Special Envoy to Middle East and Arab Funds - Co-Terminus 3 Years
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 External Relations Department (ERD) leads IFAD's external engagement, including resource mobilization and strategic communications. The Special Envoy position is within ERD, reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) ERD and coordinating with the Office of the President & Vice-President (OPV).
Job Purpose
To serve as a senior strategic advisor to the President on IFAD's engagement in the Middle East, providing high-level diplomatic leadership to deepen relationships with Member States, regional institutions, and development partners. The role aims to advance IFAD's mandate by building trusted relationships, identifying resource mobilization and co-financing opportunities, and positioning IFAD as a strategic partner for food security, rural transformation, climate resilience, and stability.
Responsibilities
Provides strategic advisory on policies and systems for the Middle East and Arab funds scope; serves as a designated representative of IFAD, catalyzing partnerships and representing the Fund in official meetings and conferences; manages IFAD's resources, including human, financial, and material resources, ensuring transparent and efficient management. Specifically, develops and leads engagement strategies for Middle East partners, cultivates trusted relationships with senior interlocutors, co-leads high-level diplomatic engagement for resource mobilization, articulates IFAD's value proposition, serves as a senior focal point, briefs the President and senior management on regional developments, coordinates closely with internal divisions, and identifies collaboration and co-financing opportunities.
Work Experience
At least fifteen (15) years of progressively senior leadership experience in an international financial institution, multilateral organization, or government entity, with a demonstrated track record in strategic leadership, advising senior decision-makers, building high-level partnerships, managing sensitive external relationships, and mobilizing political support. Minimum of ten (10) years of direct experience working on or with Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at senior levels, including engagement with ministries, sovereign and development finance institutions, and regional organizations. Proven experience in international affairs, diplomacy, integrating political, financial, operational, and partnership work streams, and shaping policy dialogue. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multicultural teams and development/implementation of strategic initiatives. Established network of senior-level relationships across governments, development funds, regional institutions, sovereign investment entities, and strategic partners in the Middle East and GCC region.
Skills
Budgeting and resource management; advocacy; resource mobilization and partnership financing; stakeholder management; strategy implementation; performance management; planning; policy dialogue; change management; confidentiality and discretion; corporate approach; leadership; political acumen; specialized communication skills for negotiation; evidence-based policy formulation; programme/project development and management.