Principal PPP Transaction Advisory Specialist 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 PPP Transaction Advisory Specialist

Position Number: 50105391
Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Position Grade: PL4

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’s 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 Department:

The Infrastructure and Urban Development Department (PICU) provides assistance to the Bank Regional Member Countries (RMCs) in the form of loans and grants to finance infrastructure projects and programs mostly in the transport sector, and urban development.
The Department also develops non-lending knowledge products to formulate and implement transport and urban development sector policies and strategies, sector reforms to ensure best practices are mainstreamed in policy, planning, programming, institutional governance, and maintenance and operations.
In addition, the Department provides Grants for preparation of regional infrastructure projects covering transport, energy, ICT, and water sectors, and coordinates the Bank’s Public Private Partnerships (PPP) framework, as well as a number of external strategic infrastructure partnerships for the Bank.
The Department fosters advancement of infrastructure and cities in Africa by detailed development of appropriate interventions which the Bank might finance on a regional, national or a continent-wide basis.

The Position

To originate and manage PPP Advisory-related mandates, assess Member Country needs for PPP Transaction Advisory, address any special needs, and suggest and design appropriate intervention strategies in line with the Bank’s Strategic Framework.
Moreover, the role is responsible for providing Member Countries with technical advisory services in the formulation and upgrading of their national PPP Policies, managing PPP transaction advisory, conducting workshops on enabling environment and capacity building of key governmental organizations engaged in award and management of PPP concessions; and sharing key knowledge and learning outcomes with the Governance and Procurement Departments, and other stakeholders in PPP-related areas, including the development of best practices for award and oversight of PPP concessions.

Key Functions
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Division Manager, the Principal PPP Transaction Advisory Specialist will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Coordinate the Bank’s PPP Transaction Advisory Activities by providing proven technical expertise on PPP project cycle activities leading to commercial and financial close and beyond.
Provide the Member Countries with technical advisory services in the formulation and upgrading of their national PPP policies, project preparation, policy on oversight of PPP concessions and risk & oversight management function, etc.
Originate and manage transaction advisory services, conduct workshops on enabling environment and capacity building of key governmental organizations in member countries as part of business development for the Bank’s operational pipeline.
Assess applications and requests for PPP project assistance and financing received by the Bank from RMCs and other eligible clients and make appropriate recommendations to Management on the suitability of potential Bank support; and ensure that the advisory work complies with the Bank’s strategy, policies and best management practices.
Screen applications for transaction advisory services and enabling environment and capacity building proposals in line with the Bank’s PPP framework to assess eligibility for assistance and possible prioritization for inclusion in the Bank’s PPP Work Programme.
Work as part of a team or lead key activities as part of progressing a PPP transaction in the upstream, midstream or downstream phases of development.
Develop and implement a framework and operating guidelines for the PPP technical advisory function of the Division, lead the dialogue with stakeholders and maintain the quality and overall health of the portfolio
Be the resources person on PPP transaction advisory matters in the Bank and to the Regional Member Countries (RMCs) and provide sound advise
Build and maintain relationships with clients, global and regional businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials, and coordinate with development partners and private sector financiers to ensure best practices are followed in PPP Advisory.
Interact with other Bank divisions and departments to ensure compliance in all aspects of PPP work.
Undertake assessment of country PPP Units capacity and effectiveness, identify any gaps and design standalone PPP Unit Capacity Building Program as may be required
Undertake country and sector diagnostic work as part of the Bank’s Country Strategy Paper (CSP) preparation as assigned from time to time.
Work as part of a team or lead the provision of PPP Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) on Bank-supported PPP projects through to commercial and financial close.
Work within a team to mobilize resources from within the Bank and from external partners to support the delivery of the Bank’s PPP programme and for support to client projects.
Lead the preparation and delivery of PPP knowledge, capacity building and information on PPPs and the Bank’s areas of support for both internal and external audiences.
Conduct workshops on enabling environment and capacity building of key governmental organizations engaged in award and management of PPP concessions.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

Hold At least a Master’s Degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Law, Project Management, Project or Development Finance or a related discipline.
Certified Professional in Public Private Partnerships, Project Management, Project Finance, and Advance Financial and Risk Analysis. Knowledge of Corporate Governance and negotiation skills are desirable.
Have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in infrastructure development, development and management of PPP infrastructure projects, project finance and other related areas.
Proven experience in delivery PPP Transaction Advisory Services internationally, in Africa and in Infrastructure sector with sound success
Proven experience on PPP policies, programs and projects internationally. A complementary African PPP experience would be desirable
Experience working in a Development Finance Institution, investment bank or international development agency will be an added advantage.
Strong project management experience to schedule and budget and ability to produce plans
Robust analytical skills and the ability to write and produce high quality technical reports.
A demonstrated understanding of political economy and the African context is highly required.
Strong PPP operational experience and ability to contribute to strategic thinking and to integrate strategies and policies into Bank programs/projects.
Ability to deal with sensitive issues in the workplace in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relations with colleagues.
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to mentor, coach and work effectively in a matrix management environment as a team leader.
Experience and capability to design and conduct short relevant training to staff and RMCs on PPP issues is highly desirable.
Takes initiative to improve policies/programmes and products to maximise efficiency.
Engages, supports and motivates others to implement efficient ways of doing things.
Delivers quality initiatives to enhance team performance
Excellent spoken and written English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language.
Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). Knowledge of SAP is desirable.