Background / General description: | | IFC s East Asia and Pacific Department is seeking an experienced project manager to be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The position will lead the design and implementation of a package of Advisory Services in Lao PDR that aims to support the adoption of global best practice in environmental and social sustainability in Lao PDR s hydro-power sector (‘the Hydro Advisory Services Program or ‘the Program ). The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, pursues its mission of reducing poverty and improving people s lives by promoting private sector development through investment and advisory services (view IFC s website for more details and latest annual report (www.ifc.org)). IFC Advisory Services is structured into four business lines – Access to Finance, Investment Climate, Sustainable Business Advisory (SBA) and Public-Private Partnerships. IFC's SBA teams work to catalyze the development of markets that work for all members of society and in the long term. Building on IFC's mission, strategy and environmental and social performance standards, SBA work promotes sustainable business practices specifically among firms in infrastructure, extractive industries, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services sectors. Lao PDR s economic growth is dependent on the development of its natural resource base. One key aspect of IFC s strategy in Lao PDR is to focus on sustainable natural resource development using investment and advisory services to play a catalytic role in engaging world-class sponsors and financial institutions in developing Lao PDR s hydropower, forestry and agricultural potential and in addressing associated environmental and social issues. In the energy sector, IFC has developed a comprehensive engagement which includes investments in rural electrification, small hydropower projects for domestic consumption, large cross-border hydro projects and development of a market for off-grid mini-hydros. To complement these activities IFC proposes to develop the Hydro Advisory Services Program which aims to increase the share of hydro-power projects in Lao PDR applying appropriate environmental and social standards to address relevant risks and contribute to the sustainable development of the sector. With this program IFC plans to strengthen the ability of government agencies to assess environmental and social impacts including cumulative impacts, establish strategic frameworks to manage such issues and test and subsequently implement appropriate mitigations. IFC also plans to provide information and education opportunities for the private sector on best practice standards and facilitate a knowledge exchange among hydropower stakeholders, including developers and regional banks. IFC s proposed support for the energy and hydropower sectors in Lao PDR is part of the World Bank Group s strategy of helping countries of the lower Mekong Basin to manage energy and hydropower for the maximum benefit of people and the environment. The position reports jointly to the Regional Business Line Manager – SBA and the Resident Representative for Lao PDR. | Duties and Accountabilities: | | Scope of Work: The Operations Officer / Senior Operations Officer will act as program leader for the Hydro Advisory Services Program and will take overall responsibility for all aspects of the Program, including design, managerial and financial oversight, day-to-day delivery of advisory services to clients, financial and operational reporting to IFC and donors, and overall quality control of the Program. S/he will do this in close collaboration with regional and global product specialists for the SBA business line and in coordination with relevant IFC investment staff and relevant World Bank staff. In more detail: Program Design: Overseeing all aspects of further elaborating the design and implementation of the Program, including impact targets and timelines. Draw on the expertise of regional and global product specialists and from World Bank other development agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure Program design exemplifies best practice and lessons learned from similar initiatives globally and works in tandem with the objectives of IFC s investment program. General Program Management including accountability for Program objectives and targets: a. Develop a detailed project plan for the Program s various components; b. Manage external and internal relationships for successful delivery, including engaging and working with the government and the relevant implementing agencies; c. Nurture and manage relationships with IFC investment teams and staff from other IFC business lines who have core expertise to contribute in designing and executing program elements; d. Collaborate closely with the World Bank and other development partners to ensure complementarity across programs of development institutions and higher efficiencies; e. Represent the Program to stakeholders at multiple levels (e.g. at country industry fairs, thematic seminars, internal meetings, development organization meetings) Team Coordination: Design roles and responsibilities of team members, manage team s deliverables and a resource base of consultants who can deliver on the various components: a. Set clear goals and targets for team members; b. Manage deliverables for all team members, incorporating feedback from across the institution and from key stakeholders, including government, private sector and other development agencies; c. Adapt to different circumstances and demonstrate ability to act decisively when faced with obstacles by identifying innovative solutions and approaches; d. Resolve differences across stakeholders and consider interests of multiple stakeholders in addition to clients Communications and Reporting: a. Manage the communications and reporting required internally by IFC and donor partners according to IFC standards and guidelines; b. In close coordination with the IFC and WB communications teams customize project communication requirements for different audiences; c. Track project performance indicators against the monitoring and evaluation plan, refocusing activities as required to meet project targets in coordination with other IFC stakeholders including the regional and global product specialist Budget and Financial Management: develop a detailed program budget, manage and report on financial performance according to plan: a. Ensure that the IFC pricing policy for advisory services is applied, as needed b. Control expenditures according to IFC policies and guidelines and within own approval thresholds while achieving maximum results Knowledge Management: a. Systematically consolidate and analyze lessons learned from project implementation experience and share with team members and colleagues across the region and with other development agencies; b. Ensure connectivity with the IFC global product team and other IFC/World Bank programs. | Selection Criteria: | | Master s degree in economics, finance, business, natural resource management, environmental science, or other relevant discipline. At least eight years of working experience in a position with significant decision-making and project and client relationship management responsibility, preferably working with/in the development arena in an emerging market environment. Experience of strategic planning and implementation. Prior working experience in natural resource sectors, preferably hydro power, demonstrable knowledge policy and legal/regulatory issues related to natural resource management. Proven ability to conceptualize, design and manage projects and to produce relevant reports. Ability and comfort working with limited supervision and to think independently. Ability to work effectively under time pressure with high degree of accuracy to produce quality work. Proven ability to demonstrate initiative, engage and work closely with internal and external stakeholders, build consensus, monitor issues and tasks, meet deadlines and priorities, and ability to work in diverse teams and to manage others. Ability to communicate and present ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend practical solutions. Strong oral and written English skills, including ability to write and edit project/program documents. Knowledge of another Asian language, preferably Thai / Lao, is a plus, but not essential. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and maintain cooperative networks. Relevant experience working in the East Asia Pacific region is desirable and preferably in the Mekong sub- region. Familiarity with the socio-economic, political and business context in Lao PDR, and Mekong sub-region is a plus. IFC offers a challenging and rewarding work environment, attractive compensation and excellent career opportunities. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. |
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