Fresh Recruitment at African Development Bank (AfDB) 31st May, 2017

Job Title: Principal Country Programme Officer

Reference: ADB/17/243
Location: West Africa
Grade: PL 4
Position N°: 50076478

The Complex

• The Bank has reorganized and is developing the Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Complex whose major objective is to build regional capabilities and bring responsibility for client activities closer to the regions.
• Five Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Hubs have been created, each run by a Director General: Southern Africa, North Africa, West Africa; East Africa, and Central Africa.

The Hiring Department

• To support Programme Implementation and Monitoring, the Country Program Officer provides facilitation to review, examine and evaluate the organization’s objectives, structure, procedures, policies and management systems.
• This is achieved through the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational programs, applying techniques such as management, organizational analysis, methods & procedures studies.
• The job also conducts planning and analyses of program and budget proposals to ensure conformity with the organization’s work program, strategic focus and budgetary objectives.
• Periodic reports to management summarizing findings and recommendations for changes based on these analyses are undertaken.

The Position

• The primary role of a Country Program Officer is to ensure a healthy and performing portfolio in the assigned Country.
• The Incumbent serves as the professional expert to support Country Managers with multiple work program and project activities and where required this support is extended to the Director General on Adhoc basis or as instructed.
• The role requires the continuous follow-ups with relevant task managers and prepare Country or Regional Portfolio improvement plans.
• As Country Program Officer, the incumbent provides advice and guides strategic planning through strategic analysis and results frameworks within the assigned country.
• The incumbent supports and provides input for the design and development of work programs/projects and activities based on the approved Complex strategy and results framework and provide expertise for budgeting of resources.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Director General, the Country Programme Office undertakes the following duties and responsibilities:

• Preparation of reports – Prepare on a quarterly basis, a summary of the Quarterly Portfolio Report prepared by the country Office CPOs for the Director General, Deputy Director General, Regional CPO and the Lead Economist.
• Prepare on a monthly basis a synthesis of the implementation of the department work program and highlight the bottlenecks and proposed solutions.
• Monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the monthly portfolio flashlight reports.
• Budget Management – As Budget Coordinator or focal person to the department, play a coordination role for the preparation of the departmental work program and related budget jointly with Country Economists and Country Program Officers.
• Coordination – Coordinate the departmental submission through the use of the BRAG tool in coordination with country office CPOs.
• Coordinate overall portfolio management and operations programming.
• Monitoring – Follow-up and manage portfolio and operational activities.
• Follow-up on BDEV and project audit recommendations and requirements of the Board.
• Project & Work Program Management – Work with Sector Experts responsible for specific projects to ensure that solution to pending projects problems are resolved, and additionally serve as Secretary to the Country Team.
• Relationship Management – Serve as a corporate relationship manager for the Bank at the level of the Regional Hub.
• Serve as the focal point and spokesman on operational issues between the Regional Hub and external constituencies and borrowers.
• Compliance Management – Ensure that activity reports and audit reports comply with Bank requirements and are submitted on time.
• Ensure that the recommendations of supervision, portfolio review and audit missions are implemented.
• Provide effective oversight to project task teams on quality and compliance with Bank operational processes and procedures (including referring them to the relevant responsible staff in fiduciary, legal, safeguards, or other specialized areas);
• Oversee and support the work of Sector staff in undertaking country portfolio performance review processes with the Government and other Development Partners.
• Undertake quality control of key documents, participate in dialogue with Government, Regional or Country Economic Communities as required, and follow up on agreed actions;
• Support the Country Manager in ensuring country office team members actions comply with Bank Ethics, Regulations, Policies and guidance.
• Provide input to the preparation portfolio related to country briefs for Annual Meetings and other briefs to Management.

Coordination of Non Lending Activities:

• Advice the Country Manager on strategic options as required to improve revenue generation and/or cost efficiencies. Work closely with the Country Manager and provide input to the yearly business planning and budgeting process, by considering the assigned Country’s needs & advising to ensure that work programmes are well constructed and aligned with Bank’s priorities that include but are not limited to income generation & operational priorities.
• Provide support in administering the Analytic and Advisory Activities and lending operations at various stages of preparation and provide inputs on such documentation. This function focuses on reviewing and assessing concept notes, draft appraisal reports, other operations documents and final outputs;

Stakeholder Management:

• Under the guidance of the Country Manager, establish and, strategically manage solid working relationships with the assigned country’s government, international development agencies, clients and key stakeholders.
• Support the Country Manager to manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products.
• Actively support the Country Manager to manage relationships with government and other Development Partners (DPs).
• Advises on and lead initiatives and strategies to foster effective and strong relationships with Government, Private Sector and Development Partners.
• Lead the Country portfolio performance review process with the relevant RECs/Government and other Development Partners that include responsibility for quality control of key documents, taking part in dialogue with RECs/Government and following up on agreed actions;
• Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of project outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance).

Knowledge Management:

• Actively interact with task managers/relevant Bank units and the PIUs/government agencies to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the portfolio management;
• Provide feedback to the Country Manager on Bank policies, strategies and operational procedures, with an aim towards continuous improvement of Bank policies implementation;
• Incorporate lessons learned in project development and implementation.

AfDB Visibility:

• Support the Country’s efforts to improve the Bank’s visibility in the region;
• Represent and provide visibility when and where required for and including through organizing/participating in high profile events such as senior level visits, interviews, seminars, business events and conferences;

Quality Management:

• Focus on ensuring high quality and performance of the Country’s portfolio;
• Ensure all reports and submissions are timely and of high quality;
• Work jointly with relevant country teams and managers to meet KPI assigned targets; and
• Play a key role and advise within the assigned Country on economic, political, social and other developments relevant to the Bank’s operations in the country.
• Championing the Complex / Regional mandate and purpose – Provide a direct and indirect operational support that contributes to the Region or Country output and mandate of the Complex.

Qualifications

• Hold at least a Master’s Degree (or its university equivalent) in Economics, Social Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture/Forestry, Business Administration, Public Administration and knowledge of development issues.

Experience:

• Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience in the formulation and implementation of policies, programs and projects either within the Bank, with a similar development institution or the public service;
• Experience in the practice of procurement of goods/works, and the acquisition of consultancy services under donor funding conditions;
• Experience working in a team in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, international and professional environment.
• Relevant and required experience gained on the African continent;
• Experience gained within multilateral development finance institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation and/or review of operations in a multilateral financial institution;

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
Behavioral Competencies:

• Innovation & Creativity
• Client Orientation
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent Communication skills
• Professional Expertise
• Relationship management skills
• .Influencing skills
• Decisiveness
• Takes Initiative/Spotting Opportunity/Pushing Strategy
• Highly organised & structured

Technical Competencies:
1.) Business Acumen:

• Comprehensively understands projects structures, including project planning, risk management strategy, issue management strategy, communication management strategy, with an acute knowledge and understanding of the elements essential for the effective delivery and measurement of development impacts through projects and programs in Africa.
• Ability to identify and create meaningful linkages across sectors
• Operational Effectiveness skills using all the systems, procedures and culture within the organization for required results delivery.

2.) Implementing Strategy:

• Highly developed strategic thinking skills allied to an ability to translate strategic concepts and direction into the implementation of workable and sustainable projects and programs.

3.) Negotiation:

• Highly developed negotiation skills proven to yield positive outcomes with senior counterparts, both internal and external, and understands when and how to apply tact, influence, maintain a hard line, make or break contacts, understand unwritten lines of influence and conduct oneself accordingly.

4.) Executing for Results:

• High level of expertise in managing portfolio performance
• Make effective, timely and well-determined interventions for results delivery.
• Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and distributed organization.
• Client and results orientation, with strong analytical and communication (both verbally and in writing) skills, responsiveness, sense of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to build successful teams, relationships and partnerships with a broad range of clients, internal and external, for effective delivery of results that meet the needs and long-term interests of clients within and outside the institution.

Managerial/Leadership competencies:

• Ability to provide comprehensive thought Leadership on Programme Delivery and related issues
• Mentorship/Coaching Skills
• People Management skills

Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other.
• Competence in the use of standard MS office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)

How to Apply

Click here to apply online

Job Title: Ombudsman, Ombudsman OfficeReference: ADB/17/239
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL-2
Position N°: 50092559

The Complex

• The Senior Vice-Presidency 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 Senior Vice-Presidency 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 Senior Vice-Presidency will lead senior management discussions, decision-making processes and the implementation of key Board and Management decisions.

The Hiring Department

• The Office of Ombudsman and Mediator is a Statutory Body of the Bank established by a Board Resolution in 1992. Its role is to facilitate conflict resolution, using mediation and conciliation or other appropriate means for the primary objective of settling grievances on employment matters between staff members and the bank.
• The Office assists Management efforts to improve the working conditions as well as the quality of human and professional relationships at all levels in the Bank.
• As part of the Internal Recourse Mechanism, the Office of Ombudsman and Mediator is a designated neutral responsible for impartial, confidential, independent and informal assistance in all staff grievances and complaints related to work place issues.
• The Office of Ombudsman and Mediator is also responsible for advising on shortcomings and recommending to Management solutions in employment policies, procedures and practices.

The Position
Under the supervision and guidance of the Senior Vice-President, the Ombudsman is to:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic management for the development and delivery the informal conflict resolution program , focusing on all aspects of planning, directing and managing, including; formulating program policies and processes based on agreed criteria with the Senior Vice President
• Design the annual work plans, objectives, deliverables and measurables including but not limited to managing allocated resources, leading the team, coaching and motivating the staff to ensure timely and effective delivery as an early warning mechanism on employment and/or work related grievances
• Drive the process of identification, selection and review of Bank-wide systemic issues in the work place process and offer upward feedback, proscribe solutions and make recommendations.
• Advise Senior Management on Employee Work Related Grievances and facilitate resolutions to Employee Work Related Grievances; Mediate in Employee Work Related Grievances and reinforce change in dealing with Employee Work Related Grievances including advocacy through the use of International Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the team of the Ombudsman and Mediator, through the management of resources, conducting performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring of the team.
• Manage the Values Promotion Program and all administrative activities associated with the program.
• Advise Senior Management on employee work related grievances.
• Prepare and submit reports with comments and recommendations on any shortcoming identified in employment policies procedures and practices in the Bank.
• Consider employment related grievances of a staff member including matters pertaining to administration of benefits as well as professional concerns and staff relations.
• Provide advice on any personnel matter or issue referred by Management.
• Participate in the elaboration of Bank Rules, Regulations, Policies or Practices at the request of Management.
• Research and provide facilitated solutions that reduce cost associated with formal resolution of employee work related grievances.
• Review policies, practices and procedures as is necessary to identify and scope areas for improvement in the informal conciliation and mediation process.
• Supplement and collaborate with other Bank Internal Recourse Mechanism in place to improve the working conditions as well as the quality of human professional relations at all levels in the Bank.
• Provide high quality advice that meets International standards in assisting the Bank to maintain and enhance a healthy working environment for the common benefit of the Bank and Staff Members.
• Participate and contribute as a Senior Member of the Complex Management Team.
• Submit reports and make recommendations to Management and the Responsible Organization Unit.
• Submit quarterly reports to the Senior Vice-President on systemic issues affecting the Bank.
• Assist in identifying systemic issues encountered during informal conflict resolution and make proposals of relevant actions to be taken.
• Develop and elaborate programs that assist in improving the working conditions as well as the working environment for the common benefit of the Bank.
• Lead the administration function of the office including management of professionals, support staff and consultants.
• Drive and design the proper implementation and monitoring of the Office of Ombudsman and Mediator policies, strategies and practices.
• Conduct the performance management process of the Office of Ombudsman and Mediator including objective setting, engagement contracts, learning, feedback and development.
• Plan for resource allocation, management of the budget and resources under the Office of Ombudsman and Mediator Office.
• Assist reports with their personal development in order for them to better contribute to the overall goals of the Bank.
• Manage employee work related grievances independently, neutrally, impartially, informally and confidentially to assist with placing any problems in perceptive.
• Conduct informal fact finding and gathering of background information that might be helpful to understand the overall context of the issue.
• Inform, and where necessary guide parties in potential or active disputes about the informal resolution process and assist them to initiate it.
• Facilitate informal resolution of workplace conflicts helping all parties to explore options and engage in a voluntary and confidential process, acting as a neutral third-party, facilitate and help conflicting parties to discuss issues and negotiate an agreement.
• Perform research and analysis and prepare opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Work collaboratively with relevant actors in the various offices to achieve informal resolution to employment related problems raised by the parties involved when requested.
• Develop relationships with visitors and advise on all aspects of the informal resolution by telephone or meetings with parties.
• Produce an Annual Activity Report on the Office.
• Draw up the Memorandum of Agreement to be signed by the parties prior to the commencement of the process.
• Maintain neutrality and impartiality towards all parties and confidentiality within the process, gather information as appropriate, and help parties identify and understand issues and interests, explore options, and generate solutions to which all parties agree.
• Where required, assist in following up with the parties after resolution to receive feedback and to advise clients of further services.
• Draw up a Record of Settlement if the parties reach an agreement
• Lead the process for the selection, vetting and training of the Values Promotion Champions Program.
• Support the Values Promotion Champions by providing conflict management services to staff members in the country and regional offices and travel to field offices to provide training or respond to conflict situations, as required.
• Inform, and where necessary guide, the Values Promotion Champions and parties in potential or active disputes about the informal resolution process and assist them to initiate it.
• Facilitate informal resolution of workplace conflicts helping the Values Promotion Champions formulate options and engage in a voluntary and confidential process, acting as a neutral third-party, facilitate and help conflicting parties to discuss issues and negotiate an agreement.
• Develop and deliver outreach and learning activities on informal resolution and conflict management to help all staff in the Bank to efficiently utilize services of the Office of Ombudsman and Mediator.
• Work collaboratively with relevant actors in the various offices to achieve informal resolution to employment related problems raised by the parties when requested.
• Offer creative and expert advice on the best service or dispute resolution technique to meet the needs and requirements of parties to a dispute.
• Develop surveys, review survey results and provide reports, as necessary.
• Act as an early warning trigger in alerting senior management to potential organisational risks as a result of a conflict related issue.

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Hold at least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in alternative dispute resolution, administration, human resources management, law, social sciences or related area.
• Training in mediation, conciliation or negotiations is desirable.
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in legal, managerial or dispute resolution or related field, at least three years of which should be in a management or leadership role.
• It would be desirable to have experience in conflict management and different approaches to informal resolution.
• Experience working within the private sector is highly desirable.
• Professionalism: Ability to establish and maintain confidentiality.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation:Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Team working and relations: Ability to develop and maintain high level relationship with senior management, peers and subordinates with high level of integrity.
• Knowledge of alternative dispute and conflict resolution systems.
• Knowledge of the International organizational structure rules and policies.
• Ability to prepare reports, formulate positions on systemic issues, articulate options concisely conveying maximum necessary information.
• Ability to analyse complex situations and identify key issues, in order to propose effective solutions.
• Capacity to absorb relevant information for effective decision making.
• Capacity to apply sound judgement, considering positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them.
• Ability to make decisions based on the bigger picture, i.e. with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information.
• Ability to apply critical thinking in order to make tough decisions when necessary.
• Serves as a role model that other people want to follow.
• Empowers others to translate vision into results.
• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
• Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.
• Drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo.
• Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language.
• Competence with standard MS Office Software.
• SAP experience is a plus/would be advantageous.

How to Apply

Click here to apply online