The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized United Nations agency and international financial institution dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. IFAD invests in rural people, financing programs and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes. The organization also advocates at local, national, and international levels for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Job Overview

IFAD is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Procurement Officer to join their Programme Management Department (PMD). This role is located within the Operational Policy and Results Division (OPR) and will play a crucial part in ensuring that IFAD’s programs and projects align with the organization’s procurement policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Effectiveness Management

• – Support the effectiveness of procurement management execution by country program management teams and project teams
• – Ensure compliance with procurement guidelines, manual, and handbook throughout project lifecycle
• – Provide oversight for project procurement activities by IFAD’s borrowers
• – Identify bottlenecks and weaknesses in project procurement controls and propose solutions

Project Procurement Management

• – Promote fulfillment of IFAD’s project procurement oversight function
• – Draft high-level documentation for various IFAD units and governing bodies
• – Provide policy support and ensure procurement requirements are embedded across IFAD
• – Develop new procurement templates and guidance notes
• – Advise Regional Divisions and Project Delivery Teams on procurement policies and practices
• – Support the Project Procurement Prior Review Committee
• – Contribute to the resolution of procurement issues and complaints handling

Operations Support

• – Assist in elaborating concept notes, country strategy opportunities, and project designs
• – Provide strategic support and backstopping to Regional Divisions throughout project lifecycle
• – Support risk assessment in projects and maintain acceptable risk mitigation measures
• – Monitor procurement performance across the portfolio using established indicators and tools
• – Prepare regular procurement reports highlighting main risks and problems in the portfolio

Capacity Building

• – Assess training needs for Country Directors, IFAD Country Office staff, and project team members
• – Provide training and guidance on project procurement management and related risks
• – Support procurement training and capacity building efforts, including the BUILDPROC grant
• – Contribute to knowledge sharing on current trends in international public procurement

Systems Management

• – Contribute to the development and roll-out of IT systems for project procurement
• – Monitor and manage procurement and contract data in IFAD’s Contract Monitoring Tool and other systems
• – Prepare high-level presentations and position papers on procurement for IFAD management

Partnership Building

• – Promote constructive dialogue on procurement matters with various stakeholders
• – Engage in public procurement reforms discussions
• – Maintain and facilitate an IFAD-approved roster of qualified procurement consultants

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• – Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in business administration, public administration, law, commerce, finance, or a related field

Experience

• – Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in project procurement activities within an international organization
• – Proven record of supporting and delivering complex procurement programs
• – Relevant field experience
• – Experience working in multiple geographic regions and at headquarters is an asset

Languages

• – Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• – Good knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable

Skills

• – Strong expertise in contract management and procurement policies
• – Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• – Ability to interpret and adhere to formal guidelines and procedures
• – Proficiency in risk management and compliance
• – Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• – Exceptional time management and ability to work under pressure
• – Demonstrated integrity and ethical conduct
• – Proficiency in project/program management, including design and evaluation

Additional Information

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization offers a competitive remuneration package and opportunities for professional growth in an international environment.

Candidates may be required to take a written test, deliver a presentation, and participate in interviews as part of the selection process.

For more information about IFAD’s compensation and benefits, please visit the official IFAD website.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through IFAD’s official recruitment channels. Please be aware of fraudulent job offers, as IFAD does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.

Join IFAD in its mission to transform rural communities and make a lasting impact on global food security and poverty reduction.