Projects Directorate (PJ) - Knowledge Economy Specialist

The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Projects Directorate (PJ) - Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions Department (JASPERS) at its office in Bucharest, a

Projects Directorate (PJ) - Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions(JASPERS), Bucharest Office

Knowledge Economy Specialist

Appointment to the post is for a fixed period of 3 years with the possibility of prolongation

Purpose
JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) assists the new EU Member States in the preparation of major projects to be submitted for grant financing under the Structural and Cohesion Funds. The aim is to increase the quantity and quality of projects to be sent for approval to the services of the Commission. JASPERS assistance, which is provided free of charge, is geared towards accelerating the absorption of the available funds. Further details about JASPERS are available at:http://www.jaspers-europa-info.org/

The Knowledge Economy and Energy Division in JASPERS deals with projects that aim at (i)  strengthening research, technological development and innovation; (ii) enhancing access, use and quality of information and communication technologies; (iii) promoting investment in education. These aspects are closely related both to the "smart growth goal" of the Europ 2020 Strategy and to some of the thematic objectives proposed for the next Programming Period 2014-2020. In addition to this, the division also supports the preparation of urban development projects, in particular those including a cultural heritage component with potential catalytic effect for further urban regeneration (and therefore contributing to economic growth).

Operating network
The successful candidate will assist beneficiaries in the new EU Member States, within a multidisciplinary team, to prepare to be co-financed by the Structural and Cohesion Funds. The jobholder will report to the Head of the Knowledge Economy and Energy Division in JASPERS and will cooperate closely with other colleagues (project economists and engineers) working in the division.

Accountabilities
To assist, within a multidisciplinary team and in close cooperation with DG REGIO and partner IFIs, the JASPERS Managers in:

• Assessing the suitability of projects proposed by the beneficiaries in the above-referred areas for grant financing with regards to their justification as well as their technical aspects and in coordination with other members of the project team.
• Working on strategic/horizontal assignments designed to overcome sectoral/upstream obstacles affecting projects on the JASPERS Action Plans and/or to develop a suitable pipeline of projects in the future.
• Contributing to strengthening the capacity of the project counterparts to carry out project planning and preparation activities in the sector, as part of the specific project and strategic/horizontal assignments or as stand-alone assignments.
• Acting as the Task Manager or team member of the JASPERS project team (as assigned by the Head of Division) assisting the beneficiaries with the preparation of project documentation.
• Assisting the Head of Division in: (i) assessing the portfolio of projects proposed by the beneficiaries for inclusion in the JASPERS Action Plan, (ii) maintaining an overview on ongoing assignments in the sector in his/her geographic assignment, (iii) highlighting sectoral/upstream obstacles; and (iv) keeping a viable professional relationship on sector and project issues with the corresponding line Ministries responsible for the sector.
• Supervising and monitoring consulting contracts for his/her assignments when nominated as responsible for the contracts by the Head of Division.
• Liaising with the key stakeholders involved in his/her assignments
• Helping the beneficiaries in answering DG REGIO and other Commission Services questions on the Applications for Funding resulting from his/her assignments. 

Accountabilities

• At least a Master's degree (or equivalent) in engineering or science.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the planning, review and/or preparation of infrastructure projects and in particular in the areas indicated in the first section of this vacancy post.


• Preference in short listing will be given to candidates with experience in:
• preparation and/or review of Cohesion Fund and Structural Fund projects
• JASPERS beneficiary countries
• management of consultants
• knowledge of relevant EU sector policies and directives, international standards and best practices.

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, with knowledge of one or more languages of the countries under the responsibility of JASPERS being an advantage.
• Knowledge of standard IT tools.

Competencies

• Good team player
• Strong analytical skills with ability to make sound judgments
• Ability to draft clearly and concisely
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Good diplomatic skills and ability to deal with clients at all levels
• Ability to work well under pressure and within tight deadlines

For more details and to apply, please go to https://erecruitment.eib.org

Deadline for applications: 2nd September 2013

We believe that Diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates; irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, education and experience, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability