Special Adviser to Assistant President - IFAD, Italy

IFAD is seeking a Special Adviser for the Assistant President of its Finance and Administration Department (FAD). The Finance and Administration Department comprises the Financial Services Division (covering principally accountancy services and financial management of the entire loans and grants cycle); the Treasury Division (responsible for the overall management of IFAD’s assets and liabilities); the Strategic Planning and Budget Division; the Administrative Services Division (covering, inter alia, security services, procurement, facility management, privileges and immunities); the Information Technology Division and the Human Resources Division. This is an opportunity for an effective communicator with developed finance, administrative and interpersonal skills, who is interested in contributing as a dynamic team player to the attainment of IFAD’s goals and those of the department concerned.

Reporting to the Assistant President, FAD, the Special Adviser will:

* Provide qualified technical support, synthesis and advice based on review and analysis of accounting, financial, policy and strategy issues, initiatives and proposals submitted to the Assistant President for decision or consideration.

* Develop strategies to support the departmental programme of work, including special projects or initiatives.

* Facilitate alignment of departmental resources with institutional priorities and integration of corporate initiatives in the department.

* Monitor progress on departmental initiatives and agreed outputs for programme of work, liaising with divisions to ensure effective and timely action, facilitating divisional collaboration and providing guidance in problem-solving. Act as focal point for the coordination of departmental business.

* Formulate finance and policy papers, reports, speeches, presentations, guidelines and other documentation related to departmental business or to involvement of Assistant President, FAD in IFAD governing bodies, committees, workshops, etc.

* Represent IFAD at external meetings, when required.

* Propose policy directions.

* Represent and negotiate on IFAD’s behalf at international fora.

* Supervise the operations of the FAD front office.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

At a P-5 level, the incumbent will be expected to carry out the above duties with a higher degree of independent judgement based on more extensive relevant work experience.

Requirements

* Advanced university degree, preferably in finance or in business administration, international relations or development, with a specialization in financial management, or a related discipline.

* Eight years for P-4 or ten years for P-5 of progressively responsible experience in a financial administrative, management or advisory capacity or related role, of which, three or five years, respectively are with any international organization, preferably some of which are in a multilateral financial institution.

Required functional/technical competencies

* Financial and analytical skills and experience: possessing detailed experience and knowledge on international financial reporting practices combined with excellent analytical abilities in synthesis of knowledge and review and analysis of policy and strategic issues.

* Results-oriented: with excellent planning and organizational abilities, commitment to performance and timely delivery of results and capacity to generate innovative solutions.

* Negotiator and problem-solver: with experience as a team-player and member of a multicultural environment and proven ability as a manager of strategic relationships.

* Leadership: good leadership skills and high degree of initiative.

* Excellent networker: with professional acumen in establishing and fostering professional internal and external relationships.

* Developer: with capacity to develop and manage the performance of others and commitment to sharing knowledge.

* Communications: excellent written and verbal communication including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions in English and ability to craft high-quality written products; working knowledge of an additional IFAD language (Arabic, French, Spanish) is an asset; very good knowledge and efficient use of information technology.

* Visionary: commitment to championing IFAD mission and IFAD core values (focus on results, integrity, professionalism, respect) and keeping these at the forefront of actions.

All IFAD staff members are international civil servants and conform to the IFAD Code of Conduct. IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the lower level. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form and sending their applications to the Office of Human Resources, Via del Serafico 107, 00142 Rome, Italy, Fax +39-06-5043463, Email vacancy@ifad.org. Applications from women candidates are strongly encouraged as IFAD supports gender equality in the workplace

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 and applicants who are shortlisted for further screening (written test/interview) will be notified. Applicants who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application as unsuccessful. In principle, this is a Rome-based position, however candidates should be willing and ready to take field assignments and/or rotate within IFAD.

Candidates must be prepared to take a written test and may be asked to give a presentation as well as participate in interviews.