Resident representative-Sudan

• Position title: Resident representative-Sudan
• Grade: PL2
• Position N°: NA
• Reference: ADB/15/030
• Publication date: 03/03/2015
• Closing date: 24/03/2015

Objectives

To lead the overall country programs and manage the country portfolio inclusive of pipeline and indicative lending programme development and management. The incumbent will plan, supervise and manage the administrative, financial and employee support services required by the field office. Prepare budget and financial reports, authorize expenditures, people management and employee matters, acquisitions and carry out other administrative actions. Manage technical and support staff in the field office.

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Regional Director and working closely with internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent’s role includes but it is not limited to: 
Overall Country Program

• Play a lead role in country dialogue in policy and strategic issues;
• Drive the preparation, management and implementation of the Bank’s program at country and regional (RECs) levels, where applicable, under the overall guidance of the Regional Director;
• Lead the preparation and implementation of Country Strategy Papers, seeking to work jointly with other donors, where possible, and lead the preparation of Country Portfolio Reviews in liaison with sector colleagues;
• Monitor closely and report on any social, political and economic developments in the country; ensure the strongest relevance and value for money for RMCs of studies and reports undertaken by the Bank; evaluate and endeavor to contribute to the country’s development strategy, public expenditure management and planning; assist countries in the preparation and implementation of PRSPs;
• Participate in and advise the Country Team on social, economic, political and other developments relevant to the Bank’s operations in the country and in the Region;
• Lead the identification, design, management, implementation and dissemination of economic and sector work (knowledge work) in the country in collaboration with the other units of the Bank;
• Be instrumental to the identification of prospect Bank’s operations in the Country and in the Region; work closely with other Units of the Bank in providing Government’s with advices on suitable financing packages for operations (not necessarily financed by the Bank) in order to maximize impact effectiveness;
• Play a key role in aid co-ordination meetings with a view to the Bank taking leadership in some of the thematic working groups, based on comparative advantage.

Management of the Country Portfolio

• Oversee all aspects of country and regional portfolio management to ensure quality at entry and during implementation, including performance monitoring, in line with Bank policies, strategies, and directives;
• Lead the dialogue with Government on all systemic issues relating to portfolio management,  to improve the performance and quality of Bank operations based on an agreed result framework, which will include key performance indicators;
• Identify and address cross-cutting and country specific portfolio issues and advise the Country Team in the design, implementation and supervision arrangements for the portfolio as well as new business development;
• Ensure effective implementation of operations and activities in the portfolio.

Pipeline and Indicative Lending Programme (IOP) Development and Management

• Lead the process of project identification with the relevant sector departments;
• Ensure that adequate analytical work is done to inform the identification and design of quality projects;
• Ensure a robust and growing pipeline of projects for the country;
• Ensure a robust  Indicative Lending Programme (IOP) for the country;

Country Office Management

• Supervise staff in the country office and undertake staff development and performance evaluation. In the case of sector experts, staff will be evaluated jointly by the RR and the relevant Sector Department;
• Prepare and supervise implementation of the country office budget and submit periodic reports in accordance with the Bank’s budget management regulations;
• Liaise and work closely with others department staff on issues such as audits of the country office, human resources and asset management and IT issues;
• Take leadership to ensure compliance with all fiduciary safeguards in the country office and bank-financed operations in the country and region

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in business administration, economics or another relevant field;
• Minimum of eight (8) years of extensive and progressive experience in country program operations in an international organization, including preferably 3 years at a managerial level;

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• A solid knowledge and good grasp of the political economy, as well as the socio-economic and development issues in Africa;
• A strategic mindset, business development spirit and the capacity to steer the Bank’s agenda while empowering staff during a phase of institutional transition towards greater country focus  of the Bank’s activities; portfolio management experience would be an asset;
• Excellent analytical skills, strong capacity to analyse actions from the perspectives of stakeholders and translate strategic thinking into compelling plan of action;
• Demonstrated ability to take business risks and make effective, timely and well-determined decisions;
• First-rate interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to present and win support for ideas; a good listener; cultural sensitivity, commitment to diversity and capacity to initiate and manage innovations and change;
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment, both as team leader and team member.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Communicate and write effectively in English, with a good working knowledge of French.
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software applications (SAP, word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, with a proven track record of working with economic teams and creating an empowering and self-development oriented work environment.
• Operational Effectiveness: The commitment to ensure that full use is made of the systems, procedures and culture within the organization in order to deliver the required results.
• Innovation & Creativity: The commitment to search for and produce innovative and creative approaches to activities in order to enhance performance and create added benefits to the bank and its clients.
• Problem Solving: Applies business knowledge to the resolution of problems and identifies solutions to the benefit of the client (internal and external) and the organization.
• Demonstrates Professional Expertise: Continuously expands understanding of relevant business products, practices and systems/technology. Shares knowledge and expertise with others.
• Communication: Provides clear and concise oral and written communication; presents oral information with clarity and appropriate style and adapts language and style to suit the requirements of a particular audience.
• People Management: Engage staff regularly and manage direct reports to obtain maximum output;
• Client Orientation: Ensures that the client (internal or external) is considered to be of primary importance in all transactions and interactions.  Strives to understand, and when appropriate, anticipate client needs, and ensures that the client receives the best possible service from the Bank.
• Team Working & Relationship Management: Works with others to maximize the effectiveness of the team as a whole, sharing the knowledge and the workload.  Develops strong working relationships with colleagues and contributes to creation of a positive team environment.

Apply online

Apply for this position

To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs