Organization Mission

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized United Nations agency and an international financial institution dedicated to ending rural poverty and hunger. Since 1978, IFAD has mobilized more than USD 25 billion in low-interest loans and grants, creating opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs in developing countries.
In Côte d’Ivoire, IFAD aligns its support with national strategies to foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural economies. Programmes aim to boost agricultural productivity, safeguard natural resources, and build resilience against climate shocks and market volatility. IFAD prioritizes investments that empower women, youth, and marginalized groups to improve food security and household incomes. Through partnerships with government bodies, farmers’ organizations, the private sector, and other development actors, IFAD finances high-impact rural projects that directly advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Country Office ensures climate adaptation and sound environmental management form a core part of its operations, helping rural communities secure long-term livelihoods and stronger food systems.

Context

Agriculture contributes over 20% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP and provides livelihoods for nearly two-thirds of the population. However, most small-scale producers remain outside formal financial systems. Microfinance institutions reach only a fraction of rural areas, and most available financial products fail to meet the needs of low-income farmers. High collateral requirements, limited service coverage, and lack of tailored credit instruments restrict the ability of rural households to invest in production or adapt to market shocks. IFAD addresses these challenges by incorporating inclusive rural finance into its country programme. Ongoing interventions expand access to village savings groups, promote digital financial tools, and strengthen partnerships with microfinance networks to reach women, youth, and marginalized communities.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Country Programme Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to the technical design, supervision, and implementation of rural finance components across IFAD-funded projects.
• Review and analyse rural finance delivery models supported by IFAD; assess their sustainability, outreach, affordability, and relevance to target groups.
• Support financial inclusion strategies tailored to smallholders, women, and youth, including savings groups, digital finance, value chain finance, and blended financing.
• Participate in the identification of barriers to rural financial access and propose solutions to enhance outreach and service quality.
• Engage with rural financial service providers, regulators, fintechs, and development partners to strengthen partnerships and expand access to finance.
• Prepare analytical inputs, mission reports, results summaries and contribute to corporate-rate reporting systems (e.g., ORMS, GRIPS).
• Support the monitoring of rural finance indicators, documentation of good practices, and knowledge exchange across projects.
• Assist in organizing learning events, partner consultations and technical workshops related to rural finance.
• Carry out any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

• Sound understanding of inclusive rural finance mechanisms, risk-sharing tools, and digital financial solutions.
• Familiarity with financial literacy promotion, women/youth-targeted products, and community finance.
• Capacity to assess financial products and delivery models; ability to provide operational recommendations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to draft technical reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and financial analysis software; knowledge of IFAD tools and platforms (GRIPS, ORMS) is desirable.

Core Competencies

Competencies and Values
☒ Accountability
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility
☒ Building Trust
☐ Client Orientation
☒ Commitment and Motivation
☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning
☒ Communication
☐ Creativity
☐ Empowering Others
☐ Ethics and Values
☒ Integrity
☐ Judgement and Decision-making
☒ Knowledge Sharing
☒ Leadership
☐ Managing Performance
☒ Planning and Organizing
☒ Professionalism
☒ Respect for Diversity
☒ Self-Management
☒ Technological Awareness
☐ Vision
☒ Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Abidjan is a lively urban centre with generally stable security conditions. However, risks such as theft and scams exist in certain areas. International staff should follow standard precautions, avoid high-risk zones, use trusted transport and stay informed through United Nations security updates.
Abidjan benefits from extensive international flight connections via Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. Domestic travel remains feasible through a relatively developed road network, though caution is advised on secondary roads, especially during the rainy season.
The country experiences a tropical climate with a pronounced rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Temperatures fluctuate between 25°C and 35°C, with high humidity levels.
Côte d’Ivoire is home to over 60 ethnic groups and a vibrant cultural heritage. A respectful appearance and professional conduct suit business and community interactions. Alcohol use is accepted but moderation is encouraged.
Living costs, especially for secure housing and private healthcare, tend to be high in Abidjan compared to other West African cities. Local alternatives for food and services offer more affordable options.
Secure districts such as Cocody, Riviera, Zone 4 and Marcory remain popular with expatriates and UN staff. Lease conditions should be reviewed carefully before signing.
Utilities and Food:
Both local and imported food products are widely available. Tap water may not meet drinking standards, so filtered or bottled water is preferable. Occasional power or water cuts may occur.
Private clinics provide reliable services, though high costs and limited specialized care mean comprehensive health insurance and medical evacuation coverage are strongly recommended.
Well-established banking services exist alongside broad ATM access and widespread card acceptance. Côte d’Ivoire offers solid mobile and internet coverage, though network quality may vary.
Working with IFAD in Côte d’Ivoire offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to rural transformation and climate resilience. A flexible, open-minded attitude and cultural sensitivity ensure a fulfilling professional and personal experience.