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Programme Coordinator Position at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. We invest in rural people, empowering them to increase their food security, improve the nutrition of their families, and increase their incomes. We help them build resilience, expand their businesses, and take charge of their own development.

Our work is more critical now than ever. In a world facing climate change, economic instability, and food insecurity, IFAD’s mission provides a beacon of sustainable, community-driven hope. To advance this mission, we are seeking a dedicated and meticulous Programme Coordinator to join our team. This role is the operational backbone of our projects, ensuring that our initiatives in the field are executed efficiently, effectively, and in line with our strategic objectives.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to international development from a crucial coordination perspective, with a competitive salary range of approximately USD 30,000 – 45,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

The IFAD Mission and Your Role Within It

IFAD was founded on the belief that rural people, given the opportunity, can overcome poverty. We don’t just provide aid; we provide tools, training, and financing to help rural communities build prosperous futures. Our projects range from supporting small-scale farmers with climate-resilient agricultural practices to developing rural financial services and strengthening value chains.

As a Programme Coordinator, you will be instrumental in turning these project blueprints into tangible results. You are the linchpin that connects strategic vision with on-the-ground implementation. Your work ensures that resources are allocated properly, timelines are met, and reporting is accurate, allowing our technical experts to focus on delivering maximum impact for the communities we serve.

A Detailed Look at the Programme Coordinator Role

This is not an administrative role in the traditional sense. It is a dynamic position that requires a blend of organizational prowess, financial acumen, and intercultural communication skills. You will be the central point of coordination for a portfolio of projects, responsible for their smooth operational flow.

Key Responsibilities and Daily Activities:

Your core duties will encompass a wide range of programmatic support functions:

• Programme Cycle Management Support:

  • Assist in the preparation and finalization of project documents, work plans, and budgets.

  • Monitor project timelines and milestones, proactively identifying potential delays and suggesting corrective actions.

  • Maintain and update all project-related files, records, and databases, ensuring all information is current and accessible.

• Financial and Administrative Oversight:

  • Monitor project expenditures against allocated budgets, preparing financial summaries and reports for management.

  • Process requests for payments, procurement of goods and services, and travel authorizations in accordance with IFAD rules and procedures.

  • Coordinate logistical arrangements for missions, workshops, and meetings, both virtually and in-person.

• Stakeholder Communication and Liaison:

  • Serve as a key contact point for government counterparts, implementing partners, and other UN agencies on operational and administrative matters.

  • Facilitate clear communication between the project team, IFAD headquarters, and field offices.

  • Prepare and disseminate meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up action points.

• Reporting and Knowledge Management:

  • Compile and analyze data from the field to contribute to periodic progress reports for donors and IFAD management.

  • Support the drafting of briefing notes, presentations, and success stories that capture the impact of the projects.

  • Ensure that lessons learned and best practices are properly documented and shared within the organization.

The Ideal Candidate: Qualifications and Competencies We Seek

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is passionate about international development and possesses a unique blend of hard and soft skills. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a structured, yet fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Economics, Agriculture, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a strong asset.

• Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project coordination, administration, or management, preferably within an international organization, NGO, or government agency.

• Financial Literacy: Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Oracle or SAP, is highly desirable.

• Languages: Full command of English is essential. Proficiency in another official UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) is a significant advantage.

Core Competencies and Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional Organizational Skills: You can juggle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously without losing sight of the details. Your ability to plan, coordinate, and monitor your own work is impeccable.

• Analytical Mindset: You can interpret financial data, understand complex procedures, and analyze information to support decision-making.

• Effective Communication: You are an excellent writer and verbal communicator, capable of drafting clear reports and liaising effectively with a diverse range of people.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: You are a team player who can build positive working relationships with colleagues and external partners from different cultural backgrounds.

• Initiative and Reliability: You are a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision. You are known for your reliability and commitment to seeing tasks through to completion.

• A Commitment to IFAD’s Values: You have a genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and goals of IFAD.

Compensation, Benefits, and Career Growth

IFAD offers a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support you both professionally and personally.

• Salary: The position offers an annual salary in the range of USD 30,000 – 45,000, determined based on qualifications and experience.

• Benefits Package: This includes:

  • Dependency allowances for eligible family members.

  • UN-sponsored health and dental insurance plans with worldwide coverage.

  • Vacation and leave: Generous annual leave and sick leave provisions.

  • Pension fund: Participation in a UN joint pension fund.

  • Support for professional development through training and learning opportunities.

  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters growth and collaboration.

This role serves as a critical entry point into the world of international development and the United Nations system. It provides unparalleled exposure to the intricacies of development projects and offers significant potential for professional growth and career advancement within IFAD and the wider UN.

A Guide to the Application Process

The application process for a UN agency like IFAD is structured and thorough. Understanding the steps can help you prepare effectively.

1. Tailor Your Application: Carefully review the job description and tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight the specific qualifications and competencies listed. Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Coordinated a portfolio of 5 projects, resulting in a 10% increase in timely reporting”).

2. Submit Online: Applications are typically submitted through the UN Careers portal or IFAD’s specific recruitment site. Ensure all documents are uploaded in the requested format.

3. The Screening Process: The HR team and hiring manager will screen applications against the essential criteria. Those who most closely match the requirements will be shortlisted for the next stage.

4. The Assessment Stage: This may involve a written test to assess your analytical, drafting, and/or financial skills.

5. The Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a competency-based interview. This may be conducted by a panel. Be prepared to answer questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of your past experiences.

   • Sample Question: “Describe a time when you had to manage a complex administrative process under a tight deadline. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?”

6. Reference Checks and Offer: Successful candidates will undergo reference checks before a formal offer of appointment is made.