Associate Country Programme Manager P-2 - Near East and North Africa Division

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 is present in more than 90 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and incomes.
	The Programme Management Department is responsible for the overall Programme of Work of the Fund. One of its regional divisions, Near East, North Africa and Europe Division (NEN), which develops and finances country projects and programmes in countries of the Near East, North Africa and Europe, is currently recruiting an Associate Country Programme Manager (ACPM).
	Under the direct supervision of a Senior CPM and the overall supervision and strategic, policy and management guidance of the Divisional Director, the ACPM plays a key role in supporting IFAD¿s country projects and programmes with a view to maximising IFAD¿s development effectiveness, impact and sustainability. The ACPM supports the CPM in IFAD country strategy and pipeline development, provides support in supervision/implementation to ongoing country programmes and promotes knowledge sharing. The work is geared largely towards the management of processes, requiring collaboration with colleagues within IFAD, government authorities, other UN agencies, multi- and bilateral institutions, consultants, NGOs, civil society and private sector organisations. Specifically, the incumbent will be required to: - Develop and organize the background material for the strategy and programme design processes and develop analytical documents and linked monitoring frameworks and logframes which support the IFAD Results-Based Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (RB-COSOP) objectives and results framework, which is used in the development and evaluation of IFAD¿s country programme. - Research and organize the substantive background documentation for use in the preparation of project design documents, and organize for the CPM the various steps of the internal IFAD quality enhancement and quality assurance processes. - Participate in loan negotiations; draft minutes and follow up for internal approval processes for Executive Board presentation. - Undertake initial review of project Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWPBs). - Provide support to projects to improve Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems and reporting for Results and Impact Management System (RIMS) in order to promote better internal country coherence and effectiveness. - Provide support for fulfilling IFAD fiduciary responsibilities, such as: (a) initial procurement review and background work as needed for the CPM for IFAD non-objection; (b) preliminary processing of withdrawal applications; (c) provision of guidance to projects to ensure quality of withdrawal applications; (d) initial review of project audit reports; and (e) follow up on financial management matters during supervision/implementation support missions. - Provide support in budget management and monitoring. - Manage and maintain key project data on IFAD systems. - Monitor project cycle activities and deadlines. - Other duties as assigned.
	- Bachelor¿s degree in economics, agriculture, rural development, or a closely related field is a requirement. Master¿s level degree in one of these fields or management, business administration or similar field would be an asset. - At least three years of relevant professional experience with International Financial Institutions, the United Nations, rural development/financial institutions, international NGOs or government services in the design and administration of rural development programmes with emphasis on rural project management , rural finance and market development. - Experience in project management would be an asset. - Knowledge of policy oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches and loan and grant preparation is required. - Field experience in a developing country would be an asset. - Experience in working in Arab countries would be an asset.
	- Analytical skills: strong analytical skills, with focus on provision of solutions; ability to assess and respond to new challenges in rural development based on thorough understanding of socio-economic issues. - Team Worker/Builder: ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. - Planner and Organizer: ability to meet tight deadlines in a high-pressure and high-energy environment. Ability to set clear priorities within a boundless and often challenging agenda with tight deadlines. - Communicator: strong diplomatic and communication skills, with the capacity to listen and communicate effectively to engage others. Strong social skills with the capacity to demonstrate an open mind.
	- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions. Knowledge of Arabic and/or French would be an asset. - Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication.
	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. 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.

Associate Country Programme Manager P-2 - Near East and North Africa Division