New Jobs at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), 4th July, 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: Principal Industrial Development Officer Reference: ADB/17/133 Location: Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire Grade: PL4 Position N°: 50093763 The Complex

  • The Vice-Presidency for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization is central to the Bank’s mission of developing the private sector, improving infrastructure and accelerating industrialization.
  • The complex main functions are to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for private sector (including financial sector) development conducive to inclusive growth and sustainable development, (ii) support the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure, including cities and urban development, and (iii) place renewed emphasis on industrial and trade performance in support of structural transformation across Africa.
  • The Complex leverages knowledge, co-financing, and partnerships to attract private capital and work with governments on delivering the Bank’s development agenda.
The Hiring Department and Division
  • The role of the Bank’s Industrial and Trade Development Department is to promote the implementation of the Bank’s 10 Year Strategy and HI 5’s initiatives with special emphasis on the Industrialize Africa strategy. The Department leads the Bank’s activities in the area of industrial policies, ICT, trade and investment climate, and private sector investments in industry and services.
  • In line with the Bank Ten-Year Strategy, and consistent with the Bank’s Industrialization Strategy for Africa, the Industrial Development Division drives the Bank’s interventions through the implementation of priority programs to scale-up and accelerate industrial transformation in Africa.
  • Through strategic partnerships with other co-financiers, the Private Sector, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Division actively seeks to support governments in adjusting their national industrial policies, identifying potential sectors for industrial development and investment, and providing support for value chain development, advisory and technical assistance as well as operational support through sectoral expertise to operational teams in Regional Hubs. This will cover operations, advisory and technical assistance pertaining to industry clusters, investments in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and linkage projects, technical assistance for Public-Private Partnership-targeted projects and special initiatives and activities dedicated to promoting strategic partnerships. In addition, the Division strives to facilitate government and private sector dialogue to foster coordination between all the industrialization stakeholders.
The Position
  • The job of Principal Industrial Development Officer, reporting to the Manager of the Industrial Development Division, is key to the implementation of the Bank’s Industrialization Strategy for Africa.
  • The incumbent is responsible for implementing programs, projects and initiatives of the Bank on industrial development focusing mainly on non-lending activities.
  • The incumbent is responsible for providing advice and technical assistance services to governments, institutions and regulatory bodies in the areas of industrial development
  • The incumbent is expected to help countries identify most promising products, sectors and commercial opportunities; and forge strategic partnerships with relevant international organizations such as UNIDO and UNECA
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Manager Industrial Development Division (PITD1), the incumbent will perform the following:
  • Support the Bank’s policy and operations on industrial development to enhance economic diversification and to improve competitiveness by fostering successful policies, and by promoting and driving enterprise development on the continent;
  • Support the implementation of the Industrialize Africa Strategy, focusing on flagship programmes (i) Fostering successful industrial policies; (iv) Promoting and driving enterprise development (v) Promoting strategic partnerships; (vi) Supporting governments in developing efficient industry clusters across Africa
  • Develop industrial policies, enterprise development plans and industrial cluster business plans to support the Bank’s work in industrial development;
  • Work with the Regional Hubs to support and/or lead the design and delivery of sovereign sectoral operations;
  • Work with the Non Sovereign Operations, Industry & Services division to support policy developments aimed at unlocking investments in strategic industrial sectors;
  • Lead industrial development implementation support through execution of Country Strategy Papers (CSP)/Regional Integration Strategy Papers (RISP)
  • Build and manage relationships with strategic partnerships with other co-financiers, the Private Sector, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), etc.;
  • Lead, jointly with ECON, regional offices and the UNECA, efforts on providing technical assistance in developing standards, collecting data and providing comprehensive statistics across Africa;
  • Provide intellectual leadership on industrial policies when needed, lead the review and/or fine-tuning of the Bank’s policy and strategy on industrialization to ensure a coherent approach across regions;
  • Leverage strategic partnerships at the global and continental levels in the area of industrialization with organizations such as UNIDO, UNECA, World Trade Organization (WTO), African Union Commission (AUC), World Economic Forum, etc. so as to positively contribute and influence and shape the policy discourse on industrialization in Africa;
Selection Criteria
  • Hold at least a Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Industrial Policy, International Trade, Business Administration or related discipline;
  • A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in a similar institution and/or solid experience in industrial development;
  • Strong understanding of Africa’s industrial structure coupled with practical experience in high-level policy dialogue.
  • Solid network of contacts within the AUC, RECs and key partner agencies such UNIDO and UNECA;
  • Experience in developing countries is desirable
  • Private sector experience is an advantage
  • Communication
  • Analytical Skills
  • Negotiations and consensus building skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Client Orientation
  • Team working and relations
  • Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other;
  • Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). Knowledge of SAP is desirable.
    Job Title: Division Manager, Power Utilities Reference: ADB/19/132 Location: Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire Position N°: 50092423 Grade: PL2 The Complex
  • The Vice Presidency for ‘Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth’ is a Sector Complex focusing on the Bank’s Ten Year Strategy High 5s priority of “Light up and Power Africa”. The complex’s objectives are (i) to develop policy and strategy; (ii) provide deep sector technical expertise to the Regions by gathering pool of experienced individuals who can be consulted for their expertise on complicated transactions; (iii) develop new financing instruments; (iv) act as spoke person to represent the Bank with external stakeholders on all aspects of “Light Up and Power Africa”.
  • The Complex will focus on areas of Power systems, policy and regulation, renewable energy; and, Climate and Green Growth.
The Hiring Department/Division
  • Within the Bank’s Power, Energy Climate and Green Growth Vice Presidency, the Power Systems Development, the “Power Utilities” Division supports the Bank’s Regional Member Countries, Regional Economic Communities, Power Pools, Regulators and other stakeholders, to develop and improve their own Power Systems.
  • The “Power Utilities” Division has the overall mandate to build knowledge and provide leadership in utilities management and transformation
The Position
  • The Manager leads a team of experts that collectively have overall responsibility for providing deep sectoral expertise in reforming utilities, enhancing operational performance through loss reduction and increased efficiency, and promoting on-grid transmission, distribution and access programmes.
Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Director Power Systems development, the incumbent will perform the following:
  • Coordinate the delivery of flagships as relevant to ensure delivery of the New Deal on Energy objectives;
  • Ensure the Division provides advisory support to Regional Member Countries and Task Managers in preparation and implementation of complex and innovative projects aiming at reforming utilities and enhancing / benchmarking management performance through transmission / distribution network rehabilitation and expansion, and loss reductions and increased efficiency;
  • Ensure that the Division takes a leadership role, along with Hub-based staff, in the process of identification, preparation and execution of operations related to the transformation of utilities, including last mile access programmes;
  • Lead, in conjunction with other teams, all operations (investment plan support, technical assistance) to support transformation;
  • Coordinate with the Hubs and governance units in conducting policy / result based operations and technical assistance to support utility reforms and private sector participation;
  • Ensure the Division provides deep sector expertise for quality assurance: preparation of terms of reference, review and validation process of feasibility studies and utility performance diagnostic;
  • Ensure timely review and quality assurance of project preparation, appraisal and supervision documents vis-à-vis technical, financial and economic requirements; with Energy Solutions on relevant policy and regulatory matters and the structuring and financial analysis of complex / innovative projects, especially those involving private sector participation (e.g. streamlining / standardization of project and transaction documentation, and financing instruments);
  • Ensure delivery of economic and sector work related to utility performance benchmarking in collaboration with other directorates of the complex;
  • Undertake any other tasks the Vice President or Director may assign.
Selection Criteria
  • Hold at least a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related disciplines.
  • Have a minimum of 8 years of experience (including 3 years management experience) in utilities or in the power sector including utility turn around exposure;
  • Having Private sector experience will be an added advantage;
  • Experience working across multiple institutions and ensuring collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors is essential.
  • Experience in a combination of the following areas will be essential: Regional integration, infrastructure development and policy; public-private sector partnerships; and/or regulatory specialization along with experience of working on Management Contracts, Concession Agreements;
  • Ability to innovate and create approaches to activities in order to enhance performance;
  • Ability to communicate effectively and mobilize key actors to delivery (private sector, public sector and civil society);
  • Proven ability to build multi-organization partnerships to manage complex objectives and achieve sustainable policy and regulatory environment across Africa;
  • Proven ability to build and direct a high performing team to achieve visionary and challenging goals;
  • Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity and the ability to build trust and provide leadership to different team members;
  • Highly developed negotiation skills proven to yield positive outcomes with counterparts, both internal and external;
  • Ability to listen and communicate effectively with oversight bodies such as multi-national
  • Boards of Executive Directors and Governors and other senior officials;
  • Clear understanding of the drivers and barriers to success of power utilities in complex regulatory, political environments;
  • Deep knowledge of integrated least-cost national / utility power system planning and network development process and tools utilized in Africa; and familiarity with the work of multilateral Development Finance Institutions;
  • Deep knowledge of utility Quality of Supply and Service Standards; and related performance management systems;
  • Excellent project management and contract administration skills;
  • Ability to draft Terms of reference (TORs), Requests for quotation (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to procure services from consultants;
  • Deep knowledge of national power / utility regulation, procurement and contracting models and standards; and grid code / operating rules / limits / reserves (including power import, export, wheeling and trading);
  • A good understanding of, and ability to lead / support negotiation of, power project agreements such as Power Purchase Agreements, Grid Connection Agreements, Fuel Supply Agreements, Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Contracts, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contracts, Long Term Service Agreements (LTSA) and familiarity with the work of Development Finance Institutions.
  • A good understanding of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and asset management systems;
  • A good understanding of the Bank’s Environmental & Social policy requirements;
  • Deep knowledge of utility governance, regulation, operations, maintenance and management, client relationship, billing, financial management of utilities;
  • Highly developed strategic thinking skills allied to an ability to translate strategic concepts and direction into the implementation of workable and sustainable policies and regulations;
  • Experience of forging and managing strategic partnerships with local organizations, governments and financing institutions;
  • Excellent spoken and written English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language;
  • Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications;
  • Ability/willingness to quickly become familiar with the use of various tools available and applied by the Bank such as SAP.
      Job Title: Principal Operation Coordinator Reference: ADB/19/134 Location: Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire Grade: PL4 Position N°: 50066827 The Complex
  • The Vice Presidency for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization is central to the Bank’s mission of developing the private sector, improving infrastructure and accelerating industrialization.
  • The complex main functions are to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for private sector [and financial sector] development conducive to inclusive growth and sustainable development, (ii) support the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure, including cities and urban development, and (iii) place renewed emphasis on industrial and trade performance in support of structural transformation across Africa.
  • The Complex leverages knowledge, co-financing, and partnerships to attract private capital and work with governments on delivering the Bank’s development agenda.
The Hiring Department
  • The role of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Directorate is to foster infrastructure and urban development in Africa through appropriate policies and strategies as well as projects and programs interventions which the Bank might finance on national, regional or continent-wide basis.
The Position
  • The Principal Operation Coordinator will support in coordinating operational work program, lending program and economic and sectoral work of the department.
  • The incumbent will work closely with the Director and Managers and provide technical inputs. He/She will also participate to the budget preparation process and the production of the Budget Framework Paper. The Incumbent will serve as support to task managers on projects and consultancy procurements issues and will coordinate activities across the Department.
Duties and responsibilities Under the general guidance and supervision of the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development, the Principal Operation Coordinator will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
  • Provide support to the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department in setting their respective work programs, lending programs and harmonizing their implementation in line with the operational priorities;
  • Report to the Director on work program progress and identify critical areas that deserve specific support and provide recommendations as appropriate;
  • Produce reports and statistics related to the execution of the work program;
  • Implement and ensure compliance with the budget management guidelines and procedures;
  • Assist in coordinating and implementing the activities and programs, performance monitoring, budgeting of the department;
  • Coordinate budget submission and the key performance indicators implementation process, the work program and the alignment with the Bank Operational priorities;
  • Participate in the preparation of the monthly Key Performance Indicator report and ensure the coordination of the contribution of the department to the preparation of the Quarterly institutional reporting by the Programing and Budget department;
  • Represent the Department on internal events of the Bank to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing;
  • Serve as the Secretary to the Department Management Team (DMT);
  • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director.
Selection Criteria
  • Hold at least a Master's degree or equivalent in Statistics, Economics, Business Administration or other relevant fields with a strong background in quantitative methods;
  • Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience gained in an operational department. Demonstrated experience in Portfolio performance management and/or performance and budget monitoring would be an asset;
  • Demonstrate good knowledge of the operational policies, procedures, and review processes of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or other development agencies;
  • Good understanding of MDB’s project life cycle;
  • Strong command of statistical tools;
  • Work in close cooperation with the Management Team in managing critical areas or challenges arising from the delivery of the work programs;
  • Client and results oriented individual, with strong analytical skills, sense of accuracy and attention to details;
  • Excellent teamwork skills and ability to interact effectively with staff members at all level;
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deliver timely quality services;
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision as well as part of a multicultural team;
  • Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other;
  • Serve as focal point of the department in various areas;
  • Communicate and write effectively in French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language;
  • Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). Knowledge of SAP and BPPS would be an advantage.
      How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply   Application Deadline 2nd August, 2019.   Note
  • To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.
  • Applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are considered for interview will be contacted. Only online applications submitted with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and copies of the required degrees will be considered. The President, AfDB, reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the Bank does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The African Development Bank Group declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever.