Shantanu Mathur is currently the Lead Adviser, Global Engagement and Multilateral Agencies at IFAD. Previously, was Head of the Quality Assurance Group (QAG) at IFAD (since June 2014). Previously, he also led the Quality Assurance and Grants Unit (2010-14) - assuring quality at entry for the entire IFAD lending programme and grant-financed initiatives (currently at USD 1.2 billion per annum). He has worked in the area of pro-poor rural development for over 33 years - 3 years at FAO HQ and 30 years at IFAD HQ, in Rome. He holds Masters Degrees in Economics, University of Cambridge, UK, and in Business Economics, University of New Delhi. Has served on various CGIAR governing bodies: was Vice-Chair of the CGIAR Finance Committee (2001-2004) and the Chair of the CGIAR Evaluation and Impact Assessment Committee (EIAC). As Head, IFAD Grant Secretariat he managed the IFAD Grant programme for over 20 years (1989-2010). Has championed the cause of investment in Agricultural Research for Development including several outstanding grant-financed initiatives contributing to IFAD’s leadership in the global ARforD community. Actively supported IFAD’s co-chair role in the latest CGIAR reform process, as member of the WG on funding mechanisms. Has published several papers and contributed to/edited 4 books in the fields of rural development, agricultural research and impact assessment.