Managing Director of Development Effectiveness and Corporate Strategy (ODE) [Rome, Italy, D-2] in London

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) ensures that IFAD's supported programs are set to achieve their maximum impact and serve as a learning opportunity for future ones. Specifically, ODE is responsible for coordinating corporate strategy and measuring the relevance of IFAD's business model to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy. ODE is also responsible for managing, measuring, and facilitating the effectiveness of IFAD program of work, including adequately incorporating knowledge of effectiveness and efficiency into all its investments.

Through the systematic integration of research findings, evidence-based innovations and best practices into IFAD's project design, implementation, and self-evaluation processes, the effectiveness and impact of IFAD-supported initiatives are enhanced. ODE contributes to five key corporate objectives:

• Supporting the long-term development strategy of the institution given its mandate
• Curating evidence, innovations and operational solutions for rural economies, and their deployment for effective programming
• Ensuring the appropriate feedback loops work to ensure quality through the compliance of policies, quality assurance, standards, and lessons learned through the whole evaluation function of IFAD
• Driving corporate and operational effectiveness and efficiency
• Supporting capacity development for project management, monitoring and evaluation at the country-level

ODE is led by a Managing Director, a Deputy Chief Strategy and Effectiveness Officer, and three units: Quality Assurance and Environmental and Social Safeguards Unit (QAS); Results, Resources and Systems Unit (RRS); and Evidence for Development Impact and Innovation Unit (EDI). ODE works in close coordination with other departments, offices, and divisions in IFAD and the Managing Director works under the direct supervision of the Vice President.

The Managing Director, ODE, is a member of IFAD's Senior Management Team and holds executive accountability for the Office of Development Effectiveness. The role exists to ensure that IFAD's programme of work is strategically coherent, operationally effective and demonstrably impactful: that the Fund's investments are designed and implemented to achieve maximum development results, that corporate strategy is grounded in evidence and performance data, and that robust quality, safeguards and evaluation systems are in place and functioning across the institution.

The Managing Director provides the intellectual and managerial leadership that enables ODE to fulfil its five corporate objectives: supporting the long-term development strategy of the institution; curating and disseminating evidence, innovations and operational solutions; ensuring that quality feedback loops - through compliance, policy adherence and evaluation - are operational across the Fund; driving corporate and operational effectiveness and efficiency; and strengthening country-level capacity in project management, monitoring and evaluation.

The Managing Director directly leads the Deputy, Chief Strategy and Effectiveness Officer, who serves as the primary internal management support, and provides strategic direction to the heads of the three ODE units: Quality Assurance and Environmental and Social Safeguards (QAS); Results, Resources and Systems (RRS); and Evidence for Development Impact and Innovation (EDI). The Managing Director is responsible for the full human, financial and material resources of ODE and for delivery of its programme of work within the approved budget.

As a member of the Executive Management Committee (EMC), chaired by the President, the Managing Director carries collective institutional responsibility for IFAD's overall performance and acts in the Fund's broader interest in all corporate deliberations.

Job Profile Requirements

Education: Education includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution listed on https://whed.net/home.php in economics, development economics, agricultural economics or related field is required. Preferably a PhD. Relevant certifications (ICCE) would be an asset.

Experience: At least 15 years of substantive relevant experience at an international level in an institution, which could include multilateral development banks and/or international financial institutions, UN agencies or other development finance-related organizations. Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills to manage a complex organization with staff of diverse cultural backgrounds in multiple locations. Extensive and proven managerial experience with a focus on people management. Progressively responsible management experience in senior level positions.

Languages Required: English and one other IFAD official language (4 - Excellent). Desirable: Other IFAD official languages: Arabic, French, Spanish (3 - Good).