New Vacancies at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), 24th May, 2019
African Development Bank Group (AfDB) - Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Lead Research Economist
Reference: ADB/19/111
Location: Cote d’Ivoire
Position N°: 50069170
Grade: PL2
The Complex
- The Chief Economist/Vice-President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management (ECVP) is the Bank’s spokesperson on economic matters and the VP for the ‘Economics Governance and Knowledge Management Complex’.
- The CE/VP is responsible for (i) providing leadership and visibility for the Bank on economic, finance, financial governance and socio economic development issues; and coordinate the generation of analytical works to inform operational policy; (ii) systematically emphasize the critical role of knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and their tangible impact on sustainable, inclusive transformation of African economies.
- The CE/VP will inspire, generate and provide direct support to the President and Senior Management of the Bank on a broad range of technical and management issues within the broad remit of economic, finance, public financial governance, management and social economics.
The Hiring Department
- The Macroeconomics Policy, Forecasting And Research Department is dedicated to the generation of high quality knowledge in the area of development in Africa. It provides technical support to operations and regional member countries through rigorous analytical work; engages in impactful policy dialogue with decision-making bodies within and outside of the Bank; and most importantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Bank in achieving the High 5s.
- The activities of the department focus on macroeconomic surveillance, analysis of structural factors impeding Africa’s progress in reducing poverty and creating jobs as well as microeconomic issues related to finance, infrastructure development, private sector development, industrial organizations, governance & institutions, agriculture, competitiveness & investment climate, and regional integration.
- The department is seeking to strengthen its team of analysts by recruiting a Lead Research Economist with expertise in the High 5s areas including the following: infrastructure including energy, agriculture, private sector development, and social sectors.
The Position
- By filling this position the Research Department intends to consolidate its contribution to the implementation of Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and foster the relevance of the Research Department to operations and member countries, through :
- Enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Bank, by improving establishing the feedback loop to learn from completed Bank operations through various evaluation exercises.
- Strengthening the Bank Results Framework
- Consolidating the implementation of the Research Department agenda in accordance to the High 5s (Bank’s 5 Priority areas), through the production of the Bank’s flagship publications, working papers, market studies and impact evaluation exercises
- Strengthening knowledge generation in macroeconomic and microeconomic issues related to the broader priority areas of the Bank.
- Provide support to Top management through providing real time economic intelligence (through drafting of statements, speeches, and policy briefs) for the Bank’s President and Senior Management on economic development issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Director the incumbent’s Duties and Responsibilities will be as follows:
- Provide critical and intellectual oversight on strategic work program of the department including:
- Quality assurance: by working closely with Division Managers, review key knowledge products of the department and provide technical support to achieve rigor, clarity and credibility.
- Oversee the quality of working papers series, journal publications (African Development Review) and flagships by leading peer review and editorial committees.
- Assess technical capacity of the research team in the department and ensure they are strengthened as needed.
- Conduct research in the areas supporting the Bank’s High 5s (High priority areas: Light Up and Power Africa (Energy), Feed Africa (Agriculture and Nutrition), Industrialize Africa (Industrialization), Integrate Africa (Regional Integration) and Improve quality of live for Africans (Sustainable socio-economic development))
- Provide technical and analytical inputs into the work of Operations Complexes:
- Provide input into Country Strategy Papers (CSPs).
- Participate in Economic Sector Works (ESW).
- Peer review project, program, policy documents, including documents submitted to the Operations Committee.
- Coordinate the production of Bank Economic Intelligence documents:
- Provide economic intelligence (statement, policy briefs) to Senior Management on economic development issues.
- Contribute knowledge in the Bank’s “Working Papers Series " and the Bank’s "African Development Review":
- Publish research papers and review submitted articles to the African Development Review and Working Paper Series.
- Participate in collaborative research and knowledge management activities carried out jointly with regional and international organizations, research and capacity building institutions in Africa, development research centers and universities.
- Review operation documents and participate in review meetings.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- A Master's Degree in Economics or related discipline. PhD is a strong advantage.
- A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in development research, or related area.
- Proven ability to build and lead a team in interdisciplinary and multicultural environment, a very good team spirit valuing mutual respect as well as regular and open communication;
- Strong publication record in international peer reviewed journals.
- Track record of policy dialogue, advocacy, and capacity building.
- Relevant professional experience in development policy research and analysis of economic conditions that are of relevance for the High 5s (Bank priority areas).
- Proven skills in drafting and preparation of policy memoranda and notes to inform project design.
- Strong knowledge and experience in the use of statistical and econometric methods and packages in development economics research; theoretical knowledge to develop and implement research programs; ability to design and manage research projects from conceptualization to publication.
- Demonstrable experience and ability to initiate exciting and innovative research projects with no supervision
- Strong written and oral communication skills as well as mature interpersonal and professional relationships.
- Established reputation in well-known research networks and ability to broker knowledge through partnerships, collaborations and networks.
- Ability to communicate and represent management in different committees both internal and external
- Proficient in English and/or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
- Proven skills in drafting and preparation of policy memoranda.
- Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
- For this position team work skills are critical: ability to work in interdisciplinary and multicultural environment, contribute constructive comments and receive positively the views of team members on own work. Ability to work with colleagues in other Complexes, especially in Operations.
Job Title: Chief Translator/Reviser (English Language)
Reference: ADB/19/109
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL3
Position N°: 50001479
The Complex
- The Vice-Presidency, Human Resources and Corporate Services (CHVP) Complex ensures the delivery of efficient, people-centered, client-oriented, corporate services to ensure overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of the Bank’s corporate services.
- The complex leads efforts to ensure the competitiveness of the Bank as the employer of choice and is responsible for providing leadership in the formulation and implementation of Bank’s strategies on people, IT, general services and institutional procurements, language services, business continuity, and health and safety strategies.
The Hiring Department
- The primary role of the Language Services Department is to ensure, as required by the Bank's Agreement, the accessibility in the two working languages of the Bank (English and French, and on occasion Arabic and Portuguese) of all issues and documents submitted to Senior Management and governing bodies of the Bank, for efficient decision-making aimed at the achievement of the Bank's mission.
- In this regard, the Department accords high priority to ensuring an accurate and effective flow of communication within the Bank, and also between the Bank, its shareholders, development partners and the public at large, by providing the highest quality of translation, interpretation and terminological services to the Institution. It also seeks to promote multilingualism to enhance communication among staff with the Bank’s clients and partners.
The Position
- Under the general supervision of the Translation Division Manager, the Chief Translator/Reviser (English Language) will translate from French to English complex and confidential documents of the organization; revise documents translated internally or externally by independent translators; and contribute to the design and implementation of quality control mechanisms for translations produced by the Division.
Duties and responsibilities
- Translate, from French to English, highly sensitive and technical documents from various sources, including Management and the Boards, using translation memory, terminology databases, and a whole range of CAT tools.
- Revise translations of complex and sensitive documents covering the full range of the Bank’s work, namely: reports of an economic and financial nature, statements from Senior Management, audit reports, planning and programming documents, project appraisal reports, legal documents, etc.;
- Aim for and ensure a high standard of accuracy, faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original document;
- Work with client departments to develop terminology for new concepts in the Bank's work, as well as ensure compliance with established terminology and consistency among translators;
Contribute to the development and sharing of terminology within the Division (terminology consultation meetings with all members of the Division):
- Contribute to the performance evaluation of external translators;
- Initiate training programmes on the use of computer-assisted translation tools;
- Supervise and coach less experienced translators, including consultants;
- Lead in-house and freelance translators to build capacity and ensure compliance with professional standards;
- Coordinate translation activities, by serving as focal point for complexes with a view to advising them and monitoring their requests.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- At least a Master's Degree or its equivalent in Translation;
- At least 7 (seven) years of professional experience in a similar organization, with increasing levels of responsibility;
- Ability to provide high quality translation and revision for Bank Management and decision-making bodies;
- Ability to contribute to strategic thinking with a view to improving translation and other business processes of the Language Services Department;
- Ability to work under pressure, with calm and serenity, setting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Capacity to analyze complex translation requests and scenarios, and find appropriate solutions;
- Capacity to lead, supervise and motivate teams of translators in a complex multicultural environment;
- Ability to communicate efficiently (written and oral) in English and French;
- Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications and demonstrate knowledge of other software packages applicable to translation (workflow, scheduling, translation memory, etc.).
Job Title: Principal Legal Counsel
Reference: ADB/19/108
Location: African
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50000638 / 50000659
The Complex
- The President, plans, supervises and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the ADB and the ADF.
- The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President (PRST0); Independent Development Evaluation Department (BDEV); Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department (PIAC); Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (BCRM); Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board (BSAB); Administrative Tribunal (BATR); Office of the Auditor General (PAGL); Group Risk Management Directorate (PGRM); General Counsel and Legal Services Department (PGCL); Communication and External Relations Department (PCER); Staff Integrity and Ethics Office (PETH) and Office of the Secretary General & General Secretariat(PSEG).
The Hiring Department
- The General Counsel and Legal Services Department (PGCL) delivers legal advice and services to the statutory organs of the Bank group: Boards of the Bank Group (the Bank), to Senior Management, to Directorate General Regional Hubs and more generally to the whole Bank. PGCL also protects the interest of the Bank from legal liability and as necessary ensures an appropriate legal defence in cases filed against or brought by the Bank.
- The role of PGCL.4 is to provide legal advice and assistance in connection with:
- Litigation of any nature brought by or against the Bank (including legal action against the Bank through its own internal recourse mechanisms),
- All legal aspects pertaining to the Bank’s rules, regulations, procedures and processes in respect of human resources management including employment contracts, staff performance management, benefits, discipline and separation,
- Institutional procurement,
- (iv) corporate legal issues arising from the interpretation and application of various Bank instruments, and (v) insurance and pension matters,
- Cooperation with public sector or private sector entities, including NGOs.
The Position
- The Principal Legal Counsel will ensure the correct interpretation of, and compliance with, the various Bank’s policies, rules, regulations and procedures applicable to staff (including Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, applicable Presidential Directives and Administrative Instructions), corporate procurement, and delegation of authority.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, PGCL.4, the Principal Legal Counsel will:
- Advise on, negotiate, and prepare contracts for the acquisition of goods and services for the Bank including consulting and professional services, intellectual property, technology and other products, in accordance with the Bank’s procurement rules and financial regulations, and provide legal support and advice regarding existing contracts or new contracts to be entered into the Bank; and advise on the legal aspects of matters arising in the course of contractual relations with external parties;
- Advise on administrative and human resources management matters of the Bank, including the drafting, reviewing and amending of contracts and legal documents and advising on legal questions relating to personnel matters;
- Advise on insurance matters and on administrative and policy matters concerning Staff Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits Plan, and provide legal support that may be required in respect of the Staff Retirement Plan and the Medical Benefits Plan;
- Advise on and provide legal support in the negotiation and finalization of legal instruments of co-operation between the Bank and the Fund and bilateral, multilateral and other partners;draft, negotiate and finalize host agreements and other instruments required to ensure the Bank’s presence in its member countries;
- Maintain contact with legal services of other multilateral institutions and of member states and with the legal profession in general in member states of the Bank on matters relating to the functions and activities of the Bank and the Fund;
- Undertake such other assignments as required.
- Advise on constitutional and corporate legal issues arising from the interpretation and application of the Agreement Establishing the African Development Bank (the Bank) and the African Development Fund (the Fund);
- Advise on, draft, vet and revise legal documentation relating to the organization, structure, and administration of the Bank, the Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund (together “the Bank Group”) and the relations of the Bank Group with international organizations and with member and non-member states, including matters pertaining to the privileges, immunities and exemptions of the Bank and the Fund and those of officers, employees, experts and consultants of the Bank;
- Prepare submissions and represent the Bank in litigation, arbitration, other administrative or legal proceedings including internal administrative review and appeal and tribunal proceedings and other matters in which the Bank is a party or may have an interest;
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Demonstrated knowledge in the current trend of developments and familiarity with international law, and related matters
- Skills in drafting of legal documents including briefs and confidential legal opinions, resolutions for Boards of Directors, preparing certificates, leading the negotiation of host countries agreements or technology contracts and partnership agreements;
- Strong negotiation skills in relation to a varied range of legal documents. .
- Ability to work and deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build and maintain effective working relations with colleagues.
- Ability to apply his / her legal knowledge and experience to deliver the full scope of strategic legal services
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in English and preferably with a working knowledge of French.
- Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications; knowledge of SAP is an added advantage.
- At least a Master's degree or its equivalent in Law, or a Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the Bar of one of the member countries of the African Development Bank;
- A minimum of Six (6) years of relevant experience preferably with an established law firm or an international financial institution, with proven administrative experience;
- Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous and shifting demands, priorities and tight deadlines.
- Good communication and inter-personal skillswith the ability to build partnerships with a broad range of clients and deliver results that meet the needs of the Legal Service Departments and the Regional Directorate Hub’s work programs.
Job Title: Lead Economist (ECCE)
Reference: ADB/19/110
Location: Regional Member Countries
Grade: PL2
Position N°: 50067407/50001261/50076499
The Complex
- The Chief Economist/Vice-President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management is the Bank’s spokesperson on economic matters and the Vice President for the ‘Economics Governance and Knowledge Management Complex.
- The Complex is responsible for (i) providing leadership and visibility for the Bank on economic, finance, financial governance and socio economic development issues; and coordinate the generation of analytical works to inform operational policy; (ii) systematically emphasize the critical role of knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and their tangible impact on sustainable, inclusive transformation of African economies.
- The Complex will inspire, generate and provide direct support to the President and Senior Management of the Bank on a broad range of technical and management issues within the broad remit of economic, finance, public financial governance, management and social economics.
The Hiring Department
- The Chief Economist/Vice-President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management Complex’s core mandate has been to position the Bank as a trusted broker of knowledge in the pursuit of Africa’s development and make it a world class center of excellence advocating for evidence based policy making.
- The Complex is therefore responsible for the management of Bank Group knowledge produce.
- This includes knowledge generation through strategic and applied research, knowledge measurement embedded in statistical and data work, knowledge generated from operational and field experiences, and knowledge sharing through dissemination, networking and partnerships. Hence the Complex’s activities can broadly be categorized as:
- Providing the knowledge base to support the effectiveness of Bank Group Operations and policy dialogue in Regional Member Countries;
- Capacity development in Regional Member Countries and Sub-Regional Organizations in statistics, project and economic management; and,
- Leadership in coordination of knowledge advocacy, financial and economic governance in Africa.
The Position
- Under the guidance of the Chief Economist, the Lead Economist drives the Bank’s leadership in building sustainable competitive economies in the Regional Member Countries.
- He / she contributes to policy dialog and coordinates the Bank’s economic analytical work, with the view to spur a culture of excellency and stewardship for the Bank’s clients and partners.
- The Lead Economist enhances the Bank’s branding in providing high standard economic advice to the clients in alignment with the donor community in the Regional Member Countries.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the Bank is at the forefront of economic development knowledge and practice in support to the Regional Member Countries’ effective management of macroeconomic policy.
- Leading the preparation of knowledge products to inform the design of country strategy papers, in collaboration with the regional directorates general and other stakeholders inside and outside the Bank; and contribute to the preparation of these country strategy papers.
- Developing partnerships with the other knowledge departments within the Complex and in and outside the Bank, and ensure that the highest level of knowledge is incorporated in the design of Bank strategies and operations.
- Leading production of flagship reports on country economic issues
- Leading the prioritization of the High 5s and knowledge-based solutions in country strategy papers in collaboration with the regional directorates general and other stakeholders.
- Leading the application of economic research generated inside and outside of the Bank, to the development and review of economic policy solutions tailored to the specific circumstances of each Regional Member Countries.
- Coordinating the work of country economists in the Bank towards improved harmonization of approaches and standards of quality
- Leading the production of country-relevant, timely, analytically sound, and reliable policy advice for Regional Member Countries.
- Monitoring economic conditions and policies in Regional Member Countries and providing policymakers with well researched insights about developments in their economies.
- Provide advice and guidance on core Bank policies, strategies and processes for greater Bank effectiveness.
- Foster the Bank’s position on high level strategic issues in relation to economic governance.
- Enhance the Bank’s comparative advantage and quality assurance in delivering its development goals to the Regional Member Countries.
- Design, lead and oversee the implementation of the Bank’s knowledge strategy.
- Manage and monitor the complex’ economic research agenda.
- Support the economic work transformation venture across the Bank, in coordination with other relevant Bank Units.
- Coordinate partnership with sister institutions on high level economic development initiatives in support to the Regional Member Countries.
- Contribute to knowledge generation and outreach.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- A minimum of Master’s degree in Macroeconomics, Econometrics or Applied Economics; a PhD will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant and progressive professional experience in macroeconomic management, Applied economics, Research, gained within major international organizations.
- Standing record of support in macroeconomic modelling and forecasting, including debt management issues in the Regional Member Countries is a must.
- Evidence of recently international published works in economics in international journals or books published by reputable publishers.
- Excellent knowledge of the international development institutions’ policies, guidelines and procedures.
- Proven experience in leading policy dialog with the highest level of Government bodies in the Regional Member Countries.
- Demonstrated operational experience in a multilateral setting.
- A very good background in corporate services activities in particular in procurement management, fixed assets management for public development organizations.
- Solid experience in knowledge and partnership leverage.
- Competence in the use of at least one standard econometric software for empirical analysis.
- Communicate and write effectively in French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
- Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications.
How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply
Application Deadline 22nd June, 2019.