Principal Operations Coordinator at African Development Bank – AfDB April, 2024

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 Department

• The role of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Directorate is to foster infrastructure and urban development in Africa through appropriate policies and strategies as well as projects and programs interventions which the Bank might finance on national, regional or continent-wide basis.

The Position

• The Principal Operation Coordinator will support in coordinating operational work program, lending program and economic and sectoral work of the department. The incumbent will work closely with the Director and Managers and provide technical inputs.
• He/She will also participate to the budget preparation process and the production of the Budget Framework Paper.
• The Incumbent will serve as support to task managers on projects and consultancy procurements issues and will coordinate activities across the Department.

Key Functions
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development, the Principal Operation Coordinator will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide support to the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department in setting their respective work programs, lending programs and harmonizing their implementation in line with the operational priorities.
• Report to the Director on work program progress and identify critical areas that deserve specific support and provide recommendations as appropriate.
• Produce reports and statistics related to the execution of the work program.
• Implement and ensure compliance with the budget management guidelines and procedures.
• Assist in coordinating and implementing the activities and programs, performance monitoring, budgeting of the department.
• Coordinate budget submission and the key performance indicators implementation process, the work program and the alignment with the Bank Operational priorities.
• Participate in the preparation of the monthly Key Performance Indicator report and ensure the coordination of the contribution of the department to the preparation of the Quarterly institutional reporting by the Programing and Budget department.
• Represent the Department on internal events of the Bank to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as the Secretary to the Department Management Team (DMT);
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• Hold at least a Master’s Degree in Data Sciences, Statistics, Economics, Business Administration or other relevant fields with a strong background in quantitative methods;
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience gained in an operational department, working in SAP, BPPS, Wakanda, and other software. Demonstrated experience in Portfolio performance management and/or performance and budget monitoring would be an asset.
• Demonstrate good knowledge of the operational policies, procedures, budgeting processes and processes, work program preparation/monitoring, and project processing review cycles and of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or other development agencies.
• Good understanding of MDB’s project life cycle, budget cycle, reporting system
• Strong command of statistical tools.
• Work in close cooperation with the Management Team in managing critical areas or challenges arising from the delivery of the work programs.
• Client and results oriented individual, with strong analytical skills, sense of accuracy and attention to details.
• Excellent teamwork skills and ability to interact effectively with staff members at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deliver timely quality services.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision as well as part of a multicultural team.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other.
• Serve as focal point of the department in various areas.
• Communicate and write effectively in 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 and BPPS would be an advantage.