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Portfolio Officer P-3 - Front Office Programme Management

Duration of Assignment
2 years fixed-term (renewable)
Organizational Context
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an International Financial Institution and a Specialized United Nations Agency whose mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD’s headquarters is in Rome, Italy, and works in more than 90 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and incomes.
Division Context
The Programme Management Department (PMD) is responsible for the overall Programme of Work of the Fund and is currently seeking a Portfolio Officer to contribute to effective management and administration of projects as part of its portfolio review and assessment process. This includes measuring outputs; assessing efficiency, effectiveness and impact; identifying problems and appropriate solutions to mitigate deteriorating trends; and drawing lessons and experiences, with emphasis on IFAD’s integrated Results Measurement Framework. This also includes annual reporting on outputs and outcomes and measuring the impact of IFAD’s operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Working under the direct supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager and working closely with the Operational Systems Adviser, the incumbent will undertake the following duties.

A. Portfolio Processes and Reporting. Contribute directly to improved portfolio review process and reporting by:

1. Analysis and drafting sections of portfolio related reports. Oversee data generation process for project completion, maintaining datasets and undertaking analytical work for the Annual Review of Portfolio Performance and the Report on IFAD’s Development Effectiveness for IFAD’s Executive Board. Based on the analytical work, prepare preliminary drafts for some sections of these reports.

2. Coordination of the project completion report (PCR) review process. Update and review guidelines for preparation of PCRs and for their in-house review. Oversee PMD participation in (and review of) the validation of PCRs by the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE).

3. Analysis and coordination for divisional portfolio reviews and processes. Review divisional portfolio review reports, in particular with regard to efficiency, results, monitoring and evaluation, portfolio management and implementation of policies and instruments. Carry out assessments to test the rigour and candour of ratings provided in Project Status Reports, applying statistical tests and qualitative assessment. Provide comments on the divisional portfolio reviews. Act as Secretariat for the Portfolio Review Group. Participate in the further development of PMD tools for portfolio review, including guidelines and manuals as well as on-line systems.

B. Results Measurement Framework. Contribute to the implementation and strengthening of tools and processes under the Results Measurement Framework by:

4. Analysis and management of results at corporate level. Support analysis and management of output and outcome level data emerging from regional divisions and aggregated at the corporate level. This includes data quality checks for annual reporting from the Results and Impact Management System (RIMS) and follow-up on the status of impact surveys as well as other measures to illustrate the impact of IFAD operations. This will involve collation and analysis of impact-level data from projects across the portfolio; and may also involve research on selected development topics and themes.

5. Training and capacity building for PMD staff and project management. Provide training and capacity building on the above tools and processes. Participate, as requested, in supervision and design missions to strengthen M&E systems and reporting at the output, outcome and impact levels. Provide specialist support to IFAD and project staff on the RIMS software for analysing impact-level data.

6. Participation in development and roll-out of systems and processes. Participate in the further development and deployment of systems related to results measurement (e.g., RIMS) and act as Secretary of RIMS Implementation Coordination Team. Play a key role in the review of RIMS-related systems and processes across the organization and in the further development of corporate-level systems that support the results measurement framework, including reporting and analysis of data on impact.

C. PMD Responses to Independent Evaluations. Contribute to accountability and learning functions in the interactions with, and response to, independent evaluations of programmes.

7. President’s Report on the implementation Status of Evaluation Recommendations and Management Actions (PRISMA). Review and classify recommendations from all evaluations and coordinate responses and follow-up with regional divisions. On this basis, prepare the initial draft of the PRISMA report that is annually submitted to the Executive Board.

8. Other responses to evaluations. Monitor the PCR validation process, the key evaluation process conducted by the IOE. Support the Senior Portfolio Manager in responding to other thematic and corporate evaluations and in preparing responses to the IOE.

D. Other duties and responsibilities. Provide ad hoc support in research and drafting on development topics as assigned by the Associate Vice President, PMD and any other related duties, as required.
Education and Experience
- University degree in Economics, Rural Development or related subject is essential. Advanced university degree in one of these fields would be an asset.

- At least five years of relevant professional experience is required, at least two years of which should be with an international organization (preferably an international financial institution).

- Experience in advanced research and report-drafting as well as in data analysis is essential.

- Good knowledge of processes related to results and impact measurement and/or monitoring and evaluation would be an asset.

- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is essential. Experience in the development and testing of purpose-built software is an asset.
Tech/Functional Competencies
- Results-oriented team contributor combining good operational skills, with a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness seeking improvements, efficiency and favouring innovative approaches;

- Analytical - demonstrate strong analytical and mathematical skills with superb accuracy and attention to detail; ability to research and synthesise data;

- Tactical Planner and Organizer with excellent organizational abilities to prioritize critical activities to meet deadlines and ensure sufficient attention to details; check his/her own work for quality;

- Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work in a multicultural environment; sensitivity and respect for diversity;

- Excellent Negotiator and Communicator - combines professional technical and managerial excellence in establishing and fostering professional relationships; builds networks in the finance and development community;

- Client-oriented service provider with strong ability to empathize and cultivate an environment of trust, collaboration and motivation with partners, managers, staff and other clients.
Communication
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to set out a coherent and fluent argument in documents, presentations and group interactions in English essential, and in another official language (Arabic, French or Spanish) desirable.
Other Information
Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History
Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in “How to Apply” before you start.

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.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

Portfolio Officer P-3 - Front Office Programme Management