Application Guide
How to Apply for Chief Evidence for Development Impact and Innovation
at International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
🏢 About International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
IFAD is a specialized UN agency uniquely focused on rural poverty reduction through agricultural development, operating as both a financial institution and development partner. Working here offers the chance to directly impact global food security and rural livelihoods while collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local communities worldwide. The organization's evidence-based approach to development makes it particularly appealing for professionals passionate about measurable impact.
About This Role
As Chief of the Evidence for Development Impact and Innovation Unit, you'll lead strategic initiatives to assess and enhance IFAD's development effectiveness across global agricultural programs. This role involves designing and implementing frameworks to measure impact, fostering innovation in rural development approaches, and ensuring evidence informs policy and investment decisions. Your work will directly shape how IFAD demonstrates and improves its contributions to poverty reduction and food security.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might begin reviewing impact assessment reports from country programs, followed by meetings with regional teams to discuss evidence needs for upcoming projects. Afternoon could involve strategic planning for innovation initiatives, collaborating with research partners, and preparing briefings for senior management on evidence-based recommendations. You'll regularly engage with diverse stakeholders to ensure evidence generation aligns with field realities and organizational priorities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Is Looking For
- Senior professional with 10+ years experience in development impact assessment, monitoring & evaluation, or agricultural research, preferably in international development contexts
- Proven leadership managing teams and cross-functional initiatives in evidence-based program design and innovation processes
- Deep understanding of rural development challenges and agricultural systems in developing countries, with field experience highly valued
- Strong analytical skills with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods applied to development contexts
📝 Tips for Applying to International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Highlight specific experience with agricultural development impact assessment methodologies (e.g., RCTs, mixed-methods evaluations, outcome harvesting) relevant to rural contexts
Demonstrate understanding of IFAD's unique dual role as both a UN agency and an international financial institution in your application materials
Provide concrete examples of how you've led evidence-to-policy processes or innovation scaling in development organizations
Emphasize experience working with diverse stakeholders including governments, rural communities, and research institutions
Show familiarity with IFAD's strategic framework and country programs by referencing specific initiatives or regions in your application
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your leadership philosophy for building and managing a high-performing evidence and innovation unit within a multilateral organization', "Specific examples of how you've designed and implemented impact assessment frameworks that influenced development policy or practice", 'Experience bridging evidence generation with program innovation in agricultural or rural development contexts', "Understanding of IFAD's mandate and how you would contribute to demonstrating its development effectiveness"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → IFAD's Strategic Framework 2022-2030 and how evidence and innovation feature in their theory of change
- → Recent IFAD impact assessments and evaluation reports to understand their current evidence approaches and gaps
- → IFAD's country programs and regional strategies, particularly in areas like climate adaptation, rural youth employment, or gender equality
- → The structure and mandate of IFAD's Research and Impact Assessment Division where this unit sits
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on academic research experience without demonstrating how evidence influenced real-world development decisions or programs
- Applying generic monitoring and evaluation approaches without tailoring to agricultural/rural development contexts
- Failing to understand IFAD's unique position as both a UN agency and an international financial institution with specific governance structures
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)!