Technical Officer, Rome

Job Title : Technical Officer - Rome

ID : 26586

Location : ROME

Date of issue : 02/13/2025

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 02/26/2025

Organizational Unit : Front Office OTD

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Regular

Assignment Duration : 2 Years

Grade : P-3

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 Technical Delivery is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in the design and implementation of projects and programmes to deliver the high technical quality investments that facilitate rural transformation, and which comply with IFAD's mandate and operational policies. The Office ensures IFAD applies and disseminates state of the art knowledge in its investments and evidence on strategic themes and encourages the innovative application of global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments. This helps countries tackle complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation including mainstreaming areas. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) is led by a Managing Director and is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) and the Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI).

Under the leadership of the Managing Director (MD), OTD Front Office (OTD-FO) ensures overall office coordination, manages its budget, and provides ad-hoc support to the MD-OTD. It is responsible for managing the PDT Secretariat, which monitors and manages the assignment of OTD technical staff to Project Design/Delivery Teams (PDTs).

The Technical Officer works under the direct supervision of the Managing Director, OTD.

Job Role

The Technical Officer is responsible for providing operational technical guidance and support to the MD-OTD and to the broader OTD as needed, with a primary focus on delivering inputs on operational technical delivery of IFAD`s programme of loans and grants and broader programme of work. The Technical Officer contributes to the effective implementation of OTD`s programmes, goals and objectives and provides support and recommendations on technical aspects of operational policies, strategies, and initiatives, to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and best practices.

The Technical Officer facilitates and supports in the coordination of OTD-FO operations and workflows, and monitors corporate agenda items. They work closely with all IFAD Directors, in general, to ensure proper communication flows, and build consensus and ownership of the Office`s annual workplans and strategies.

Key Functions and Results

1. TECHNICAL ADVICE ON CORPORATE SERVICES, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES: The Technical Officer provides seasoned technical support and contributes to the overall function of OTD. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Provide or collects operational technical input, synthesis and advice based on review and analysis of initiatives and proposals submitted to the MD-OTD 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 MD-OTD.
• Contribute to the-development of plans and strategies to support special corporate projects or initiatives by consulting and cooperating with all IFAD Directors as well as other relevant stakeholders as required. This includes tracking and monitoring progress on corporate initiatives to ensure effective and timely action, facilitating collaboration, and providing guidance in problem solving.
• Anticipate the needs regarding events and meeting opportunities for the MD-OTD and manage their involvement, as well as the involvement of key stakeholders. Prepare concise background information and communication packs of relevant materials which includes formulating and/or coordinating the production of policy papers, reports, speeches, presentations, publications, position papers, guidelines, talking points and other documentation involving the MD-OTD in committees, conferences, workshops, media events, meetings with key stakeholders, etc.
• Review, analyse and provide or collect substantive inputs on operational / economic / financial documents submitted to the MD-OTD.
• Contribute to processes of institutional change and reform, consulting with colleagues across departments, divisions and offices, to build a shared understanding of, and ensure regular communications pertaining to, ongoing and planned changes related to corporate strategies, standards and rules.

2. COORDINATION, MONITORING AND REPORTING: The Technical Officer assists in coordinating activities of the MD-OTD as required and supports strengthening synergies and collaboration within OTD and across the organization. They also perform other monitoring and reporting activities to enhance programme and funding decisions. Accountabilities may include:

• Support the MD-OTD in its coordination of the OTD-FO workflow and administration, demonstrating good judgment with a sense of priority and effective sequencing of activities or tasks.
• Prepare periodic analyses on a variety of issues of relevance to the work of the OTD in institute-wide committees or task forces and represent the MD-OTD in internal meetings, whenever appropriate and required.
• Coordinate communication across teams and Divisions to maintain linkages across IFAD, providing advice and support in identifying priorities, issues, constraints and opportunities in the process of achieving commitments made.
• Support internal and external OTD communication through the preparation or coordination of regular communication updates, use of modern digital tools and use of creative mechanisms for communication and feedback.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING: The Technical Officer supports partnership building with internal and external stakeholders including the provision of aspects relating to the operational partnership and representation work for the MD-OTD and IFAD. The Technical Officer develops and maintains a network of peer contacts inside and outside IFAD to keep up-to-date on activities at country and regional levels, support joint advocacy and knowledge sharing to enhance IFAD`s profile as a highly competent and viable partner in development. Accountabilities may include:

• Supports or represent OTD and MD-OTD in meetings where appropriate and required on corporate initiatives, coordinate action notes and follow ups if required.
• Coordinate the preparation of 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 for OTD.

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 contributes to institutional change processes, through consultations with all IFAD offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes.

5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Technical Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes:

• People Management and evaluation of performance of consultants and staff under their purview.
• Resource Management by providing technical expertise for programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring that:
• Knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet
• Best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net
• Appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

6. CONTRIBUTION TO OVERALL ACTIVITIES OF THE MD-OTD:

• Provide qualified operational technical support, synthesis and advice based on review and analysis of initiatives and proposals submitted to the MD-OTD for decision and/or consideration and the filtering out of unnecessary material. This involves pre-reading documents received by the MD-OTD to verify whether their personal contribution is required, briefing on content as appropriate, and progressing draft versions of documents (also requesting the clearance of the responsible OTD Directors, when appropriate) before they are formally submitted to the MD-OTD.
• Supports in development of plans/strategies to support the departmental programme of work, including special projects or initiatives, consulting and cooperating with OTD Directors as well as other relevant stakeholders as required; this includes identifying issues in the annual portfolio review that can be routed to other departmental resources for action.
• Write analytical papers, if and when needed.
• Monitor progress on departmental initiatives and agreed outputs for programme of work, liaising with OTD divisions and teams in general, as well as with other departments/divisions/offices or external sources, to ensure effective and timely action, facilitating divisional collaboration and providing guidance in problem-solving.
• Monitor and follow-up of expenditures, taking into account budget, performance progress and department plans; propose corrective actions and keep MD-OTD informed or aware of issues they may need to address.
• Anticipate the MD-OTD`s needs regarding events and meeting opportunities and manage their involvement, as well as the involvement of key stakeholders. Prepare concise background information and communication packs of relevant material which includes formulating and/or coordinating the production of policy papers, reports, speeches, presentations, publications, position papers, guidelines, talking points and other documentation involving the MD-OTD in IFAD governing bodies, committees, conferences, workshops, media events, meetings with key stakeholders, etc.
• Serve in institute-wide committees or Task force and represent the MD in internal meetings, whenever appropriate and required.

7. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING, OFFICE COORDINATION AND REPRESENTATION WORK:

• Participate in the OTD management meetings (as well as other relevant departmental meetings), coordinate the meetings, agendas, action notes and implement follow up. Occasionally represent the MD-OTD in such meetings.
• Prepare 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 MD-OTD will be promoting on their missions.
• Support the coordination of internal divisions and units in MD-OTD and advise and support in identifying priorities, issues, constraints and opportunities in the process of achieving commitments made.
• Collaborate with and provide qualitative inputs to IFAD`s Knowledge Management agenda.
• Coordinate, communication across teams and Divisions, to maintain linkages across IFAD, especially with the Department for Country Operations (DCO) and Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE).

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require the provision of seasoned operational technical capacity both in terms of policy development and operational experience. The incumbent at this level makes recommendations to senior staff in the Office of Technical Delivery and other IFAD fora on questions related to the operational technical scope of IFAD operations. The incumbent is accountable for the provision of qualitative technical support and guidance to Directors and staff within the Office of Technical Delivery and the Managing Director specifically, through coordination, monitoring and review of all corporate initiatives and respective commitments made. The key performance indicators for the Technical Officer include providing guidance and support, both technical and operational across departmental, divisional, and unit teams.

The Technical Officer OTD provides qualitative technical support and guidance to the MD-OTD and the OTD team in general. They contribute to OTD`s main objectives.

Working Relationships

The Technical Officer ensures timely, efficient and consistent political alignment of the Front Office of the MD. The work relationships involve the provision of technical advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in analysis of initiatives, proposals submitted to the MD-OTD and commitments made by the Office of the MD. The incumbent collaborates and coordinates with senior officials in relation to any missions, special events or initiatives, in which the MD-OTD will be involved.

The work relationships of the Technical Officer to the MD-OTD involve the provision of technical advice and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in analysis of initiatives and proposals submitted to the MD-OTD, special projects and initiatives, etc. Work relationships are established and maintained with counterparts both inside as well as outside the Fund. Contacts are with counterparts and senior officials within other United Nations organizations and research institutes and academia.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients - Focuses on clients emrwUWJ PHMNB
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff -
• Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area
• Areas -Agricultural Sciences, Development Economics, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Sustainability, Business and Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, etc
• Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively relevant professional experience including experience within an international financial institution, development cooperation agencies and/or the United Nations system.
• At least three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

(*) Note: For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Languages:

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

Skills:

• Evidence-based policy: Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation).
• 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).
• Problem solving: Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies.
• 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.).
• Project/Programme mgmt (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation.
• Leadership group thought leader, sought out by others & providing mentorship & effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside & outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD`s core values & competencies, to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship & effective guidance to the team, strategizing IFAD`s goals, giving vision, empowering the team & ensuring a positive environment for all.
• Stakeholder management, Strong alignment capabilities & 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.).
• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice.
• Change management, Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented.
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development), Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management.
• Client orientation, Strong critical thinking combined w/communication skills to liaise btwn the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions.
• 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);
• 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), Know-how in identifying and assessing of potential legal, reputational, ethical risks and liabilities in relation to the Fund's activities; contributing strongly to the division as second line of defence function; demonstrating ability to manage these risks by advising senior management on contingency and mitigation strategies.
• 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 their work.
• Initiative and Good Judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters).
• Strategy Implementation: Ability to lead and manage the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD and respective divisions.

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.

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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