Associate Director, Project Implementation Advisor, Procurement, Policy, Advisory Dept

Purpose of the job

The Associate Director, Project Implementation Advisor (PIA) is a lead PIA in PPAD Implementation team for a project portfolio in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Associate Director, PIA will act as procurement and implementation specialist for the Bank throughout the entire project cycle, to minimise risk for the Bank and ensure all deals are robust in terms of procurement and implementation arrangements from project development to completion. The Associate Director, PIA will contribute to policy dialog with public procurement authorities in the region and annual planning of the client’s procurement activities with a focus on Bank funded projects. The Associate Director, PIA will utilise an extensive network of regional clients and internal connections to enhance cooperation and find solutions where possible conflicts arise and ensure a shared understanding of the project objectives.

The Associate Director, PIA shall safeguard the Bank’s fiduciary responsibility and ensure timely and efficient project implementation in adherence to the Bank’s Procurement Policies and Rules (PPR) for both private and public sector operations.. The Associate Director, PIA shall manage any situation of eventual conflict of interest between operational/business and policy issues.

The Associate Director, PIA plays a leading role in the guidance and support to other Procurement team members.

This role will primarily provide procurement support for projects in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), while also offering assistance to other countries of operation as required.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Working in a multi-disciplinary team the Associate Director, PIA shall play a leading role complying with PPAD Operational Standards and contribute to structuring workable investment projects by leading in preparation of project procurement and implementation strategy to minimise implementation risks and ensure timely and efficient project implementation in accordance with the Bank’s policies. Where an exception or derogation from the Bank’s policies is required, the Associate Director will prepare memos for the relevant Bank committees and the Board of Directors.
• Assess implementation risks, procurement and contractual arrangements, and client implementation capacity for allocated projects, and propose mitigation measures to ensure the project delivery strategy is adequately addressed during project structuring and implementation. For public-private partnership and concession projects, the Associate Director will analyse the client’s procurement arrangements to ensure compliance with the Bank’s Policy for the Financing of Private Parties to Concession.
• Review project related legal documentation/agreements, including where applicable donor contribution and capex grant agreements, to ensure compliance with the PP&R and adopted implementation strategy.
• For public sector projects: (i) review and prepare no-objections to procurement documents (including but not limited to procurement notices, tender documents and tender evaluation reports) and (ii) review contracts and, where applicable, contract amendments and variation orders, to ensure compliance with the PP&R and adopted project strategy and mitigate the risk of procurement complaints.
• Contribute in policy dialog with public procurement authorities, governments and other stakeholders in the region, enhance cooperation and find solutions where possible conflicts arise.
• Prepare and monitor client’s annual procurement activities and disbursement forecasts for allocated projects, to ensure timely project implementation and disbursement of Bank’s loans, investment grants and technical co-operation funds (TC).
• Review and/or prepare terms of references and manage the selection and placement of contracts for consulting assignments required during project structuring and implementation.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, economics, engineering or law;
• Degree in procurement/Graduate membership in CIPS is desirable;
• Demonstrable considerable practical experience in procurement and project implementation in developing countries or countries in transition, showing good knowledge of risk management as well as best modern procurement practices;
• Experience in delivering large scale procurement operations for complex infrastructure and energy projects;
• Designing and implementation of Procurement Capacity Assessment programs is desirable;
• Experience from working in IFI funded projects;
• Experience in application of FIDIC Suite of Contracts;
• Good understanding in how to support green and sustainable procurement process;
• A thorough understanding of relevant Procurement Policies and Procedures;
• Proven management skills and capacity;
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and good level of French is required. Knowledge of other working language(s) of the Bank or other third languages will be seen as an advantage;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Experience in handling complaints and interpreting complex documents and policies;
• Good communication and presentation skills.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).