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Country Programme Manager P-3 - Near East and North Africa Division


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 is present 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 is responsible for the overall Programme of Work of the Fund. One of its regional divisions, the Near East, North Africa and Europe Division (NEN), which develops and finances country projects and programmes in countries of this region, is currently recruiting a Country Programme Manager (CPM).
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and strategic, policy and management guidance of the divisional Director and under the technical guidance of a senior CPM, the Country Programme Manager will be responsible for managing the country programme(s) as assigned by the Director.

Specifically, the incumbent will be required to:

- Support the development and implementation of medium to longer-term strategies for IFAD’s collaboration with governments and other national stakeholders for rural poverty reduction.

- Support the design and supervision of the IFAD-financed programmes assigned by the Director. Support their effective implementation with a view to maximising development effectiveness, impact and sustainable development results. Assist in the analysis of relevant information and assist in the periodic evaluation of results achieved.

- Contribute to building effective partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders in rural poverty reduction, including government and non-governmental institutions, bilateral and multilateral financing institutions, civil society organisations, research centres and the private sector.

- Support loan and grant negotiations with the borrowing and donor governments, in accordance with IFAD’s lending policies and criteria.

- Promote innovative approaches to poverty reduction and collaborate with partner institutions to facilitate their replication and scaling up.
Education and Experience
- 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 five 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 is required.

- Knowledge of policy oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches and loan and grant preparation required.

- Field experience in a developing country would be an asset.

- Experience in working in Arab countries would be an asset.
Tech/Functional Competencies
- Results-oriented Performer: strong analytical skills together with solution-oriented project management skills. Dynamic, self-motivated and creative thinker. Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.

- Team Worker/Builder: ability to foster teamwork and establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

- Networker: strong diplomatic skills with the ability to work effectively with others and create and maintain a solid network within and outside the organization.

- Planner and Organiser: capacity to set clear priorities within a boundless and often challenging agenda, combined with ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure and high-energy environment. development;

- Communicator: strong capacity to listen and communicate effectively to engage others and develop close and effective working relationships with internal and external clients. Strong social skills with the capacity to demonstrate an open mind.
Communication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions is a requirement. Knowledge of Arabic and/or French would be an asset.

- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication.
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.

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.

Country Programme Manager P-3 - Near East and North Africa Division