Head, Corporate Service Department - Corporate Services Department

Level
	Level: ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL (ASG)
	Organizational Context
	1. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialised United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas in developing countries. It does so by financing projects and programmes that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and by advocating at local, national and international level for policies that enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. 2. The Head, Corporate Services Department (CSD) is responsible for IFAD’s human resources management, including for provision of strategic leadership in this area, and oversees IFAD’s physical assets, information technology, and security services. The Head, Corporate Services Department works with the executive management team to establish and implement long-range administrative goals and management strategies to ensure sustainability in delivery of human and administrative services in support of the rural poor 3. The Head of CSD reports to the President or his designate, and is a member of the executive management team with corporate responsibilities for the Fund.
	Division Context
	4. The Head of CSD is a custodian of IFAD’s facilities, administration and human resources, S/he is responsible for the implementation of the Headquarters Agreement, privileges and immunities agreements, security services, and for IFAD’s general administration, which includes building facility management, catering and transport services, procurement and inventory control. In this respect, s/he is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure working environment, applying United Nations security standards both at the headquarters and its offices world-wide. S/he leads development and management of the Fund’s human resources, including the establishment and maintenance of a state-of-the art human resources management environment, incentives, as well as human resources policies and services. S/he also leads development of a conducive information and communications environment, in which strategic efficiencies can be generated and workflows benefit from continuous streamlining and application of new effective technologies. 5. The following divisions report to the Head of CSD: (i) The HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION (HRD): oversees the development and implementation of human resource policies, programmes and practices to ensure that the Fund is served by competent and motivated staff; and monitors execution of human resource management, performance, and productivity in support of IFAD’s strategic objectives. (ii) The ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION (ADM): manages IFAD’s infrastructure and provides administrative services in support of IFAD's operations at both headquarters and field levels; responsible for the implementation of the headquarters and country agreements, including the application of privileges and immunities, ensuring the wellbeing of staff; manages procurement activities that involve the acquisition of goods and services; maintains and care of IFAD premises and assets, including services in the areas of printing, mail, catering and transport. (i) The SECURITY SECTION: ensures security and safety measures in IFAD and protection of the Fund’s premises, property, and safety of person, including that these are compliant with the standards expected of the United Nations Specialized Agencies; and ensures provision of security servicing by security guards at all IFAD facilities. (ii) The INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (ICT): defines the IT strategy of the organization and develops; maintains and implements IT solutions and services to support the effective and secure delivery of IFAD’s operations at the headquarters and in country offices.
	Education and Experience
	• Advanced university degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in Corporate and/or Business Management, Finance, Economics, Human Relations, or any related subject. • Substantive experience exceeding 15 years at an international level in an institution, which could include international finance institutions, UN agencies, or other development related organizations in leading all or any of the disciplines included in this role. (viz HR, IT, Security and Administration)
	Tech/Functional Competencies
	• Client orientation – able to balance responsiveness and pro-activity in meeting internal client needs, to encourage staff to understand internal client needs and concerns, and to ensure provision of value added services as appropriate • Able to lead and manage major change and transition programmes. • Champion of IFAD’s values: results-orientation, professionalism, respect and integrity. • Recognised management skills in a multicultural setting • Strategic thinker • Creative and lateral thinker able to recognise opportunities and propose solutions to problems. • Inspirational leader, able to foster cooperative teamwork and outstanding achievement. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both as a team leader and player • Effective in developing and successfully achieving the work programme. • Able to coach and develop professional staff. • High sense of integrity, trust and confidence. • Results oriented decision-making ability with the ability to translate business strategies and needs into practical and effective management solutions and services.
	Communication
	• 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 of IFAD (Arabic, French, Spanish) would be an asset. • Strong diplomatic and communication skills, ability to develop a close and effective working relationship with the internal client at all levels. Able and competent presenter as well as a positive influencer of others.
	Other Information
	6. 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. 7. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form (PHF) in English. The application should be made through the online system by attaching the completed PHF. Please read the instructions in "How to Apply" before you start. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Brigitte Melina (b.melina@ifad.org; +39-06-5459-2424). Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged. 8. 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. Short listed candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews. 9. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

Head, Corporate Service Department - Corporate Services Department