International fund for agricultural development ifad
Organizational Setting
We are looking for a highly strategic leader who is skilled at navigating the very fast changing global communication landscape.
The incumbent will lead the communication team at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), 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 External Relations Department (ERD) leads IFAD's engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, including through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization and strategic communications. ERD is comprised of the Communications Division (COM) and the Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR).
COM leads IFAD's global communications and public advocacy, growing the Fund's visbility and reputation, and promoting the organisation's brand and thought leadership. It expands IFAD's media presence and digital footprint, building the case for the value of investing in rural transformation by connecting audiences with the impact of IFAD's investments and the importance of investing in rural communities. This ensures IFAD's work is understood by a wide variety of stakeholders and audiences. COM also leads on internal communications, keeping IFAD's staff informed and involved across offices and regions
The incumbent works under the direct supervision of AVP, ERD.
Job Role
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 specific: The Director, COM is responsible for leading implementation of IFAD's Global Communications and Public Advocacy Strategic Approach by managing and supervising the delivery of COM division's programme of work within an allocated budget. As a member of ERD departmental management team, the Director COM is responsible for working closely with the Director GPR to ensure ERD's leadership in promoting IFAD's global profile, visibility and policy influence. Director COM also plays a substantive role in developing IFAD's strategic messaging. At a time of swift technological and geopolitical changes, the Director, COM will need to understand how best to reach fragmented, broad audiences, including to reach specific partners to build support for IFAD's work. The incumbent will also be responsible for overseeing implementation of COM's new structure, meaning that experience managing staff during times of change is critical.
Key Functions and Results
1.VISION AND 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 AND 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 specific:
The Director, COM will provide strategic and managerial leadership of IFAD's global communications and advocacy. The incumbent will lead change and transformation at a time when the communications environment is rapidly evolving, ensuring that the Division's internal set up, capacity and skills of the division respond to the external reality. The Director of COM will be called to position IFAD as the leading International Financial Institution investing in rural development by tailoring the communication channels and messages to the right targets and audiences. Based on the insight of current and future international development trends, the incumbent will also play a key role in setting and implementing strategic communication messages that positions IFAD as a strong global rural development champion with a clear value proposition and impactful results.
This position will also require a deep understanding of the current opportunities arising from the use of big data, IFAD's investments with the private sector as well as provide insights to inform IFAD's communication strategies and tactics based on specific shifts and changes of the international development space. Finally, the Director will also be responsible for setting and implementing strategic goals that inspire staff with a strategic and clear way forward.
Key Performance Indicators
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.
Working Relationships
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 specific: The Director COM should have the credibility to lead on communication strategy at the highest level, including to Senior Management. The incumbent will need to build trusting relationships across the organization and speak with credibility, including on reputational issues. THe Director COM will work with the External Relations Department Head to ensure alignment with the rest of the institution in shaping key communication strategies and action plans around specific corporate processes, programs, iniitiatives and/or products.
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>
- 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 in a technically relevant area.
Areas - Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences or other relevant discipline
Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php.
Certifications:
Work experience:
- At least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible professional experience in area of communications in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope;
- Five (5) years experience in a leadership role at an international organisation with a strong financial focus. Experience at Multilateral development bank or international financial institutionproviding support on a global scope is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience and ability at leading and managing multicultural teams is required.
- Proven track record at a leadership level on the strategic use of digital communication tools and platforms to advance COM-s objectives.
- Strong network among other development financial institutions is preferred.
Languages:
- Required English (4 - Excellent)
- Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good)
- Position-specific requirement:
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, performance management and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD-s goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all;;
- Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice ;
- Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks and conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented ;
- Planning, Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources ;
- 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;
- 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 ;
- Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation) ;
- Strategy implementation, Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD / for respective divisions ;
- 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) ;
- 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
- 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 ;
- Risk management (e.g. reputational), Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD's activities, particularly vis- -vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies; (e.g. reputational) ;
- Resources Management, Know-how in the management of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources ;
- Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management
Position specific
- Communication Strategy, Expert in setting strategic internal and external communication goals to achieve key objectives: defining communication approaches and strategic use of digital communication and new technologies to create a communication plan and identify the right channels to use. Expert in communication tools,, processes and data to support long term goals of the organisation;
- Thought leadership and executive communications, supporting leadership in their efforts to expand IFADs reputation into key audiences as innovators in rural transformation and translating corporate objectives into dynamic communications strategies in a fast moving landscape;
- Organisational culture: inspire teams and build positive working environments
- Change management: Experience in leading teams through change and ensuring that transformation is achieved smoothly without interrupting delivery.
- 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;
- 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.);
Other Information
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.
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
Representatives or alternates of Member States on the IFAD Executive Board (EB), Governors who apply to an IFAD VA) Representatives or alternate representatives of Member States on the IFAD Executive Board, Governors or alternate governors to the IFAD Governing Council and other Member States Permanent Representatives and their Alternates to IFAD (collectively IFAD Member States Representatives) who apply for or take up any type of employment with IFAD may do so only after a twelve-month period has elapsed after the effective date of cessation of their IFAD Member States Representatives responsibilities as established in the notification of termination of functions communicated through the official channels.
In accordance with IFADs 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 IFADs remuneration package, please visit IFADs 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.
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.
Selected candidates will be required to participate in a pre-screening call, record a video-interview and deliver a presentation. Short-listed candidates will be required to participate in a task/competency-based interview.
Non-selected candidates who have been shortlisted, interviewed and found suitable in this competitive selection process may be included in IFAD's appointable roster and considered for future positions in the same job family and grade level, in line with IFAD's applicable provisions. Candidates included in the appointable roster will be notified by IFAD.
How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position
- Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
- For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
"Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."
Settore: Servizi sociali/No Profit
Ruolo: Altro
Percentuale di occupazione: Full-time
Tipo di occupazione: