Afdb Senior country economist for Somalia and Eritrea

• Position title: Senior country economist for Somalia and Eritrea (2 positions, TRA based)
• Grade: PL-5
• Position N°: NA
• Reference: ADB12/204
• Publication date: 29/08/2012
• Closing date: 14/09/2012

Objectives

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Regional Department: The Senior Country Economist will focus on macroeconomic work to deepen country knowledge, the coordination of the preparation of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and the preparation of Economic and Sector Work (ESW). In the event that the macroeconomic work of a country requires the services of more than one (1) economist, the Senior Country Economist will be supported by other economists, drawn from the Governance and Economic Management Department (OSGE) of the Sector Operations Vice Presidency. In cases where country or regional offices exist; the Senior Country Economists could be located in these Offices, working with the Resident Representative, with a dual reporting relationship to the Country and Regional Director. The Senior Country Economist will work in close collaboration with the Lead Economist.

The key work objectives of the Regional Department include but are not limited to:

• Develop and Implement the Country Assistance Strategy, make strategic choices and partner with stakeholders concerned for the overall delivery of the agreed program of operations and high quality services;
• Lead The Bank’s Dialogue and maintain strong partnerships with the governments concerned, development partners, civil society, media, the private sector and other stakeholders;
• Take responsibility for results outlined in the Country Strategy Paper for client countries in coordination with operational staff, sector technical staff and the country management team;
• Identify opportunities and develop high quality work programs and sector strategies based on the Country Strategy Paper and attuned to client demand and country contexts;
• Provide oversight on portfolio management and quality issues, working with clients and the country teams to address implementation issues and work to assure high quality results on the ground;
• Develop and maintain sound relationships between the Bank and the RMCs to ensure that the Bank is well informed about the member countries’ needs and the latter are well informed about the range of products and services provided by the Bank;
• Lead dialogue with country authorities on economic policies, cross-cutting issues and governance concerns relating to the country’s performance assessment and the potential size and composition of the Bank’s assistance program;
• Lead the Bank’s collaboration and programs with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other regional and sub-regional bodies to support enhanced, pro-poor economic development via regional integration and other initiatives, such as those to improve trade and infrastructure; and,
• Promote and advance the cutting edge harmonization work that is underway to further reduce transactions costs and make aid more efficient and effective in both all the countries.

Duties and responsibilities

• Analyze the economic and financial situations of assigned regional member countries (RMCs), using internal and external information sources, and determine the implications for the programming and updating of Bank Group operations such as defined in the Country Strategy Papers (CSP);
• Examine the impact of Bank Group operations in the countries concerned, of regional economic integration programs, and make recommendations on the role of the Bank Group in assisting regional integration initiatives;
• Coordinate the lending program and pipeline of projects within the framework of the Country Team; and undertake assigned Economic and Sector Work, focusing mainly on issues of governance profiling, and papers on relevant economic and financial issues in the development process;
• Coordinate with the Governance and Economic Management Department in the identification, preparation, evaluation and monitoring the implementation of macro-economic programs;
• Coordinate the preparation of CSPs, based on the RMCs Poverty Reduction Strategies, National Development Plans and/or the Government’s Development Agenda;
• Monitor actively, the implementation of the Bank’s portfolio in the assigned countries, as well as regional projects implemented by Regional Economic Communities, in collaboration with the Sector Departments and the Country Program Officer;
• Maintain effective Communication with the Sector Departments and other relevant units in the Bank to ensure a coordinated approach in the implementation of the Bank’s Strategy and Lending Operations in assigned countries;
• Participate in Country Portfolio Reviews;
• Monitor implementation of measures under Budget Support Programs, in collaboration with OSGE;
• Participate in aid coordination activities with bilateral and multilateral donors, with emphasis on promoting the co-financing of projects and programs;
• Participate in the preparation of the Division’s budget and in the recruitment of consultants; and prepare annual and triennial lending programs and briefs on economic developments, reforms and institutional support programs;
• Serve as focal point and spokesperson on economic issues to external constituencies and expert economic groups;
• Develop and builds client relations at senior levels and play a promotional role in generating new business for the Bank;
• Provide certain technical and practical advice and guidance to more junior Country Economists in order to improve the quality of the work;
• Participate in developing new approaches, procedures and the technique to improve the quality of the projects drive by the Department.

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• At least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in economics, public policy or other related fields;
• At least 5 years relevant professional experience in a development oriented institution;
• Experience working with economic teams and creating an enabling work environment;
• Ability to communicate and defend orally and in writing difficult issues and positions to senior Bank management, government officials, etc.;
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix management environment, both as team leader and team member;
• Ability to deal sensitively in a multi-cultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues;
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software applications (word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
• Fluent in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language;
• Knowledge of ICT and software used by the Bank.

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Senior country economist for Somalia and Eritrea (2 positions, TRA based) (249 KB)

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

• Submitted by: Harold AKINGBADE-TAYLOR, OIC, CHRM.1
• Approved by: Gemina ARCHER-DAVIES, Director, CHRM

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