Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Assistant at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. Our objective is to alleviate financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small Corporates in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market-conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Assistant

Location: Abuja

Job Summary

• The PIU Assistant will play a critical role in supporting the effective implementation of these initiatives.
• Working closely with the PIU leadership, the Assistant will provide operational, administrative, and technical support to ensure smooth execution of technical assistance and climate finance programs.
• The role will involve engaging with internal and external stakeholders, supporting compliance with donor requirements, and contributing to the successful delivery of DBN’s transformative projects.

Objective of the Assignment

• The objective of this assignment is to provide comprehensive project management and operational support to the Climate Desk/GCF Desk within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
• The PIU Assistant will ensure the efficient planning, coordination, and implementation of climate finance projects, while maintaining compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• This role is critical in enabling the smooth operation of the climate desk and achieving the Development Bank of Nigeria’s (DBN) strategic sustainability objectives.

Scope of Work
Administrative and Technical Support:

• Assist the Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) in identifying and screening viable climate finance projects aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GCF priorities.
• Conduct research and provide administrative support for DBN’s accreditation processes with the Adaptation Fund (AF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), ensuring compliance with their requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, records, and files, ensuring they are easily accessible.
• Conduct preliminary research to gather relevant data, reports, and insights to support project proposals and submissions to the GCF.
• Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and ensure timely follow-up on action items.

Project Implementation and Monitoring:

• Support the monitoring of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure adherence to donor and DBN policies.
• Assist in the preparation of frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for secured funds.
• Support efforts to ensure that ongoing and future projects comply with GCF accreditation requirements, contributing to DBN’s adherence to international climate finance standards.
• Maintain an organized repository of GCF-related documentation, including accreditation updates, re-accreditation processes, and project records.
• Support the preparation and review of funding proposals, concept notes, workplans and other project documents.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data to support project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities.

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Coordinate logistics and communication for meetings with funding bodies, regulatory agencies (e.g NCCC), and other stakeholders.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of key contacts and partnerships within the climate finance ecosystem.
• Support the development of stakeholder engagement materials and strategies.

Operational Support:

• Assist in the preparation and submission of periodic reports on project progress and funding activities.
• Provide support for readiness programs and capacity-building initiatives for DBN and the Nigeria Climate Change Commission (NCCC).
• Conduct preliminary research on climate finance mechanisms and provide summarized insights to the Project Manager.

General Support:

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and DBN governance standards in all activities.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager – GCF Desk to support the successful execution of the GCF Desk's objectives.

Conduct of Work and Duration of Assignment:

• The Consultant will be offered a contract with a duration of twelve (12) months on a full-time basis, renewable based on satisfactory performance and need. The Consultant will be required to report at the DBN Head Office based within the DBN approved work hours.

Reporting Obligations:

• The Project Assistant – GCF Desk will report directly to the Project Manager – GCF Desk. Regular updates on tasks and progress will be required, along with contributions to project status reports.

Payment Schedule:

• For the duration of the engagement, the Consultant shall be renumerated on a monthly basis with an amount yet to be agreed.  This yet to be agreed amount multiplied by the intended 12-month engagement period shall cumulate and form the total contract sum.

Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Project Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Training or certification in project management or climate finance (e.g., CAPM, Climate Finance Essentials) is an added advantage.
• An understanding of the financial sector and project management methodologies.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in project support, administration, or a related role within the development finance or climate finance sector.
• Familiarity with the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and funding submissions is an asset.
• Familiarity with international climate finance frameworks (e.g., Paris Agreement, NDCs, and GCF priorities) and their application in project development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deal sensitively with a multi-cultural environment and build effective business relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Application Closing Date
14th February, 2025.