Country Director

Organizational Context

IFAD is a UN specialized agency and international financial institution focused on eradicating rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural people and advocating for rural transformation policies. The Department for Country Operations (DCO) oversees investment origination, design, and management, engaging with governments and stakeholders. The West and Central Africa Division (WCA) leads on designing and delivering IFAD country and regional programmes.

Job Purpose

The Country Director provides technical and managerial leadership for the development and execution of IFAD's country programmes, ensuring integrity and equity in portfolio management. This includes advocating for programmes that enhance rural people's access to resources and opportunities, building capacity of government counterparts and the rural poor, and actively engaging with private sector and local stakeholders to reduce rural poverty and hunger.

Responsibilities

Lead country strategy development and implementation for agricultural development and rural poverty reduction; manage IFAD country programmes and projects, including design, supervision, loan/grant negotiations, and M&E; ensure IFAD's country presence, build and manage partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and represent IFAD on the UN Country Team; contribute to corporate policy strategy and promote dialogue on pro-poor agricultural policies; support office management functions, including human resources, financial management, and budget oversight.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in rural development, agriculture, rural finance, development policy, or related fields, with a preference for economics. This includes a minimum of 2 years in international organizations, rural development/financial institutions, or government services with a global scope. Experience should preferably include project design, development, implementation, and evaluation, especially in rural development programmes.

Skills

Advocacy; in-depth knowledge of IFAD's governance, mandate, strategic priorities and partners (public, non-state, private sectors); performance management; risk management; strong interpersonal skills; know-how in evidence-based policy formulation, loans and grants design/management, and policy dialogue; expertise in programme management for agricultural development (including project design, development, coordination, and evaluation); expertise in inclusive rural finance.

Explore related opportunities