Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution,
promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 81 member states,
including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is to deliver
financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty in Africa through inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In order to sharply focus the objectives of the Ten-Year Strategy (2023 – 2032) and ensure greater developmental impact, five major areas, all of which will
accelerate our delivery for Africa, have been identified for scaling up, namely; energy, agro-business,
industrialization, integration and improving the quality of life for the people of Africa.
THE COMPLEX:
The Vice Presidency for ‘Agriculture, Human, and Social Development’ is a Sector Complex focusing on
the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy High 5s priority of “Feed Africa” and “Improve Quality of Life for the
People of Africa”. The complex objectives are (i) to develop policy and strategy; (ii) provide deep sector
expertise to the Regions by gathering pools of experienced individuals who can be consulted to provide
sector expertise on complex transactions; and (iii) develop new financing instruments. The Vice President
will act as the spokesperson to represent the Bank with external stakeholders on aspects of “Feed Africa”
and Improve Quality of Life for the People.
THE HIRING DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
The Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department, within the Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex, spearheads the achievement of the High 5s on “Improving the Quality of Life of People in Africa” and contributes to the other High 5s. The Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department (AHHD), within the Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex (AHVP) contributes to the achievement of the High 5-5 “Improving the Quality of Life of the People of Africa” and contributes to the other High 5s through the Bank’s three strategic work streams (i) The Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa (SQHIA) 2022-2030 (ii) The Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa Action Plan and (iii) The Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy 2016-2025. The Department has four regional sector operations (i) West Africa and Nigeria (AHHD0_RDGW_RDNG), (ii) East Africa (AHHD 1); (iii) Sothern Africa (AHHD 2); and (iii) North and Central Africa (AHHD 3).
THE POSITION:
The incumbent will be supporting the programming, lending, and portfolio management of Human Capital Bank operations in West Africa and Nigeria. In this role the incumbent will work under the supervision of the Lead Specialist who reports to the Director, Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department. The incumbent’s main responsibilities include:
- Conduct technical and sectoral studies and analysis in preparation of Bank Group Country Assistance Plans (CSPs) for Human Capital as a priority in West African countries including Nigeria (RDGW_RDNG regional team);
- Propose and plan, on an annual and tri-annual basis, human capital, youth and skills development lending and technical assistance programs for Regional Member Countries (including needs for co-financing with other institutions, countries and the private sector);
- Act as the deep sector expert link between the Bank and the Governments of RMCs for operational activities pertaining to the youth skills development, entrepreneurship and SME development;
- Provide technical assistance and policy advice to Regional member Countries on skills and jobs for youth and;
- Supervise and manage an active portfolio of human capital operations as approved by the Board, ensuring portfolio quality key performance indicators are met each year.
- Support the front office and RDGW_RDNG regional team on portfolio analysis and review in preparation for department, complex and regional management meetings.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, and working in consultation with the various Country Office Country Managers and other Divisions and Task Managers at Headquarters, the incumbent’s duties include:
- Collect background information and undertake analytical work in the social sectors, namely education, skills development and youth employment, gender, population and poverty related aspects, with a view to determining the level of priority in the country’s development program, and advise the Country Managers and the Management of the Bank on policy issues in the sector;
- Contribute to the preparation of Country Strategy Papers (CSP) and Portfolio Review reports (PRRs), with particular emphasis on Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development;
- Participate in the identification, preparation, appraisal and portfolio management of Bank operations on Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development;
- Assist in the supervision of the implementation of Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development operations financed by the Bank Group in all regions;
- Participate in various Social Sector Working Group activities and related donor-coordination meeting such as Poverty Reduction Budget Support (PRBS), key country processes and initiatives, including budget, public expenditure reviews, and poverty reduction strategy; workshops and seminars on social aspects, skills development and youth employment; all with a view to inform and advise the Country Managers and the Management of the Bank on appropriate measures to take;
- Assist in the Preparation of Project Completion Reports and Audits.
COMPETENCIES (skills, experience, and knowledge):
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in one of the following Social Science
disciplines: Education, skills development, youth employment, Gender, Population, Social Protection, Poverty Reduction, Economics, Planning or Business Administration or related fields. - A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in planning, administration or project
management of social development initiatives. - Strong research/analytical skills in one of the following areas: skills development and youth employment development policy
formulation, project management, or donors’ coordination, with ability to strategically and rapidly
analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and
recommendation. - In-depth knowledge of social, political and development issues in Africa.
- Solid experience in project cycle management (identification, preparation, appraisal, supervision and completion);
- Ability to understand complex problems in education, skills development, youth employment, gender, population and poverty related aspects, to identify key issues and recommend pragmatic solutions;
- Good knowledge of the education, skills development, youth employment, gender, population and poverty related aspects and human development issues in the country;
- Strong understanding of multi-sector approaches and gaps in education, skills development, youth employment, gender, population and poverty related aspects and social development
- Demonstrable knowledge of analysis and formulation of policies in sectors.
- Knowledge of the practices of major bilateral and multilateral agencies, development partners in the country will be an asset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and/or French; with a working
knowledge of the other language. - Competence in the use of standard MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Knowledge of SAP would be an advantage.
THIS POSITION IS CLASSIFIED INTERNATIONAL STATUS AND ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.