Job Vacancies at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Reference: ADB/20/139
Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50093728

The Complex

• The Senior Vice-Presidency (SVP) is responsible for supporting the President in the day-to-day management of the Bank Group in order to achieve its strategic objective and drive performance culture that will align all processes and systems to deliver high impact results.
• The Senior Vice-Presidency provide effective leadership and exceptional coordination to ensure implementation and monitoring of key corporate decisions as well as the identification of necessary corrective measures and actions.
• The Senior Vice-Presidency leads senior management discussions, decision-making processes and the implementation of key Board and Management decisions.

The Hiring Department:

• Located within the SNVP Complex, the Operations Committee Secretariat and Quality Assurance Department works to continuously enhance the quality and timely delivery of Bank operations, The Department coordinates and supports the Bank’s global efforts towards sharpening the country focus, strategic selectivity and quality of the Bank’s operations.
• Within the Department, the Quality Assurance (QA) Division is an operational support unit of the African Development Bank (AfDB) that focuses on enhancing and mainstreaming the quality and results of the Bank’s strategies and operations.
• To this end, it is responsible for: (i) setting certain quality standards for the Bank’s interventions; (ii) strengthening tools and processes throughout operational cycles notably those relating to monitoring and results; and (iii) building staff capacities and facilitating operational knowledge dissemination.

The Position

• Within the Quality Assurance Division, the Principal Quality and Development Effectiveness Officer will be responsible for developing and integrating quality assurance and results tools into the project cycle of operations; strengthening the Bank's overall reporting capacity and to report on its operational performance and development results; and enhancing the knowledge of operations staff through training.
• The Officer will work closely with sovereign and non-sovereign operations teams to ensure the division provides tailored support. In addition, the post holder will play a leading role in delivering training to support operations quality, including through delivery of the online learning program “Operations Academy”.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Manager, the Principal Quality and Development Effectiveness Officer will have the following duties:

• Quality and monitoring throughout the project cycle: sovereign operations. Support the quality at entry assessment of operations, including the readiness review approach used for sovereign operations, and use of results-based logical frameworks. Support application, compliance, quality assurance and continuous improvement of tools used to monitor and self-evaluate sovereign operations.
• Support enhanced quality and monitoring thought the project cycle: non-sovereign operations. Work with operations teams and the non-sovereign operations support department to enhance tools for quality at entry, supervision and completion for non-sovereign operations.
• Operations Academy. Lead delivery of a range of new online leaning courses, and continuous improvement of existing courses, in the context of the Bank’s “Operations Academy” program. The program covers both sovereign and non-sovereign operations. Support communication, promotion and continuous improvement of the Operations Academy program.
• Analytical and knowledge work. Contribute to the preparation of the analytical work and reports relating to both compliance and lesson-learning of quality assurance and monitoring tools, with the view to improve monitoring, results reporting and ultimately strengthen the effectiveness of the Bank’s development interventions.
• Staff learning and coaching. Facilitate workshops and learning events organized for operations staff, including staff members in-country and regional offices; provide training and mentoring of task managers especially for the mainstreaming of new tools;
• Helpdesk Management and quality clinics. Contribute to helpdesk management activities and provide supports in quality assurance clinics.
• Relationship management. Build and maintain effective working relationships with staff of regional and sector Departments, as well as other departments supporting operations, to ensure Bank-wide ownership/internalization of tools, and two-way learning.
• Miscellaneous. Undertake other duties as assigned by the Division Manager.

Selection Criteria

• Hold at least a Master's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Development or related disciplines.
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience on quality assurance and results and/or working directly in operations.
• Knowledge of quality assurance policies and operational processes, and of monitoring and results tools of the African Development Bank, other multilateral development banks or similar institution. Solid understanding of results-based approaches in an international development context.
• Solid experience in developing training materials for both online and in-person delivery, conducting training workshops, development of online courses.
• Experience in data management and analytics would be an asset.
• Customer-oriented, especially in the management of sensitive issues in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated innovation and creativity.
• Able to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and coordinate interdepartmental team efforts.
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and spoken) in English or French, preferably with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Good command of standard applications of the Bank (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint) Experience with SAP, statistical tools and e-learning software such as Articulate would be an advantage.

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Reference: ADB/20/138
Location: Niamey, Niger
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50083293

The Complex

• The Senior Vice-Presidency (SNVP) is responsible for supporting the President in the day-to-day management of the Bank Group to achieve its strategic objective and drive performance culture that will align all processes and systems to deliver high impact results.
• The SNVP will provide effective leadership and exceptional coordination to ensure implementation and monitoring of key corporate decisions as well as the identification of necessary corrective measures and actions.
• The SNVP will lead senior management discussions, decision-making processes and the implementation of key Board and Management decisions. ​

The Hiring Department:

• Located within the SVNP Complex, the E&S Safeguards and Compliance Department (SNSC) is responsible for mainstreaming environmental and social development considerations into Bank-financed operations in the public and private sectors through the implementation of the Integrated Safeguard System (ISS).
• The Department’s main tasks is to improve the quality-at-entry (QAE) of Bank operations, including Country Strategy Papers and project-specific interventions (projects, ESW, etc.) as well as during implementation, with a particular emphasis on enhancing developmental effectiveness through application of environmental, social and climate safeguards procedures and tools at various stages of the project cycle.
• The Safeguards and Compliance Department’s mission is to ensure proper application of the Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) and its associated procedures, guidelines and tools, in order to enhance environmental, social and climate sustainability into the Bank’s operations.

The Position

• The Principal Social Safeguards & Compliance Officer works under the supervision and overall direction of the Director of the Department of Environmental and Social Safeguards and Compliance (SNSC).

Duties and Responsibilities
The Principal Social Safeguards & Compliance Officer’s core duties/responsibilities will include the following:

• Mainstreaming of social aspects in operations, including safeguards, gender and social inclusion.  As task team member, he/she will provide support to Task Managers and Borrowers/Clients in identifying, mainstreaming and monitoring social development and safeguard aspects/concerns in Bank-funded operations during the identification, preparation, appraisal, implementation, and completion stages (throughout project lifecycle) through the following:
  • Provide E&S support to the Bank-funded projects and programmes, for both private and public sectors.
  • Address social issues in various Bank operations during the identification, preparation, appraisal, supervision and project completion stages.
  • Assist Borrowers/Clients for the finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the preparation of Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) documentation (SESA, ESIA, ESMF, ESMS, RAP, ES Audit, Hazard and Risk Assessment, etc.) to ensure compliance with the ISS.
  • Review the ESA documentation submitted by the Borrowers/Clients as of the ISS and other Bank policies’ requirements.
  • Draft the technical inputs of the E&S sections in Project Concept Notes (PCNs), Project Appraisal Reports (PARs), Project Completion Reports (PCRs) and any other project related report as required.
  • Draft and/or ameliorate reporting templates for use in implementing and monitoring social aspects and components of projects and programs.
  • Contribute to the preparation of management responses to reports issued by the Bank independent accountability mechanism, and similar report.
  • Liaise with co-financiers to ensure consistency in the mainstreaming of environmental safeguard requirements.

Policy and Compliance with E&S Requirements:

• Participate in the formulation, review and/or revision of the Bank environmental and social safeguard policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Provide policy guidance to Bank teams on social safeguard issues to enhance their awareness and the capacity of the projects and programmes to comply with the ISS.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of capacity building and training programs for staff within the Bank and in RMCs.
• Participate in, contribute and represent the Bank in internal and external trainings and conferences on social safeguards and social development issues as well as other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
• Develop and/or contribute to the development of innovative knowledge products on social sustainability, social safeguards and/or the E&S performance of Bank-financed projects and programmes.
• Undertake any other task as the Director of the Environment and Social Safeguards and Compliance Department and/or the Regional Director-General.

Selection Criteria

• Hold at least a Master's degree in Social Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Law, Economy, Project Management, etc.) or related discipline and additional training in environmental assessment.
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience in Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA), namely in preparing and implementing the ESA instruments (SESA, ESIA, ESMF, ESMS, RAP, ES Audit, Hazard and Risk Assessment, lifecycle analysis, emergency response plans, etc.).
• Demonstrable knowledge and practice of the environmental and social safeguards policies/standards, procedures and practices of comparator Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) supporting the Regional Member Countries.
• Experience with international organizations or Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in Africa is an advantage.
• Have a good knowledge and experience of project management and multi-criteria assessments, stakeholder engagement and consultation, community participation; have analytical skills to assess institutional capacity and to design / review practical arrangements for implementing complex projects’ E&S aspects, particularly in Africa.
• Be results-oriented, able to work in a team, a meticulous analyst with a sense of detail, a persuasive communicator and an excellent copywriter.
• Listening to clients - providing effective services and solutions to staff beyond presenting past challenges and challenges and gaining respect through the depth of demonstrated expertise, effectively managing various clients and country situations.
• Innovation and Change - Constantly seek more efficient and practical methods for the delivery of services and products as well as departmental process management and propose new ways to improve the quality and relevance of products and services.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to develop effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Have a good knowledge of the environmental and social issues facing Regional Member Countries (RMCs).
• Be able to communicate effectively (written and oral) in French or English, preferably with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Master the use of MS Office software and have a good knowledge of SAP.

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Reference: ADB/20/140
Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Grade: PL5
Position N°: 50063975

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for ‘Agriculture, Human, and Social Development’ is a Sector Complex focusing on two of the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy High 5s priorities of “Feed Africa” and “Improve Quality of Life for the People of Africa”.
• The complex objectives are:
  • To develop, policy and strategy;
  • Provide deep sector expertise to the Regions by gathering pools of experienced individuals who can be consulted to provide sector expertise on complex transactions;
  • Develop new financing instruments;
  • The Vice President will act as the spokesperson to represent the Bank with external stakeholders on aspects of “Feed Africa” and Improve Quality of Life for the People of Africa”.

The Hiring Department:

• The Agriculture Finance and Rural Development Department works closely with the Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department and the Regional Directorates to provide support for the delivery of Feed Africa: Strategy for Agricultural Transformation in Africa, 2016-2025.
• The core mandate of Agriculture Finance and Rural Development Department is to develop the strategy of the Bank related to agricultural and rural finance and rural development, represent the Bank with external stakeholders, provide sector expertise to the regions by gathering experts who can be consulted by operations and closing the financing gap for private sector-led development of agricultural value chains. The Department is to mobilize and deploy the required expertise; and, provide support the design and implementation of agricultural finance and rural development operations for key commodity value chains.  The Agriculture Finance and Rural Development Department is structured into two Divisions: (i) Agriculture and Rural Finance Division; and (ii) Rural Infrastructure Development Division.
• The Rural Infrastructure Development Division has the following deliverables:
  • High-quality and Innovative Instruments for Rural Infrastructure Integrated into Projects
  • Practical Implementation Arrangements with Key Implementing Partners
  • Knowledge Management of Rural Infrastructure Best Practices
  • Enabling Environment and Alliances with Key Stakeholders
  • Monitoring of Performance and Recommendations for Corrective Actions

The Position
The Senior Agro/Development Economist contributes to the deployment of the Bank’s Rural Infrastructure Development as large, and especially Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) flagship program and assists in the implementation of Feed Africa: Strategy for Agricultural Transformation in Africa 2016 - 2025. Feed Africa Strategy contributes to the fulfilment of the African Development Bank’s vision - as defined in its Ten-Year Strategy (TYS) and amplified in the High 5 Initiatives - of being the lead development financial institution in Africa, dedicated to providing quality assistance to Regional Member Countries in their economic growth efforts.  The Strategy seeks to transform African agriculture through 18 priority value chains and five agro-ecological zones. The transformation will require a set of seven enablers:

• Increase productivity by catalyzing the development of effective input distribution systems and reduction in post-harvest waste and loss;
• Realize the value of increased production by facilitating increased investment into output markets and supporting market incentives for value addition;
• Increase investment into enabling infrastructure, both hard and soft infrastructure;
• Create an enabling agribusiness environment with appropriate policies and regulation;
• Catalyze capital flows (especially commercial lending and private investment) to scale agribusinesses;
• Ensure inclusivity, sustainability and effective nutrition beyond what the market may deliver otherwise;
• Coordinate activities to kick start transformation, align activities and investments of different actors, and guide initial activities to the point where private sector actors can be crowded in

The SAPZ Initiative is one of the flagship programs identified in the Agricultural Transformation in Africa Agenda which seeks to support or create agro-industrial clusters: a concentration of producers, agro-industries, traders and other private and public actors engaged in the agri-food industry and inter-connecting and building value networks, either formally or informally, addressing common challenges and pursuing common opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Division Manager of AHFR.2 and Task Managers, the incumbent (Agricultural/Development Economist) will contribute to the development and implementation of the SAPZs in the Bank’s Regional Member Countries, in providing technical inputs to Bank Group’s operational activities relating to agriculture and rural development, through the review of the technical design and institutional arrangements for agricultural projects/programs in general proposed for Bank’s funding and assessing their feasibility from the perspective of present and future benefits impact. His/her duties include the following:

• Undertake professional tasks, to identify, prepare, appraise and/or supervise project implementation and follow-up on Bank financed sector studies, monitor projects procurement and disbursement and reporting systems to ensure that these are consistent with Bank’s rules of procedures; or causing for such missions to be undertaken by co-operating institutions such as FAO, IFAD, BOAD, World Bank;
• Participate in the strategy and sector policy development;
• Participate in, and provide technical contributions, as required, agricultural sector reviews, agricultural and rural development project formulation, mid-term reviews and project completion missions and processing;
• Participate in appraisal and processing of agricultural and rural development projects and Terms of Reference (TOR) of studies proposed for Bank Group financing;
• Contribute technical inputs in the preparation of country strategy papers and portfolio reviews, with reference to the agriculture and rural development sector;
• Review procurement documents from regional member countries in line with the Bank’s Group’s procurement procedures and make proposals for action by the Bank and executing agencies;
• Review project feasibility studies and progress reports and make proposals for action by the Bank and executing agencies;
• Provide technical advice to the Bank’s Disbursement Division on the eligibility of project expenses;
• Prepare terms of reference and select consultants for missions and supervise technical aspects of their work;
• Negotiate projects with delegations from regional member countries and defend projects at the Board;
• Interact – giving/exchanging ideas, advising, explaining - with the Division Manager, the Division staff, the Projects Manager Units, other financiers and counterparts in other multilateral institutions.
• Work closely with the Bank’s private sector and the financial inclusiveness departments for a robust SAPZ environment with the associated financial support;
• Assist Regional Member Countries in the identification, preparation and appraisal of SAPZ sub-sector operations with a focus on commodity value addition and post-harvest losses reduction;
• Work with regional member countries to promote export promotion potentials and enhance import substitution; and
• Undertake any other assignments as may be assigned by the (AHFR.2).

Selection Criteria

• Hold at least a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Agricultural Economics, Agro Industry, Agribusiness, Agricultural Sciences, or related fields.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, (including in multilateral development institutions) in project cycle management, as Agricultural Economist.
• Experience working in project development and implementation in agriculture and agribusiness.
• Strong competence in investment appraisal and financial modelling in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors.
• Experience working in Africa is a must.
• Ability to work in a team spirit to achieve defined objectives in international multicultural contexts.
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous and shifting demands/ priorities under tight deadlines and coordinate the work of others.
• Ability to build partnerships with a broad range of clients and deliver results that meet the needs and long-term interests of clients within and outside the Bank.
• Proven ability to take initiative, innovate, adapt and make smart decisions; to create, apply, and share knowledge; to share expertise and learning; to develop self and others; to expand networks; to collaborate within teams and across boundaries; to be inclusive and exhibit good corporate citizenship.
• Communicate and write effectively in French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Competences in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).