International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is Seeking a Junior Professional Officer (JPO): Programme Analyst – Green Finance for Youth Employment
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years
Grade: P-2
Sponsored by: Government of Finland
Application Deadline: 1 August 2025 (Midnight, Rome Time)
About the Organization
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized United Nations agency and international financial institution committed to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. IFAD works by investing in rural people, supporting projects that increase agricultural productivity, expand access to finance, and build inclusive, climate-resilient economies in low-income countries. IFAD partners with governments, civil society, the private sector, and other UN agencies to support rural transformation and sustainable development.
This post is part of the Finnish Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme and is sponsored by the Government of Finland. It provides an opportunity for an early-career Finnish professional to contribute to international development through hands-on engagement in project implementation, policy dialogue, and partnerships.
Position Overview
The JPO will be based in IFAD’s Country Office in Nairobi, Kenya, and primarily support the Green Finance for Youth Employment (GFYE) Project. This four-year initiative (2024–2027), funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aims to generate decent employment opportunities for youth in green value chains in rural Kenya. The project supports access to loan-based financing for young people and youth-led enterprises undertaking environmentally sustainable income-generating projects.
The JPO will contribute to IFAD’s role in supervising and supporting the GFYE project and provide operational and strategic assistance across IFAD’s broader country programme in Kenya. This includes coordination with government stakeholders, project teams, financial institutions, and donors, as well as contributions to monitoring, communications, and knowledge management.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the GFYE Project
- Assist with day-to-day project coordination, including the review of work plans, budgets, and procurement strategies.
- Monitor and support the performance of project partners, especially in relation to Finland’s reporting requirements and cross-cutting priorities (gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, biodiversity).
- Contribute to the design and roll-out of innovative financial instruments, including a “Youth Green Guarantee” in collaboration with Kenya’s National Treasury and Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).
- Assist in developing eligibility frameworks for youth beneficiaries and support financial institutions in creating tailored green finance products.
- Engage in Strategic and Policy Work
- Support alignment of the GFYE project with IFAD’s Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) and Kenya’s national development priorities.
- Engage in donor coordination groups, technical working groups, and policy dialogue forums, particularly in areas related to youth employment, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
- Support partnerships with Finnish private sector actors, including outreach through Business Finland and similar platforms.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Contribute to progress tracking, results-based reporting, and performance assessments for the GFYE project.
- Assist with project supervision and implementation support missions, including field visits, stakeholder consultations, and follow-up on agreed actions.
- Collect and analyze data for reporting and impact assessment, ensuring input from partners and project management units is included.
- Knowledge Management and Communications
- Draft knowledge products, briefs, blog posts, and presentations based on project results and field experiences.
- Contribute to the organization of thematic events and learning exchanges at national and regional levels.
- Support IFAD’s visibility and communication efforts, highlighting the GFYE project’s outcomes and innovations.
- General Portfolio Support
- Assist in implementation support across IFAD-funded projects in Kenya beyond the GFYE initiative.
- Participate in internal reviews, compliance processes, and strategic planning exercises.
- Support internal reporting for regional and global IFAD teams and prepare for senior management visits and events.
Required Qualifications
- Citizenship: Finnish citizenship required
- Language: Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is also required
- Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agricultural economics, rural development, international development, political science, environmental studies, or economics
- Experience: Minimum of two years of professional experience in sustainable development, rural finance, project management, or applied research relevant to IFAD’s mandate. Experience in a developing country context or international organization is an asset.
Competencies and Skills
- Strong analytical, research, and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with an ability to present complex ideas clearly and diplomatically
- Capacity to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines under pressure
- Familiarity with rural development issues, inclusive finance, and climate-related development strategies
- Teamwork, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data tools (e.g., Stata, GIS) is an asset
Learning and Professional Development
- On-the-job training in IFAD’s systems, supervision procedures, donor coordination, and policy engagement
- Use of annual JPO training funds for participation in workshops, courses, and regional conferences
- Direct mentorship and coaching from the Country Director and other senior staff
- Opportunities to contribute to regional knowledge-sharing and South-South Cooperation efforts
- Field experience in project sites and direct engagement with beneficiaries and local partners
Eligibility for Finnish JPO Programme
- Finnish citizenship
- Proficiency in Finnish or Swedish
- Master’s degree from a recognized institution
- Not older than 32 years at the time of application
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the IFAD Careers Portal by 1 August 2025.
Job ID: 29382
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: P-2
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