Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer – AWF at African Development Bank - AfDB

Responsibilities
The Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer will undertake various activities, among others, the following:
Strategy and Planning:
The Water and Sanitation Engineer will provide support to ensure that development results are delivered, operations are effectively managed, and institutional activities are efficiently undertaken in accordance with AWF strategic plans. S/He shall:

• Lead and/or support the preparation of strategies for AWF water and sanitation sector interventions which will enhance delivery of development results in accordance with the AWF mandate.
• Lead and/or support the preparation of key policy, planning, and progress reporting documents for review and/or approval by the AWF Governing Council, and the AfDB Board of Directors. This may include the Annual/Semi-Annual Reports, Annual Work Plan and Budget, AWF Strategic Plans, Portfolio Review Reports, Position Papers, etc.
• Support the preparation of operational tools for the effective management of AWF water and sanitation operations to ensure project quality and achievement of developmental impacts.
• Support AWF collaboration with other Bank departments involved in water sector operations.
• Represent the AWF on Bank wide strategic initiatives concerning water and sanitation, including the development and implementation of policies and strategies related to water supply, sanitation and the links to public private partnerships (PPP), financing, IWRM, climate change, green growth, etc.
• Initiate, conduct and/or coordinate - in dialogue with African Countries, regional and global organizations and development partners - AWF participation in the international discourse on sustainable water and sanitation services delivery.
• Represent the AWF in regional and international meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops dealing with water and sanitation issues.
• Contribute to mobilization of resources for the AWF Special Fund from external donors. Support actions for securing co-financing for AWF projects and programs through partnerships with other project preparation facilities, climate funds, etc., both within and outside the Bank.

Project Operations:
As Task Manager, the Water and Sanitation Engineer will have the responsibility of the management of a portfolio of projects and will ensure that the objectives of the projects are met in an efficient and sustainable manner. S/He shall:

• Initiate and conduct project identification and preparation missions either solely or in cooperation with other multilateral development agencies and develop a pipeline of water resources projects, programs and studies.
• As required, support AWF management of Calls for Proposals, including developing the TOR, issuing the request for proposals, evaluation and selection of projects. Initiate or support efforts to prepare joint calls for proposals in partnership with other project preparation funds, climate change funds, both within and outside the Bank.
• Appraise projects and programs for AWF’s support and provide recommendations regarding the form of intervention as well as amounts, terms and conditions of grants. Provide assistance to Recipients in understanding and applying the AWF operational procedures relating to grant administration as well as the rules and procedures for the procurement of goods, works and services. Undertake desk and field supervision to ensure that projects are being well implemented, are accomplishing the intended objectives and recommend any necessary corrective measures.
• Work closely with AfDB Financial Department in processing disbursement requests by providing up to date information on expenditure categories, the established list of goods, works and services, contracts, the entry into force protocol of agreement, authorized signatories, the extension of closing dates, the utilization/cancellation of grant savings and any revisions and modifications thereof.
• Ensure efficient achievement of all the project milestones including project evaluation, regular audits, knowledge synthesis and timely monitoring and reporting on project progress, problems and solutions to all stakeholders; Support the preparation of project completion reports in accordance with the AWF’s operational procedures.

Knowledge:

• Support implementation of project related knowledge activities including monitoring progress of water and sanitation projects, reviewing results achieved, undertaking analytical work, and generating knowledge documents as appropriate.
• Incorporate the knowledge gained from completed AWF projects in the design and preparation of new water resources projects to better achieve strategic objectives such as: leveraging funds in its project preparation activities, intervening in fragile states, promoting adaptation and mitigation to climate change, or providing enhanced support to the private sector.
• Develop and coordinate/supervise studies and evaluations on issues and challenges pertaining to water and sanitation development in Africa, with a view to identifying priorities and corresponding projects and activities that can be undertaken by the AWF to promote accelerated access to water and sanitation at national and regional levels.
• Lead the review of relevant AWF/ADB documents on water and sanitation development, operations and management.

Requirements

• Hold at least a Master's degree or its equivalent in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience related to project management, sanitation policy and strategy development, preparation and management of non-sewered sanitation and reuse projects preferably in urban and peri-urban settings
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relations with colleagues
• Ability to work independently with little supervision as well as part of a multicultural team
• Ability to influence and participate effectively in actions to drive change
• Ability to be flexible, open minded with integrity.
• Client and results oriented individual demonstrating “a can-do attitude”
• Good understanding of sanitation issues, trends and opportunities in Africa.
• Ability to identify and articulate policy and technological issues and to provide sound advice.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively orally and in written briefs.
• Experience in delivering high quality operational products and services (research advice, sectoral studies and review; projects).
• Good communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships in a diverse multicultural environment.
• Experience with International Development Financing Institutions in developing countries including a satisfactory knowledge of their operational policies and procedures.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); knowledge of SAP is desirable
• Excellent spoken and written English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language
• Competence in the use of the standard Microsoft software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP.