Legal Officer (Climate and Private Sector) [JOB DUTY STATION: ROME, ITALY, P-3]

This job is based in Rome, Italy.Organizational SettingThe 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 Legal and Governance (OLG) leads IFAD's governance dialogue with Members and provides strategic leadership and authoritative advice at the institutional level on all aspects of IFAD's work. In this manner, OLG guides the Fund's high-level strategic, corporate and operational policy discussions and decisions, protecting the institution and maximizing the impact of IFAD's investments. OLG is led by the Chief Legal and Governance Officer (CLGO) and General Counsel (GC) and is comprised of two divisions: the Office of the General Counsel (LEG) and the Office of the Secretary (SEC).LEG provides guidance and advice to IFAD's Management and Governing Bodies on all legal aspects of IFAD's operations and administration as IFAD strives to mobilize resources for, as well as to design and implement, agricultural development and projects in its Member States. The office ensures that IFAD complies with the Agreement Establishing IFAD, Rules and Procedures of the Governing Bodies and other relevant laws and obligations and proposes new legal frameworks, instruments, and guidance that will help the organization meet new challenges with respect to designing and implementing IFAD's program of work, resource mobilization and capacity to respond to global events.Job RoleThe post is at the full working level in the field of general legal services and plays an important role in supporting the legal framework of IFAD's operations. At this level the incumbent requires a complete, in-depth knowledge of the technical concepts and tools of the legal profession. They have the capacity to adapt approaches and models to meet emerging needs and to ensure the continuing relevance of LEG to the Fund and external partners.The incumbent, working under the direct supervision of a Senior Legal Officer and under the overall guidance of the GC and a DGC, is accountable for the provision of qualitative legal advice and services to different internal and/or external clients and to support the Senior Legal Officer in the provision of legal advice to internal committees and bodies, including the Investment Review Committee, the Executive Board, and the Governing Council. They are required to conduct legal research and analysis using different search tools, documents and precedents, including IFAD legal instruments. They are also required to review and advise on the legal aspects of different rules, policies, procedures.They play a role in supporting the legal framework of IFAD's operations in LEG. Specifically, the incumbent's tasks will include advice in the legal area related to private sector/ non-sovereign operations, including loans, co-financing agreements, blended finance, guarantees, risk-sharing arrangements, equity, climate finance. Regular working assignments are largely independent, and incumbent is expected to have technically unsupervised interaction with different internal and external clients. .Job Profile RequirementsOrganizational Competencies:Level 1:Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationshipsCommunicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and othersDemonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to changeFocusing on clients - Focuses on clientsLearning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovatesManaging performance and developing staff -Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectivelyProblem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making abilityStrategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influenceTeam working - Contributes effectively to the teamEducation:Level - Advanced university law degree from an accredited institution (Juris Doctor, Masters or equivalent)Areas - relevant field of law such as international, administrative, commercial, economics or other related legal fieldDegree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php .Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.phpExperience:At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the analysis of legal documents, research on legal practices and precedents, and the application of legal principles and concepts needed to perform the assigned activities. The professional experience must include at least two (2) years at the international level in international organizations, financial institutions or international financial institutions.Certifications:Admission to Bar or similar/equivalent body in at least one jurisdiction of a Member State (civil/common law).Languages:English (4 - Excellent)Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 - Good)Click "Apply" to read the full job description and submit your application.Deadline for applications: 27 November 2025 (23:59 CET Rome)Ref: VA 31941