Lead Global Technical Specialist (Rural Finance) - Re-Advertisement

Organizational Context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized UN agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural people. The Office of Technical Delivery provides expert technical guidance for IFAD projects and programmes, ensuring high technical quality and application of state-of-the-art knowledge. The Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI) focuses on quality enhancement, policy engagement, networking, and strategic partnerships in areas including inclusive rural finance.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and technical leadership for IFAD's Rural Finance thematic area globally, acting as the leading global technical authority. The role involves guiding and overseeing technical contributions to country and regional programs, curating knowledge, and shaping the corporate Rural Finance agenda by providing authoritative, state-of-the-art technical advice throughout the project cycle. Ensures global technical coherence, quality assurance, and consistency in the rural finance function, including managerial responsibility for HQ-based staff.

Responsibilities

Provides technically authoritative advice and policy development; leads knowledge advisory and sharing initiatives; builds and maintains strategic partnerships; supports monitoring, evaluation, and reporting; performs managerial functions including supervision, coaching, and resource management; offers global-level technical leadership and quality oversight to country programs across the full project cycle; serves as global thematic lead for Rural Finance, ensuring strategic coherence and technical quality.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in development investment projects and interventions in markets and value chains development, with at least 3 years at the international level. Proven experience in designing and coordinating pro-poor value chain development projects, leveraging innovative solutions including digital/ICT, working with the private sector, and developing value chain financing instruments. Experience with development finance institutions (DFIs), public and private sector development banks, and micro-finance institutions. Experience in designing and implementing value chain financing schemes and public-private partnerships is an advantage. Three (3) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope. Experience in international policy frameworks related to global issues is an asset.

Skills

Advocacy; Specialized communication skills; Climate Finance; Evidence-based policy; Risk management; Stakeholder management; Strategy implementation; Resources management; Adaptability; Business acumen, private sector knowledge; Confidentiality & Discretion; Interpersonal skills; Leadership; Synthesis; Verbal communication; Written communication; Programme/Project development, management; Markets & Value Chains; Private Sector Investment.

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