Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer, Rome

Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer, Rome | IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development

Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer, Rome

IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development Rome International P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level Speaks Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Application deadline: April 06, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer at IFAD is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of operational and programme delivery risk management. This role involves providing strategic advice to senior management, advocating for change management, and ensuring effective communication across the organization. The officer will manage risk frameworks, support governance functions, and enhance risk culture within IFAD. The position requires significant operational experience and a strong understanding of risk management best practices.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced university degree in relevant field

At least 10 years of relevant experience in risk management

Experience in managing teams and systems

Knowledge of IFAD's governance and mandate

Familiarity with risk management methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is a plus

Risk certifications are advantageous

Job Title : Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer

Organization job directory

ID : 34710

Location : ROME

Date of issue : 03/17/2026

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 04/06/2026

Organizational Unit : Office of Enterprise Risk Mgmt

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Regular

Travel Guides & Travelogues

Assignment Duration : 2 Years

Grade : P-5

Organizational Setting

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 Enterprise   Risk Management (RMO) reports directly to the President.

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RMO is a dynamic, strategic and responsive service provider, leading IFAD's second line of defence by fully supporting the management of all risks across the organization. The RMO implements, monitors, and maintains an efficient and effective Enterprise Risk Management programme, supporting IFAD's strategic vision and mandate. The RMO aims to enable better informed risk taking by using consistent   risk management best practices across the organization to achieve the Fund's objectives in the long-term and deliver on its development commitments. The Office is responsible for oversight and monitoring of risk exposures and enabling clear reporting of IFAD's risk profile.

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Geographic Reference

Demographics

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The Lead Operational Risk Officer works under the direct supervision of the RMO Director & Chief Risk Officer (CRO).

Risk Management

Job Role

The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer is a leading professional in her/his field with significant operational experience in IFAD or similar MDBs / IFIs. The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer technically supports senior management to ensure proper oversight and leadership of operational and programme delivery matters as well as RMO inputs into the corporate agenda. The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer is accountable for IFAD's core values of integrity, transparency, value for money, competitiveness and equity.

Position Specifics: In view of adopting a holistic and integrated approach to risk management in IFAD, the Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer has management responsibility for operational and programme delivery risk management.

Key Functions and Results

1.LEADING IFAD STRATEGIC   RISK MANAGEMENT : The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer has primary responsibility for overseeing the development and implementation of IFAD's Operational and Programme Delivery Risk management with also a support to governance and risk integration function. The incumbent takes a leading role in

i) implementing the operational risk framework consisting of the implementation and operationalization of the four main framework components according to best risk management practices: incident loss data collection and reporting process, risk control self-assessments (RCSAs), Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and Scenario Analysis through regular reporting to the Non-Financial Risk Management Committee (NFRMC) the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC) and the Executive Management Committee (EMC) as appropriate;

ii) developing the programme delivery risk through consistent PDR monitoring to ensure capacity to achieve the expected results in Fund-supported projects and reporting to the Non-Financial Risk Management Committee (NFRMC);

Risk Management

iii) performing monitoring of the risk appetite, ad-hoc analysis of risk exposures and coordinate with risk owners the identification of relevant action plans for mitigation, iv) leading and advocating the implementation of the ERM policy for operational and programme delivery risk;

v) supporting the strategic and other enterprise-wide emerging risks, including IFAD risk appetite framework, IFAD risk management charter and all other strategic risk framework pillars.

The position: (i) leads the collaboration and coordination with relevant functions and departments across the Fund on matters of operational and programme delivery risk (and emerging enterprise-wide risks), including, but not limited to, the Office of the President and Vice President, Financial Operations Department, the Department for Country Operations, Office of Development Effectiveness, External Relations and Governance Department and the Office of Technical Delivery.

(ii) Supports the implementation of the IFAD Risk Governance structure both at executive and technical divisional level, including supervision and coordination of RMO Secretariat functioning.

(iii) supports the RMO Risk Culture Enhancement Programme, Risk Knowledge and Learning Management and Risk Management Best Practice sharing both internally and externally, through interaction with other Institutions, organisations, and other third parties.

2.SENIOR-LEVEL ADVICE ON ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY AND STRATEGY: Provides authoritative technical advice to the RMO Director and Chief Risk Officer, RMO and other relevant IFAD professionals. The incumbent may designate on all matters related to operational and programme delivery risk (emerging enterprise risk, if and when required), governance and risk integration at IFAD.

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3.AGENT OF CHANGE: Advocates and applies the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. At this level, the incumbent manages change through consultations with all IFAD offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes.

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes People Management through support to recruitment of technical specialists and technical leadership/capacity development, Resource Management by providing strategic and technical advice into programme development, and Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring: (i) knowledge content within specialty/thematic area is continuously updated and available through the intranet

(ii) best practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through the inter-/intra-net and,

(iii) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available.

Key Performance Indicators

The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Officer works in an independent and rigorous   risk management function. The incumbent works within a framework of broad policies, principles, and goals, applying a high degree of autonomy in selection of work methods. The responsibilities also include managing and participating in key decision-making processes. Lead Officers at this level are accountable for authoritative advice and guidance regarding the Fund's risk policies, frameworks, and guidelines. They also make recommendations to senior management relating to operational and programme delivery risk. The key results from this role have a strong impact on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of risk management at IFAD, as well as the successful establishment and implementation of risk policies and standards to accompany the new organizational architecture and business model for IFAD 14 and beyond. The key performance indicators include efficient performance of assigned responsibilities, technical quality, and team leading characteristics.

Risk Management

Working Relationships

Work relationships for the Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer involve the provision of authoritative strategic and enterprise-wide risks advice, including to the RMO Director & Chief Risk Officer and other senior management. The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer may represent the Office on related matters at internal and external meetings, as requested by the RMO Director & Chief Risk Officer. Internally, the role requires interdepartmental communication on subjects relating to strategic and enterprise-wide risks. The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer will use their authoritative expertise on enterprise risk management to ensure overall oversight and adherence to IFAD's policies and procedures. Work relationships will extend throughout the organization. Externally, the Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer collaborates and liaises with other multilateral development banks and relevant institutions in the sharing of information and knowledge on policies, methodologies, and related techniques in risk management.

Social Sciences

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2: Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused culture Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact Strategic thinking and organizational development Strategic leadership Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment

Education:

Communications & Media Studies

Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. Areas - Business Administration, Finance,   Risk Management , Banking and other relevant areas. (Degree must be an accredited institution listed on

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Remote work opportunities

Online certification courses

Certifications - Risk Certifications (GARP FRM is an advantage)

Experience:

Risk Management

At least ten (10) years of progressively relevant and responsible professional experience, including senior risk management roles, in managing teams and systems in high pressure environments as well as managing other resources (e.g., financial and material). Four (4) years experience in a results-based budgeting and financial management providing support on a global scope; Position-specific experience: Risk Management qualification and/or certification from internationally recognised professional associations is desirable. Substantive relevant management and technical experience exceeding 15 years. Knowledge of inter-agency relations within the UN System and with international financial institutions or multinational development banks is an asset.

Languages:

Social Sciences

Required English (4 Excellent) Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 Good)

Skills: IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work Risk & compliance: Know-how of risk best management practices, risk methodologies and risk computational techniques for both operational and programme delivery risk. Know-how in asset liability management, risk appetite, risk reporting, risk control self -assessment (RCSAs), Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), scenario analysis, risk analytics, incident reporting, capital adequacy, quality assurance and compliance (e.g. Anti-money laundering (AML), Know your customer (KYC) processes), etc. Advocacy: Know-how in advocacy, to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD s vision to external actors IFAD partners: Knowledge of IFAD's partners' functioning and mandate, such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors Policy dialogue: Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - like ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society UN and IFI documentation & processes: Knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, regulations and guidelines on document processing and distribution within the UN and other IFIs Analytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key risk insights and recommendations

  Risk management (e.g. reputational): Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD's activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies Performance management, Know-how in managing performance so that staff supervised deliver on the agreed objectives and meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD. Is proficient in establishing clear performance goals (operational and behavioural) and learning plans as well as in evaluating the performance of staff against the set goals Change management: Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented Leadership: Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside and outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD's core values and competencies, and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD's goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all. Programme/Project development, management: Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management.

Other Information

IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

Risk Management

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or ith its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to , e.

Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org

In accordance with IFADs provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFADs remuneration package, please visit IFADs compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements. See here.

United Nations recruitment

Long-listed candidates will be required to participate in a pre-screening interview. Short-listed candidates will be required to participate in a technical and competency-based interview and may be required to take a written test and/or to deliver a presentation.

Non-selected candidates who have been shortlisted, interviewed and found suitable in this competitive selection process, may be included in IFAD's appointable roster and considered for future positions in the same job family and grade level, in line with IFAD's applicable provisions. Candidates included in the appointable roster will be notified by IFAD.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The Lead Operational and Programme Delivery Risk Officer at IFAD is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of operational and programme delivery risk management. This role involves providing strategic advice to senior management, advocating for change management, and ensuring effective communication across the organization. The officer will manage risk frameworks, support governance functions, and enhance risk culture within IFAD. The position requires significant operational experience and a strong understanding of risk management best practices.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced university degree in relevant field

At least 10 years of relevant experience in risk management

Experience in managing teams and systems

Knowledge of IFAD's governance and mandate

Familiarity with risk management methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is a plus

Risk certifications are advantageous

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