Division Manager - Disbursement at African Development Bank - AfDB

Reference: ADB/17/427
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL2
Position N°: 50092463

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for Finance (FIVP) oversees the financial management of the Bank Group. This encompasses the Bank Group’s treasury activities including borrowings from the capital markets and investment activities; controllership functions including financial reporting and loan administration; strategic resource mobilization and the strengthening of the non-statutory financial resources and instruments; the overall asset/liability management for the Bank Group.

The Hiring Department

• The Financial Control Department (FIFC) is responsible for accounting for the financial consequences of the Bank Group’s transactions and decisions, and for the preparation, fair presentation and overall integrity of the internal financial reports and published financial statements.
• The department is also responsible for loan administration and accounting and related fiduciary responsibilities, including disbursement of funds to projects and programs financed by the Bank Group.
• The department also provides decision support and expertise in the development and implementation of financial control policies, operational and financial strategies and related information systems.
• The primary objective of the Disbursement Division is to ensure compliance fiduciary related articles in the Agreement Establishing the African Development Bank and Fund.
• It also ensures that adequate processes and controls are maintained around the disbursements in respect of Bank Group-financed projects.

The Position
Under the Supervision of the Director ( FIFCO),The Division Manager:

• Serve as the primary contact and arrange participation in all Networks; Human Resources and operational activities supporting the disbursement of loans and Grants and manage relationships with Financial Management, Procurement, and Operational Core Services.
• Contribute to the critical fiduciary responsibility of the Bank to ensure and provide assurance that funds disbursed to programs and projects in RMCs are used for the (development) purposes as intended as required under the Bank's Articles of Agreement/Association.
• Enable the efficient execution and implementation of projects through timely disbursements in accordance with the rules of the Bank.
• Examine existing disbursement policies and procedures to make them more efficient, client responsive and cost effective.
• Develop changes in disbursement policies and procedures to meet changing borrower needs and institutional objectives.
• Promote knowledge and understanding of loan disbursement policies and practices by Bank staff, co-financiers, borrowers, and governments using missions, seminars, handbooks, and a variety of printed material.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Division Manager will undertake the following functions:

• Plan and direct the activities of the Division by determining the Division’s work and establishing the work program; assigning work to subordinates, providing technical guidance on work problems and exercising supervision over subordinates; ensuring that deadlines and work objectives are met; and appraising and evaluating staff potential and performance;
• Introduce and sustain change initiatives, carefully considering the three main dimensions - processes, people and enabling information technology
• Enhance the skills and skill mix of the division, primarily through training and recruitment.
• Advise on and lead technical discussions and negotiations to ensure disbursement arrangements for proposed projects are compliant with ADB disbursement policies
• Supervise and control the application of Bank Group disbursement policies and process, exercising financial controls in accordance with the financial regulations and generally accepted standards of accounting practice; this includes ensuring the adequate disbursement arrangement during project appraisal and implementation;
• Supervise disbursement related activities throughout the project cycle including providing regular decision appropriate reports to Management, the Boards, Vice-President Finance and President.
• Plan and supervise the development and maintenance of an efficient and effective disbursement systems ensuring the highest standards of internal control;
• Formulate financial policies and practices relating to disbursements;
• Liaise with the Financial Controller and Internal/ External Auditors of the Bank Group and provide responses to their queries;
• Participate in various Bank committees and represent the Department at meetings relating to disbursement, financial, accounting and information technology matters;
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Selection Criteria
Including Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• At least a Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Have a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience
• Private Sector experience is an added advantage
• Sound understanding of the business and strategic priorities of International Finance Institutions.
• Experience in managing decentralized and multicultural teams.
• Experience leading policy dialogue and the design and implementation of financial management systems within an international environment, and/or related to developing countries
• Experience analyzing and interpreting financial data
• Client Orientation, Team working and Relations, Problem solving, communication and Creativity
• Familiarity with Financial Management Principles
• Familiarity with key concepts around the accounting treatment of lending instruments
• Understanding of procurement policies for Bank-financed projects related  to disbursement management
• Strong analytical skills, ability to analyze raw data, draw conclusions, and develop actionable recommendations;
• Ability to use SAP CML and Microsoft tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook);
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English or French. Ability to communicate in both languages a plus.