Sector Specialist at The OPEC Fund for International Development

Location: Austria

Job Profile

• The Sector Specialist researches technical and industry aspects of infrastructure projects (especially power and transport infrastructure), gathers, analyzes and reports information and contributes to the optimization of the financing proposal process within the infrastructure sector, by following established procedures and in accordance with the departmental strategy and framework, in order to provide insights to the Sector Operations Departments and Grants and Technical Assistance Unit and contribute to optimal financing activities. S/he Provides specialist advice on key themes, trends and issues and refers very complex or contentious issues to others.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with the operational departments and grants unit in the screening, evaluation, structuring, negotiation and supervision of OPEC Fund’s  investments and optimizing the level of quality assurance.
• Provides expert assessment in due diligence and portfolio management in relation the sector/industry and technical aspects of infrastructure projects.  
• Analyses the regulatory context for infrastructure projects and makes recommendations regarding potential requirements for sector reform.
• Reviews borrower activities related to the planning, design, development, and implementation of infrastructure projects. 
• Reviews resource assessments reports, technical due diligence, feasibility studies, technology evaluations, market assessments, policy evaluations, and economic analyses associated with financing infrastructure projects.
• Reviews and/or drafts Terms of Reference, hires and supervises technical and market consultants where necessary. 
• Documents and reports on project activities, prepares position papers and technical review documents to assist in sharing project successes and lessons learned.
• Provides specialist advice on key themes, trends and issues and refers very complex or contentious issues to   others.
• Keeps knowledge up to date by following relevant trends and developments.
• Represents OPEC Fund at select external industry events and builds relationships with external experts and energy clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director, Strategic Planning.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Economics, public policy or similar discipline.
• A minimum of 10 – 12 years of cognate experience acquired in an internationally reputable engineering services firm, consultancy firms with direct exposure to advising on technical, regulatory and sector aspects project or corporate finance transactions in infrastructure.
• Experience from reputable development finance institution with a strong sector practice.
• Fluent in English
• Working knowledge of at least one of French, Spanish, Arabic.

Competencies:

• Ability to work and lead policy and programmatic work in all required competency areas.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding across all required competencies.
• Significant experience of applied infrastructure analysis in a developing country context, working on policy development processes and programmes.
• Effectively facilitates and supports work in all technical competency sectors.
• Initiates and challenges best practice among colleagues in all technical competency sectors
• Engages in corporate management processes at the highest level, leading teams and work streams
• Designs as well as manages development programmes and budgets, ensuring delivery of results and value for money  
• Knowledge of using infrastructure to support economic development in terms of infrastructure’s contribution to growth, trade, regional and national integration, and how this supports the investment climate, production and achievement of international goals, not withstanding, growth diagnostics, infrastructure strategic needs assessments, prioritization and financing, and governments’ infrastructure decision-making processes.
• Excellent information technology skills including relationship database programming and/or reporting skills.
• Capability to work under pressure with often challenging deadlines and competing priorities.
• Experience in working for an international multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, able to interface effectively. He/She should be able to demonstrate the ability to work with others, lead teams as well as build capacity.
• Clear understanding and experience of policies and procedures for corporate governance and business integrity.
• A person who can translate the mission and vision of the OPEC Fund into a coherent and realistic framework.