Latest Jobs at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Principal Trade Policy Officer, PITD2

Reference: ADB/20/135
Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50078381

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization (PIVP) is central to the Bank’s mission of developing the private sector, improving infrastructure and accelerating industrialization.
• The complex main functions are to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for private sector [and financial sector] development conducive to inclusive growth and sustainable development, (ii) support the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure, including cities and urban development, and (iii) place renewed emphasis on industrial and trade performance in support of structural transformation across Africa.
• The Complex leverages knowledge, co-financing, and partnerships to attract private capital and work with governments on delivering the Bank’s development agenda.

The Hiring Division:

• In line with the Bank Ten-Year Strategy, and consistent with the High 5 strategies, the Division drives the Bank’s trade development agenda, including trade policy, trade facilitation and investment climate.
• The Division’s work is carried out in close collaboration with the PIVP Complex, the Regional Integration Department (RDRI), the Economic Governance and Agriculture Complexes, and the regional hubs of the Bank.

The Position

• The Principal Trade Expert will focus on the design and implementation of trade development and trade facilitation programs. This includes but is not limited to the development of national or regional trade strategies, the design and implementation of value chains, standards upgrading, customs modernization, transport facilitation or knowledge management programs and projects.
• The Principal Trade Expert will also act as the Coordinator of the Africa Trade Fund the Bank’s premier trade-related technical assistance fund.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Manager, Trade and Investment Climate Division, the incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of the Secretariat of the Africa Trade Fund, including monitoring and reporting of strategic and operational performance, external relations and resources mobilization;
• Strengthening the trade integration work-streams with emphasis on developing projects/programmes that are operationally relevant for the Bank;
• Assist in defining and expanding the Division’s trade integration agenda and to mainstream the Division’s activities into the Bank’s operational and analytical work;
• Providing technical and advisory services to Regional Member Countries (RMCs), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the private sector, to assist them implement programmes/projects that will move the regional and trade integration agenda on the continent forward;
• Contributing to the preparation of the trade-related aspects of Country Diagnostic Notes (CDNs) and Country Strategy Papers (CSPs);
• Building partnerships and coalitions within and outside the Bank, especially with traditional development partners such as the International Trade Center, the World Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Trade Organization;
• Provide support to other duties as assigned by the Manager.

Selection Criteria

• A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, Economics, International Trade / Relations, or Related International Development fields;
• At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience on issues related to trade and regional integration; project management; and trust fund management. Operational experience in Africa will be an advantage;
• Strong client orientation with commitment to results on the ground and operational experience;
• Knowledge of Africa’s trading environment and the global trading system;
• Proven ability to conduct research, analyse trade topics and produce high-quality analytical reports. Publications on topics related to trade and regional integration would be an added advantage;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate ideas effectively;
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix management environment, both as a team leader and team member;
• Client and results-oriented individual, with strong analytical and communication (both verbally and in writing) skills, sense of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a good knowledge of the other;
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Principal Renewable Energy Specialist, PERN1

Reference: ADB/20/137
Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50078315

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for ‘Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth’ is a Sector Complex focusing on the Bank’s Ten Years Strategy, High 5s priorities of “Light up and Power Africa”.
• The complex’s objectives are (i) to develop policy and strategy; (ii) to provide deep sector technical expertise to the Regions by gathering pool of experienced individuals who can be consulted for their expertise on complicated transactions; (iii) to develop new financing instruments; (iv) to act as spokesperson to represent the Bank with external stakeholders on all aspects of “Light Up and Power Africa”.
• The Complex will focus on areas of Power systems, policy and regulation, renewable energy; and, Climate and Green Growth.

The Department / Division:

• The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department has the broad objective of promoting the development of renewable energy – both large and small scale – and promoting energy efficiency along with clean cooking.
• More specifically, the department is mandated to (i) function as a one-stop source / hub for renewables programmes/projects, energy efficiency and clean cooking (ii) focus on “enabling market development” with an emphasis on developing new approaches / areas (e.g. mini-grid programmes, thematic or country focused funds) and play a lead role in establishing region- or country-specific programmes (iii)  mobilise concessional resources as part of the structuring of blended finance finance solutions for projects and programmes. The Department also hosts the Desert to Power (DtP) Taskforce.
• The DtP initiative aims to accelerate economic development in the Sahel region through the deployment of solar technologies at scale. Specifically, DtP proposes to deliver electricity to 160 million people on-grid and 90 million off-grid and to add solar energy generation capacity of up to 10 GW through a combination of public and private interventions. The initiative covers 11 countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan).
• The initial rollout will focus on the G5 Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger). It aims to develop and implement electrification program based on solar power generation including grid based, mini-grid and off-grid access scale up for households, social and economic infrastructure including energy for productive uses.

The Position

• The Renewable Energy Specialist (Desert to Power) will play a lead role across a range of activities linked to the development, financing and deployment of renewable energy projects, including a coordinating role in the context of the Desert to Power Taskforce.
• The job holder will focus on (i) the identification, preparation and implementation of bankable renewable energy generation projects, including both grid-connected and decentralized technologies (ii) support the design and implementation of both public and private sector initiatives, including investment facilities; (iii) support Regional Member Countries (RMCs) in particular in the Sahel with designing investment scale-up programmes to attract private sector players, along with the mobilization of concessional resources and implementation of innovative blended finance solutions; and (iv) more broadly coordinate the various activities undertaken in the context of the Desert to Power initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Division Manager – Renewable Energy, the Principal Renewable Energy Specialist (Desert to Power) will perform the following:

• Coordinate the various activities of the Desert to Power Taskforce, ensure regular engagement and communication with internal and external partners including the country focal points and Steering Committee members, and prepare regular updates on the implementation of the initiative.
• Develop detailed implementation plans for the five priority areas (on-grid solar generation capacity, transmission reinforcement and regional interconnections, deployment of decentralized energy solutions, utility reform and creation of a favourable enabling environment) of the Desert to Power initiative.
• Assist regional member countries in structuring renewable energy and energy access scale-up programmes, including Independent Power Producer (IPP), green mini-grids and solar home systems scale-up programmes, engaging with relevant stakeholders on aspects of enabling policy and regulatory environment.
• Coordinate the mobilization of resources for the implementation of the Desert to Power initiative, comprising internal and external funding sources such as climate finance facilities.
• Lead project origination and business development activities, with a view to developing a pipeline of sustainable energy investments to which AfDB’s full range of financial instruments, including concessional finance could be applied.
• Lead the preparation, appraisal and due diligence processes for both projects and programmes, for presentation to the relevant Bank internal committees and to the Board where necessary.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and analytical work for to inform country-focussed strategy work as well as new operations in renewable energy.
• Undertake any other task that the Division Manager or Director may assign.

Selection Criteria

• Hold at least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in Energy, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Business Administration or related subjects;
• Have a minimum of six (6) years professional experience at project level, broad knowledge of all energy sub-sectors, including renewable energy technologies and business models.
• Proven ability to interact competently with, as well as to assess and provide technical advisory services to, both public and private sector stakeholders in the renewable energy space;
• Experience in Multilateral or Development Bank / Development Financial Institutions operations, preferably in an African context, not mandatory but desirable;
• Good understanding of public and private sector financing, experience in resource mobilization and structuring of blended finance solutions.
• Experience in forging and managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders – local organizations, governments and financing institutions.
• Full knowledge of the principles of project cycle and project implementation;
• Strong interpersonal and client orientation skills, with proven experience in coordinating various activities and diverse teams.
• Communicate and write effectively in either French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); Knowledge of SAP.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Senior Trade Officer, PITD2

Reference: ADB/20/136
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL5
Position N°: 50068527

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization is central to the Bank’s mission of developing the private sector, improving infrastructure and accelerating industrialization.
• The complex main functions are to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for private sector [and financial sector] development conducive to inclusive growth and sustainable development, (ii) support the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure, including cities and urban development, and (iii) place renewed emphasis on industrial and trade performance in support of structural transformation across Africa.
• The Complex leverages knowledge, co-financing, and partnerships to attract private capital and work with governments on delivering the Bank’s development agenda.

The Hiring / Division:

• In line with the Bank Ten-Year Strategy, and consistent with the High 5 strategies, the Division drives the Bank’s Trade development, including trade policy and trade facilitation, and investment climate agenda.
• The Division work is carried out in close collaboration with PIVP Complex, the Regional Integration Department (RDRI), the Economic Governance and Agriculture Complexes, RDTS and the regional hubs of the Bank.

The Position

• The Senior Trade Officer will focus on macroeconomic work to deepen country knowledge, preparation of Economic Sector Works and coordination of the preparation of RMC Trade Strategy Papers, business development and other relevant documents (mid-term review, completion report, etc.).

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Manager, Trade and Investment Climate Division, the incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities the Country Economist will:

• Analyze the trade, economic and financial conditions of Regional Member Countries, using internal and external information sources, and determine the implications for the programming and updating of Bank Group operations such as defined in the Country Strategy Paper.
• Examine the impact of Bank Group operations, in the countries concerned, of regional economic integration programmes and make recommendations on the role of the Bank Group in assisting trade and regional integration initiatives.
• Undertake assigned Economic and Sector Work (ESW), focusing mainly on issues of trade, competition and investment climate profiling, and papers on relevant trade related economic and investment issues in the development process.
• Identify, prepare, evaluate and monitor the implementation of trade economics, trade development and facilitation programmes.
• Coordinate the preparation of Country Diagnostic Notes (CDNs), Country Strategy Papers (CSPs), based on the Regional Member Countries Regional Integration Strategies (RISPS), Trade Development Agenda priorities as well as (AfCFTA Implementation Strategies).
• Maintain effective communication with the sector departments and other relevant units in the Bank to ensure a coordinated approach in the implementation of the Bank’s Strategy and Lending/Non-lending operations in assigned countries.
• Participate in Country Portfolio Reviews. CSPs, Concept Note writing and PCR processes.
• Participate in aid coordination activities with the Trad Complex (UNCTAD, WTO, ITC, UNECA, AU, WB, RECs), as well as bilateral and multilateral donors, with emphasis on promoting effective trade development interventions, projects and programmes.
• Participate in the preparation of the department’s budget, the annual and triennial lending/non-lending programmes and briefs on trade development issues, economic reform and institutional support programmes.
• Develop and build client relations at levels and plays a promotional role in generating new business to PITD2 and for the Bank.

Selection Criteria

• Hold at least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in Economics, Public Policy and Public Administration, International Trade Policy, Trade Statistics, Investment Climate Development, Global trade management, economic regulation and/or competition economics or other relevant discipline;
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of trade development, private and public sector competition policy reforms, policy formulation and implementation in developing country context;
• Experience as a practitioner in the economic analysis of global trade policies, Knowledge of Continental and global trade developments (e.g., AfCFTA,) providing direct advice to the private sector and case-handling cross-border or intra-country trade, infrastructure, industrial development and technical assistance on trade reforms, lending/non-lending projects and policies;
• Strong knowledge of socio-economic, trade facilitation, investment climate, regulatory reforms and policies and business environment issues in African countries;
• Client and results oriented individual, with strong analytical and communication (both verbally and in writing) skills, sense of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to build partnership with a broad range of clients and deliver results that meet the needs and long-term interests of clients within and outside the institution;
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a good knowledge of the other;
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Deadline: 21st October, 2020.

Important Information / Notice

• This position is classified as international and attracts international terms and conditions of employment.
• Should you encounter technical difficulties in submitting your application, please send an email with a precise description of the issue and/or a screenshot showing the problem to: HR Direct HRDirect@AFDB.ORG(link sends e-mail)
• To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.
• Applicants who fully meet the Bank’s requirements and are considered for interview will be contacted. Only online applications submitted with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and copies of the required degrees will be considered. The President, AfDB, reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the Bank does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The African Development Bank Group declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever.