African Development bank recruits Agricultural Engineer (National PL)

The African Development Bank Field Office in Nigeria (NGFO) has been established to strengthen dialogue between the Bank and the government, development partners, the private sector, and the civil society, in the design of its development policy and programs, as well as on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the poverty reduction strategy.

NGFO also seeks to assist the operational functions of the Bank Group in launching and follow up of projects and programs in Nigeria with a view to enhancing portfolio quality, identification, promotion of participatory approach, and regional integration. NGFO invites applications from qualified candidates to fill in the follOWing vacant position.

This is a national position and posting will be in Abuja, Nigeria.

Agricultural Engineer (National PL)

Major Duties and responsibilities will include the following among others:
- Undertake analytical work in agriculture sector/agriculture production and marketing infrastructure development with a view to determining its level of priority in the country‘s development program, and advise Management on how to ensure sustainability of benefits of Bank financed agricultural projects and programs in Nigeria;
- Contribute to the Preparation of Country Strategy Paper, with particular reference to agriculture and rural infrastructure development;
- Formulate, evaluate and supervise projects, lending proposals, feasibility studies and sector work.
- Actively participate in the programming, arranging and execution of Banks supervision missions for agriculture and agro-industry development;
- Provide inputs in the review of tender evaluation reports and undertake the evaluation of technical and financial proposals for contracts relating to project implementation;
- Participate in the Agricultural Sector Working Group activities and related donor-coordination meetings, sector wide approaches, on the basis of which to advise the Resident Representative and Management on policy issues in the sector;
- Assist where required in the development of the Banks policies, procedures and guidelines, and ensure their application; – Serve as a technical specialist in his/her discipline and anchor for multi-disciplinary identification preparation, appraisal, launching, monitoring and follow-up, supervision, and completion of agriculture sector missions; contribute to the preparation of Portfolio Review Reports;
- Provide expert advice and guidance to officials of executing agencies on sector issues and priorities, . technical aspects of projects, and the Bank rules and procedures, including those for the procurement of goods and services;
- Assist the Bank in its training programme;
- Provide active support to government in facilitating loans/grants effectiveness;
- Assist country officials and implementing agencies carrying out procurement and disbursement activities in accordance with the Bank Group rules and procedures;
- Assist government and implementation agencies in utilization of revolving funds and in preparation of quarterly progress reports and annual audit reports; and
- Participate in other technical tasks assigned by the Resident Representative and the Division Managers in Agriculture Department;

Essential Skills and capabilities
- The incumbent should possess a Masters degree or its equivalent in Agricultural Engineering and at least seven years of professional experience in program/project design and management, broad knowledge- of all agriculture sub-sectors, and with specific experience in implementation and management of donor funded projects in an African setting;
- Previous experience working in multi-lateral financial institutions or similar large organisations, and performing such roles’ as project preparing, appraising, supervising or implementing donor funded projects;
- Full understanding of the, principles of project cycle and project implementation as applicable in the regional member countries (RMCs) is required for portfolio management;
- Proven planning and organizational skills.
- Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations; excellent oral, and writing skills;
- In-depth knowledge of social, political and development issues in the country;
- Proven ability to, Interact competently with the staff of government and donor agencies on issues relating to aid coordination;
- Competence in the use of COSTAB and Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, MS projects and PowerPoint);
- Ability to communicate and write effectively in English.
- A good working knowledge of French will be an advantage.

Terms of Employment: Three years on a fixed-term contract with possibilities of renewal based on performance.

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 a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English showing date of birth, nationality and copies of academic certificates. African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send your application and CV no later than 5 :00 pm. 28th June 2010 to:

The Resident Representative
African Development Bank Nigeria
8 lake Chad Crescent,
Maitama, Abuja.
Nigeria

Or submit electronically to recruit_ngfo@afdb.org.