FAQs

How to apply online

Can I amend my application once I’ve applied to a Job Posting?
Once applied, you may not amend your application. You can withdraw it and submit a new one, if within the closing date of the Job Opening. 

Do I have to complete a new application every time I apply for a vacancy?
You can reuse your application to apply to other job openings, but we suggest you tailor the ‘motivation in applying to IFAD and to the specific position’ section to the requirements of the position.

Do I have to pay to submit an application?
IFAD does not charge a fee or request banking information during its recruitment processes. It does not sponsor any organizations or programmes which, through website postings, e-mail messages, newsletters or otherwise, claim to be acting on its behalf in recruiting or facilitating the recruitment of personnel. Victims of scams are encouraged to contact [email protected] and may also wish to report such scams to their local law enforcement agencies.

Do I have to complete the application process in one session?
You can save inserted data as a draft by clicking on Save as Draft. Updates to your application will overwrite previous versions of any draft applications, so you should complete one application at a time. Should you wish to leave your application and resume it at a later time, click on ‘Save as Draft’ the most recent version of your application will appear when you log back in.

IMPORTANT: once you’ve completed your application and answered the questions in the 'specific' tab if required, click on the ‘Submit’ button and you will receive an automated response confirming receipt of your application. If you do not receive this message, log on to your application and retry. We advise that you please check your junk/spam mail folders before contacting technical support.

Do I need to fill in the entire application?
All parts that are relevant to you should be filled in fully. Mandatory fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). You will not be able to submit your application or register as a consultant or an intern unless the application is complete.

In what language should I complete the application?
Please complete the form in English, IFAD's official operating language.

What order should I use to fill out my work experience?
Most recent work experience first.

How many references should I include in my application?
Three, including reference contact details for your current position.

How long does the selection process last?
Depending on the position, the selection process can last anywhere from two to four months.

Will I be informed of the status of my application?
IFAD only contacts candidates under serious consideration for positions. You can also check the status of vacancies by logging into IFAD’s Careers Centre, and clicking ' My Applications'.

How do I know if IFAD has received my application?
You will receive an automated response confirming receipt of your application. If you do not receive this message, log on to your applicant profile and retry. We advise that you please check your junk/spam mail folders before contacting technical support.

There are no positions currently available that fit my professional profile
IFAD does not accept unsolicited applications. When the need to staff a vacated or new position arises, IFAD will issue a Job Posting on the website. Should you feel that your profile matches the requirements of that Vacancy Announcement, you may submit an application through IFAD’s Careers Centre by applying to a specific vacancy number. 

I’ve missed the deadline to apply
IFAD must receive applications to vacancies in accordance with their respective closing dates. IFAD will not, under any circumstances, accept applications received after closing dates.

Can I send an unsolicited application?
IFAD will not consider unsolicited applications. If you wish to apply for employment with IFAD, please review our current job opportunities and apply accordingly.

Do I have to apply through the online system?
For all advertised job openings, you must apply through IFAD’s Careers Centre.

How many Job Openings can I apply to?
Applicants are free to apply to as many Job Openings as they wish. However, you are encouraged to apply to opportunities where you meet all mandatory minimum requirements.

How do I register as a consultant?
Please go on the IFAD’s Careers Centre and click on the Register as a Consultant link. Once registered, you will be able amend the information anytime by going into the My Application link in the Careers Centre.

How do I apply to the internship programme?
Please go on the IFAD’s Careers Centre and click on the Register as a Consultant link. Once registered, you will be able amend the information anytime by going into the My Application link in the Careers Centre. Applicants registering for the Internship Programme may also indicate their ongoing studies and indicate “not applicable” in the employment section if they do not have any work experience.
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FAQs on eligibility criteria:

Are there any restrictions on who can apply to IFAD?
In accordance with IFAD Human Resources Policy, paragraph 8.2, IFAD recruits staff and consultants only from Member States. In this respect please review the list of IFAD Member States.

Staff categories - how do I know if the job I am applying to is at a corresponding level with my current employment?
IFAD is a specialized agency of the United Nations and therefore our staff categories correspond with the UN common system. 
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FAQs on technical issues:

I forgot my password
On the Careers Centre click on the Forgot password link. You will be given instructions on how to change your password.

There is a technical problem with the application system
Please note that our application system’s preferred Browser is Google Chrome. If you cannot access the system via Google Chrome, download another Browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox) and try again.

How do I add an alternative email address to my account?
Once you have registered, you can add an alternative email address by signing into your account and clicking My Account Information page on IFAD’s Careers Centre (Welcome Page).