Senior Energy Specialist Vacancy - World Bank Nigeria

World Bank Nigeria - The Africa Region Energy Unit of the World Bank intends to recruit a Senior Energy Specialist to be based in Abuja, Nigeria to support the in-country activities of the World Bank. The focus of the candidate will be in the area of power and gas sector reform, utility investment programming, rural electrification, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Job Title: Senior Energy Specialist

Job ID:  110298
Job Family: Energy and Mining
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Appointment: Local Hire
Language Requirements English [Essential]

Background
The position reflects the Bank’s growing work program in West Africa, in general, and the increased bank support to the Nigerian Power sector reform, in particular.
The Sustainable Development (SD) Department covers Infrastructure (Transport, Energy, Urban, Water and Sanitation), Rural Development, Environment and Natural Resources Management. This department accounts for a substantial part of World Bank operations in the Africa region. The Africa region energy program is rapidly growing with several operations under preparation and supervision, complemented by some sector work supporting country policy dialogue.
The focus of the candidate will be in the area of power and gas sector reform, utility investment programming, rural electrification, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Knowledge of related financial issues/instruments and familiarity with Oil sector issues in Nigeria is desirable. The selected candidate will undertake frequent travel within Nigeria and throughout the Sub-saharan Africa region.

Background / General description
The key issues in the Nigeria Energy Sector include:

• Significant Supply deficits and unreliable electricity supply negatively impacts competitiveness of existing private sector and deters new business and investment; With about 3,800 MW of available generation supplied through the grid against an estimated demand of 10,000 MW, Nigeria has considerable unmet demand for power forcing a majority of the population and almost all private enterprises to resort to self generation at a high cost to themselves and the economy.
• Limited Gas supply infrastructure and upstream gas treatment investments reduce the pace of expansion of Nigeria’s gas fired generation capacity.
• High technical losses and poor commercial performance reduce the financial viability of the sector and the ability to fund much needed generation capacity expansion and quality of service improvements.
• Low access to electricity in rural areas limits economic activities, quality of social services and improvements in quality of life. Supply shortfalls have meant that only about 40% of the population has access to electricity – around 90 million people continue to live in the dark.
• Energy efficiency and Renewable Energy will be important components of plans to diversify away from heavy dependence on domestic gas for power generation and expand access to power in rural areas.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2 year renewable term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities
The person selected will have the following responsibilities:

(i) support the broader policy and reform program in the energy sector in Nigeria, identifying opportunities and risks for strengthening the Bank’s engagement in the sector and the delivery of results;

(ii) support the design, preparation, appraisal of new energy sector operations;

(iii) Supervise power sector investments and/or capacity building projects or components such as the Nigeria Electricity and Gas Improvement Project (NEGIP) and the National Energy Development Project (NEDP);

(iv) support the development of national and regional Analytic and Advisory Activities (AAA) and extend support to regional investment projects such as the Niger River Basin Development Project involving rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Kainji dam and hydropower plant and the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project involving supply of Nigeria’s gas to neighboring West African countries as necessary;

(v) coordinate with development partners, key government officials, regional institutions and other Bank Group teams as necessary; and

(vi) participate as part of the World Bank’s team at national forums, workshops and conferences focusing on energy issues.

Selection Criteria
Qualifications for consideration:
(i) Master’s degree in economics, engineering, finance or related field;
(ii) at least 8 years of combined experience in the World Bank, other international development institutions, companies and/or government institutions and utilities in energy sector with demonstrated track record in operational work;
(iii) experience in leading/anchoring a power sector dialogue and preparation/supervision of donor funded energy projects is considered a distinct advantage;
(iv) experience and/or substantive exposure with recent developments in the energy sector such as Gas to Power issues including supply contracts/delivery systems; renewable energy technologies, including hydro and Solar power power; regulatory reform; transmission/distribution network operations ; and commercial policies including utility revenue recovery strategies;
(v) a track record of team work and ability to produce high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision;
(vi) a track record of good external client relations skills at all levels of seniority;
(vii) good oral and written communication skills, in particular ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders; and,
(viii) demonstrated proficiency in English is essential.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Application Deadline
4th March, 2011

How To Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should apply via the link below
Click here to apply online