Principal Socio-Economist: African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Jobs

Position title: Principal Socio-Economist
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 0487 Reference: ADB/10/082
Closing date: 06/07/2010
Duties and responsibilities
Under the general direction of the Division Manager, the incumbent will:
  • Assist Task Managers process project documents for Board by participating in identification, preparation and appraisal of infrastructure projects ;
  • Coordinate, monitor, supervise and report on the implementation of socio-economic aspects of projects and programs and provide information to Management on implementation status and adherence to Bank Group policies, objectives, priorities and standard procedures by :

·         Collecting information from borrower’s Executing Agency/Project Implementation Units (PIU) during supervision missions on various implementation and operational issues ;
·         Assisting Task Managers in reviewing the project progress reports and information and analyzing them to ensure that projects are performing according to the agreed work plan, and also, in initiating remedial actions, when necessary, and providing policy and operational advise to guide PIUs enhance project performance, on socio-economic issues.
  • Develop, revise and monitor the application of operational manuals for multi-sector projects to guide Borrower PIUs in the implementation of Bank Group financed project and programs in regional member countries (RMCs) by :
·         Reviewing current Bank Group policies, guidelines, procedures and criteria for consistency with proposed projects and programs and recommending appropriate revisions ;
·         Discussing review outcomes with other country operations departments for the development of common operational approaches to program and project implementation in RMCs.
  • Coordinate policy formulation and implementation with other multilateral and bilateral development institutions on poverty reduction and social sector development: by collaborating with other experts and counterparts, undertaking missions to other development institutions and participating in meetings, seminars and workshops.
  • Represent the Bank in international meetings to participate in deliberations and dialogue on issues of social progress and the development of effective strategies of addressing poverty.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience
  • A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Economics, Rural Development, Social Development or other related fields;
  • Preferably a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in development finance and in the formulation and implementation of sectoral policies in the infrastructure sector and in poverty reduction. Experience in the project cycle management will be an added advantage;
  • Demonstrable understanding of regional social issues, analysis and policy formulation; knowledge of the practices of major bilateral and multilateral partner development agencies in African countries is a must.
  • Ability to work independently and be creative and innovative;
  • Integrity and ability to work in teams;
  • Good listener with demonstrated ability to present and win support for ideas as well as make effective and timely decisions;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and/or French, and preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
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 (preferably electronically, to: recruit@afdb.org) a fully completed Personal History Form (PHF), available from the Bank’s web site, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating date of birth and nationality.
The President, ADB, 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.