Principal Energy Economist at African Development Bank - AfDB

Duties and responsibilities
Under the general supervision and guidance of the Sector Manager, his/her core duties/responsibilities will include the following:

•     Participate to project identification missions in selected RMCs in the energy sectors including energy sector analysis and reforms. Such missions normally lead to the development of a pipeline of bankable projects, technical assistance programs and potential advisory services to be considered by ONEC.
•      Prepare or oversee preliminary evaluation of project proposals to assess their feasibility for financial assistance and/or technical support by the Bank. This involves the screening of project applications, carrying out of desk reviews and evaluation of feasibility studies, preparing Project Concept Notes .
•     Participate in identification, appraisal and negotiation missions. This includes coordinating the work of the mission team which usually includes professional staff from other departments within the Bank; carrying out independent research on the investment climate, project sponsors, management, economic, financial, marketing, technical, environmental and legal aspects of the project or policy. The work also includes assessing the risks of projects and advising governments on appropriate mitigating measures; structuring/restructuring of projects to minimize financial risks; participating in negotiations, or conducting preliminary negotiations with sponsors on financing terms and legal conditions for the proposed investment/loan by the Bank.
•     Contribute to the preparation of Project Concept Notes and Project Appraisal Reports for presentation to peer reviewers, Country Teams, Operations Committee (OpsCom) and finally to the Board of Directors. The work involves overseeing the production of financial models for carrying out financial and economic analyses of the project; developing recommendations and justifications for the investments and defending these at the various management committees and Board of Directors.
•     Process disbursements under approved projects on timely basis, while ensuring that all conditions precedent were fulfilled.
•     Supervise portfolio projects, including review of progress reports, preparing project supervision reports for management review and recommending appropriate measures to deal with problem projects.
•     Contribute to the development of strategic plans and programs; participate in Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) preparation missions for allocated countries; contribute to and participate in the preparation of policy papers on private sector operations and issues.
•     Build inter-departmental collaboration on Energy private sector operations, and partnerships with other institutions involved in private infrastructure and PPP sector development (exchange of information on projects, policies, operational experience etc., identification of co-financing opportunities, organization of joint promotional activities etc. );
•     Perform other ad hoc assignments relating energy sector reforms assigned by management, including the preparation of briefs, speeches and papers.
•     Undertake any other task as the Manager ONEC.2 may assign.

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

•     At least a Master’s Degree or its university equivalent in Economics, Business Administration,  or other related fields
•     Preferably a minimum of six (6) years of  experience in the areas of Project infrastructure economic analysis or in a related discipline
•     Knowledge and experience in preparing economic  analysis related to energy projects
•     Some knowledge of the operational policies, procedures and practices of major bilateral and multilateral partner development agencies in regional member countries, particularly with respect to infrastructure projects..
•     Results-oriented, team player, articulate analyst with attention to details, a persuasive communicator and good writer.
•     Ability to communicate and write effectively in English, with preference for capabilities in both English and French languages.
•     The incumbent should also have competence in (or ability/willingness to become quickly familiar with) the use of various tools available and applied by the Bank such as SAP, and fluency in standard MS office applications (Word, Excel, Power point).