Principal Energy Economist at African Development Bank (AfDB)

African Development Bank (AfDB) established to strengthen dialogue between the Bank and the Government is recruiting to fill the below position:

Position Title: Principal Energy Economist

Grade: PL-4
Position N°: NA
Reference: ADB/14/039
Location: Lagos

Objectives
The Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department (ONEC) assists Country Programme Departments to manage Bank Group energy operations in regional member countries (RMCs). It addresses climate change and environmental issues by incorporating them into Bank Group supported operations and giving them the visibility required. ONEC includes two energy divisions and a third division which will be responsible for climate change and environment issues. The main objective of the Eastern and Southern Africa Energy Division (ONEC.2) is to build on the Bank’s sector skills and strengthen its capacity to become the leader in strategy, development, financing and implementation of energy projects and programs in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Duties and responsibilities
Under the general supervision and guidance of the Sector Manager, his/her core duties/responsibilities will include the following:

• Participate to project identification missions in selected RMCs in the energy sectors including energy sector analysis and reforms. Such missions normally lead to the development of a pipeline of bankable projects, technical assistance programs and potential advisory services to be considered by ONEC.
• Prepare or oversee preliminary evaluation of project proposals to assess their feasibility for financial assistance and/or technical support by the Bank. This involves the screening of project applications, carrying out of desk reviews and evaluation of feasibility studies, preparing Project Concept Notes .
• Participate in identification, appraisal and negotiation missions. This includes coordinating the work of the mission team which usually includes professional staff from other departments within the Bank; carrying out independent research on the investment climate, project sponsors, management, economic, financial, marketing, technical, environmental and legal aspects of the project or policy. The work also includes assessing the risks of projects and advising governments on appropriate mitigating measures; structuring/restructuring of projects to minimize financial risks; participating in negotiations, or conducting preliminary negotiations with sponsors on financing terms and legal conditions for the proposed investment/loan by the Bank.
• Contribute to the preparation of Project Concept Notes and Project Appraisal Reports for presentation to peer reviewers, Country Teams, Operations Committee (OpsCom) and finally to the Board of Directors. The work involves overseeing the production of financial models for carrying out financial and economic analyses of the project; developing recommendations and justifications for the investments and defending these at the various management committees and Board of Directors.
• Process disbursements under approved projects on timely basis, while ensuring that all conditions precedent were fulfilled.
• Supervise portfolio projects, including review of progress reports, preparing project supervision reports for management review and recommending appropriate measures to deal with problem projects.
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans and programs; participate in Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) preparation missions for allocated countries; contribute to and participate in the preparation of policy papers on private sector operations and issues.
• Build inter-departmental collaboration on Energy private sector operations, and partnerships with other institutions involved in private infrastructure and PPP sector development (exchange of information on projects, policies, operational experience etc., identification of co-financing opportunities, organization of joint promotional activities etc. );
• Perform other ad hoc assignments relating energy sector reforms assigned by management, including the preparation of briefs, speeches and papers.
• Undertake any other task as the Manager ONEC.2 may assign.

Requirement
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• At least a Master's Degree or its university equivalent in Economics, Business Administration, or other related fields
• Preferably a minimum of six (6) years of experience in the areas of Project infrastructure economic analysis or in a related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in preparing economic analysis related to energy projects
• Some knowledge of the operational policies, procedures and practices of major bilateral and multilateral partner development agencies in regional member countries, particularly with respect to infrastructure projects..
• Results-oriented, team player, articulate analyst with attention to details, a persuasive communicator and good writer.
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English, with preference for capabilities in both English and French languages.
• The incumbent should also have competence in (or ability/willingness to become quickly familiar with) the use of various tools available and applied by the Bank such as SAP, and fluency in standard MS office applications (Word, Excel, Power point).

Application Closing Date
15th September, 2014

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
Click here to apply online