Duration: Two years fixed-term
Organizational context
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an International Financial Institution and a specialized United Nations Agency whose mission is enabling poor rural people to improve their food security and nutrition, raise their incomes, and strengthen their resilience. To achieve these goals. IFAD develops and finances programs and projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and incomes and reducing rural poverty. IFAD's headquarters is in Rome, Italy, but has offices in 40 countries and finances programs and projects in more than 90 countries.
Divisional context
The Information and Communications Technology Division (ICT) is part of the Corporate Services Department of IFAD. Its stated objective is to be a strategic partner and a responsive service and support provider, delivering state-of-the-art information and communications technology and expertise to the workforce, its representatives and the leadership of IFAD.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Specialist is a seasoned professional reflecting an in-depth, complete understanding of ICT systems and applications development.
The ICT Specialist works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the ICT Director, the general supervision and coordination of the ICT Solutions Coordinator and as part of the ICT Solutions team. The ICT Specialist will coordinate the work of and provide technical guidance to General Service staff, temporary staff and/or external consultants, including but not limited to OFSS.
KEY RESULTS EXPECTED/MAJOR FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The incumbent will provide system development and technical support to IFAD¿s financial systems, including Flexcube, PeopleSoft and Corporate Portal solutions.
ICT MANAGEMENT: the ICT Specialist is a seasoned professional accountable for development, design, implementation and management of complex, interrelated applications and/or components of major ICT systems. Representative accountabilities/key results include (a) undertaking feasibility studies, systems analysis and design for specific systems, applications and/or for components of the more complex systems of the Fund¿s ICT System; (b) translating user requirements into functional and technical specifications for new applications, developing integrating existing modules, developing local enhancements, etc.; (c) configuring systems/application environments and leading the installation, maintenance, problem resolution/trouble shooting, optimization and system/applications upgrades; (d) monitoring transactions to measure the performance and continuing effectiveness of assigned systems and working with systems software personnel to resolve operational problems.
AGENT OF CHANGE: the ICT Specialist understands and applies the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. Uses a seasoned knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other information technology to develop, analyze and promote acceptance of new methods of work and automated workflows. The ICT Specialist manages change through consultations with ICT colleagues and outreach to client offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes in the Fund¿s information and communication technology strategy, standards, regulations and rules.
COMPETENCIES
Organizational
Functional
Minimum Recruitment Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in computer science, information technology, mathematics or other job related field. The advance degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience required, or formal professional ICT certification in the Flexcube banking product.
Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional development experience in the implementation and support of enterprise-wide financial systems. Development experience in information technology in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope is desirable.
Language requirements: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.
Technical requirements:
Essential: Banking System: Flexcube
Banking Modules: Banking Base, Current Accounts and Commercial Loans
Desirable: Reporting tools: Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE)
Databases: Experience of 2 of the following - Oracle 10/11g, Sybase, MS SQL Server, Postgres
SDK: Flexcube MICON, PeopleTools, PeopleCode, SQR
ERP system: PeopleSoft FIN, HCM and EPM
Finance modules: General Ledger, Cash Management, Accounts Payable,Accounts Receivable
Official Certificates will be accepted as proof of competency in the relevant technology fields. In the absence of such certification, testing may apply.
Other information
Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.
Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in 'How to Apply' before you start.
In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.
Candidates may be required to take a written test as well as participate in interviews.
