustworthiness and confidence – ensuring that in all matters the Office of the President upholds IFAD’s core values - Results, Integrity, Professionalism and Respect.

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Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and may be assigned by him to any of the activities of IFAD so candidates should be willing and ready to take field assignments and/or rotate within IFAD.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form and sending their applications to the Office of Human Resources, Via Paolo di Dono 44, 00142 Rome, Italy, Fax +39-06-5043463, Email . Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Candidates must indicate clearly the vacancy number and are kindly requested not to send their application via multiple routes. Any application received by IFAD after the closing date will not be considered. 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 as unsuccesful.