About the Organization
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an international financial institution with a dedicated mission: to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. By investing in rural populations, IFAD empowers poor rural people to improve their food security, increase their incomes, and strengthen their resilience. The Department for Country Operations (DCO) serves as the engine for this mission, designing and managing investments while interfacing directly with governments and private sector partners to ensure the highest quality of project oversight.
The Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Addis Ababa is a strategic hub within the East and Southern Africa Division (ESA), overseeing a critical portfolio that includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. The work culture at IFAD is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based development and sustainable impact. Personnel operate in a high-performing, multicultural environment where strategic thinking and problem-solving are paramount. The organization prioritizes a “client-focused” approach, ensuring that every financial investment translates into meaningful ground-level change for rural communities.
Professional growth at IFAD is robust and technically demanding. As an analyst within a UN agency and a financial institution, you will gain exposure to sophisticated corporate systems (such as ORMS and GRIPS) and lead the development of high-level portfolio intelligence dashboards. The role provides a unique opportunity to engage in “learning loops,” where data from the field directly informs regional and corporate policy. Staff are encouraged to document lessons learned, fostering a continuous cycle of professional development and organizational improvement.
IFAD is an equal-opportunity employer that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. The organization does not discriminate on any basis, including gender, disability, or social background, and actively encourages national professionals to take leadership in their country’s development. Joining IFAD means joining a global network of experts dedicated to the principle that rural transformation is the key to a world without hunger.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Country Programme Analyst (CPA) serves as the primary focal point for portfolio intelligence and data analytics within the Addis Ababa MCO. This role is fundamental to IFAD’s operational success, as it involves synthesizing complex data sets—including disbursement, procurement, and implementation ratings—into actionable insights. By maintaining sophisticated dashboards, the CPA provides the “early warning signals” necessary to mitigate risks and ensure that projects remain on track to meet their poverty-reduction targets.
Daily, the CPA provides vital implementation support, assisting in the design of Country Strategic Opportunities Programmes (COSOP) and ensuring that project supervision is evidence-based. The role bridges the gap between technical data and field reality, helping Project Management Units (PMUs) improve their reporting quality. Whether drafting country portfolio reviews or consolidating results for corporate frameworks, the CPA ensures that IFAD’s impact is transparently measured and reported.
The strategic impact of this position extends to policy and partnership building. By participating in high-level meetings with government officials and donors, the CPA helps link ground-level data with national policy frameworks. This ensures that innovations in rural finance and agriculture are captured and scaled. The CPA’s work in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) directly influences the allocation of resources, ensuring that investments are directed toward the most effective interventions for rural food security.
Career development in this role is centered on mastering the intersection of international finance and rural development. The CPA will develop highly professional communication skills, drafting position papers and analytical briefs that guide senior leadership. The exposure to complex ERP systems and multi-country portfolio management provides a solid foundation for a long-term career in international development and financial oversight.
Ultimately, the Country Programme Analyst is a guardian of project quality. Through meticulous data management and proactive risk identification, the CPA ensures that IFAD’s mandate to overcome rural poverty is fulfilled with efficiency and integrity, creating a lasting impact on the lives of millions in the East and Southern Africa region.
Job Positions and Requirements
1. Country Programme Analyst (CPA)
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Rural Development, Agriculture, Economics, Rural Finance, Development Policy, or a related field.
Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in development institutions or government service. Experience with international financial institutions (IFIs) in loan/grant administration is considered a significant asset.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in data transformation, dashboard development, and risk management. Excellent command of English (Level C) is required.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with coverage of the MCO portfolio).
No. Required: 1 (Must be a national of Ethiopia).
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time contract position based in Addis Ababa. As a specialized UN agency, IFAD offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary and benefits aligned with the United Nations Common System for national professional officers. The role provides the security and prestige of working for an international financial institution while focusing on domestic development.
Compensation is designed to attract professionals with strong analytical and strategic capabilities. In addition to financial rewards, IFAD provides a stable environment for professional contribution, with access to global networks and technical training. The contract includes standard UN benefits, fostering a supportive environment for long-term career growth within the sector.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the IFAD Personal History Form (PHF) in full. Please be aware that standard CVs will not be reviewed; the PHF is the primary document used for the assessment of qualifications. All applications must be submitted through the IFAD official careers portal. Ensure that your education and professional experience are detailed clearly to reflect the requirements of the CPA role.
Please note that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required at the initial application stage. IFAD uses a transparent and competitive selection process; original academic credentials and employment records will be verified only for candidates who are successfully shortlisted. There are no fees associated with any stage of the IFAD recruitment process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for technical assessments and interviews. Given the analytical nature of the role, candidates may be required to demonstrate their proficiency in data management and dashboard development during the selection phase. Applicants are encouraged to emphasize their experience with ERP systems and their ability to work with complex data sets across multiple countries.
The deadline for application is June 1, 2026 (22 days from the posting date). Early submission is recommended to ensure your application is processed in time. For technical assistance with the application portal, please refer to the “Help” section of the IFAD careers website.
The primary channel for recruitment communication will be the email address provided in your PHF. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your strategic thinking and ability to build partnerships within the development sector.
Application Deadline
June 1, 2026