Jobs

Call for Interest: IFAD is Hiring – Diverse Consultant Opportunities

EugenMarch 2, 2025

4 minutes read

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is excited to announce its open call for consultants as part of its commitment to enhance its operations and improve the outcomes of projects aimed at alleviating rural poverty and achieving food security globally. This recruitment drive welcomes professionals with varied expertise, reflecting the diverse and technical nature of the assignments available. While applicants will undergo an initial screening aligned with minimum requirements, successful candidates will have the chance to participate in a more in-depth assessment process for inclusion in IFAD’s esteemed Consultants Roster. It is essential to note that inclusion in the roster does not guarantee assignment but opens up opportunities to contribute meaningfully to IFAD’s mission.

Closing date: Ongoing
Location: Global

Job Role Overview

IFAD recognizes that social, environmental, and climate sustainability are pivotal to the effective execution of its mandate. As a result, the Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) serve as a key framework in ensuring that its investments lead to sustainable development outcomes. The latest edition of SECAP, updated in 2021, provides guidelines that apply to a wide range of initiatives, including loans, grants, and technical assistance. Through SECAP, IFAD emphasizes the necessity of conducting due diligence across environmental, social, and climate facets, thereby ensuring that project impacts are adequately managed.

Securing compliance and addressing grievances efficiently are essential components of IFAD’s operational integrity. There is a commitment to ensuring that those adversely affected by IFAD-supported initiatives have a platform to voice their concerns. This dedication gives rise to an enhanced Complaints Procedure (CP), which serves as an accountability mechanism and ensures adherence to high environmental and social standards as outlined in SECAP 2021. The CP offers a transparent process for communities to raise concerns about project impacts, and fosters effective solutions that advance long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities of the Complaints Procedure

The CP is designed to function through a three-pronged approach:

Assessment Phase: Engaging complainants, borrowers, partners, and project teams to clarify issues and facilitate understanding of procedures.
Problem-Solving Process: Working towards resolving environmental and social concerns collaboratively to enhance project outcomes.
Impartial Review Process: Conducting reviews of IFAD’s adherence to SECAP standards and suggesting remedial actions as needed.

To effectively implement this impartial review function, IFAD seeks an independent SECAP Complaints Officer (SCO). The SCO will operate within the Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO), providing unbiased evaluations and reporting findings to the Executive Board through the Audit Committee.

Expected Activities of the SECAP Complaints Officer

The SCO’s responsibilities will include:

Conducting thorough and impartial reviews of complaints.
Developing terms of reference for reviews and engaging suitable experts for assistance.
Coordinating with stakeholders and collecting relevant information during the review process.
Collaborating with Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) of co-financing projects.
Producing draft reviews, gathering comments from affected parties and IFAD management, and issuing final reports for Executive Board consideration.
Monitoring the implementation of remedial actions proposed after reviews.
Preparing comprehensive annual reports summarizing the impartial review process and its outcomes.

Desired Outcomes

By the conclusion of the SCO’s retainer contract, the consultant is expected to have played a pivotal role in:

Enhancing the resolution of complaints raised by project-affected parties.
Improving monitoring and reporting mechanisms related to SECAP complaints.
Increasing IFAD staff knowledge and understanding of the complaints procedure.

Job Profile Requirements

Education and Experience:

Qualified candidates should possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent in relevant disciplines such as economics, environmental studies, international relations, law, or social sciences. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree coupled with extensive specialized experience may also be considered.

A minimum of 20 years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in interpreting and applying international rules and policies related to compliance, investigative efforts, and audit strategies.
At least 10 years of experience working in multiple international contexts, preferably within IFAD borrowing states, is also required.
Knowledge of international development frameworks, environmental and social safeguards, and grievance redress mechanisms forms a strong advantage.
Additional technical knowledge in agriculture, climate change, land acquisition, and related fields will be beneficial.

Skills and Competencies:

The ideal candidate should exhibit:

Strong analytical abilities to synthesize information effectively.
Impeccable integrity and the ability to act impartially.
Advanced communication and diplomatic skills that facilitate productive stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated leadership skills and the capacity to navigate complex international environments.
A willingness to travel frequently and adapt to challenging surroundings.

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English, with the ability to produce clear, concise technical reports, is essential. Knowledge of other IFAD languages such as Arabic, French, or Spanish is highly desirable.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to respond promptly to this call for interest by submitting their qualifications as directed on IFAD’s website. The selection process will prioritize diversity and creativity, reflecting IFAD’s commitment to fostering a team that can innovate and address pressing global challenges.

Conclusion

This call for consultants provides a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals to contribute to the significant goals outlined by IFAD. By bringing on board independent experts for the SCO position, IFAD aims to strengthen its operations and enhance accountability through improved compliance and responsiveness. This recruitment not only supports IFAD’s mission but also offers an avenue for consultants to engage deeply with transformative agricultural initiatives that resonate with sustainable development and social equity.