Apply: AfDB Sector Manager

By Development Diaries
May 21, 2021

Deadline: 18 June, 2021

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is seeking to fill the role of Sector Manager, Agriculture Operations.

AfDB’s mission is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs).

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic staffing of the agriculture division of the regional directorate east team in the respective region, giving due support to and championing the bank’s regional and country strategies in general and promoting Feeding Africa in particular
Lead and manage the agriculture team in the assigned region and ensure the team is high-performing, well-motivated and committed to the success of the bank
Lead, plan, organise, manage and supervise the activities and work programme and budget of the division with appropriate delegation of day-to-day activities
Drive and ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness of the agriculture division, achieving the bank’s strategic imperatives and the management of change
Cultivate and ensure a culture of ‘One-Bank’ in the agriculture and regional directorate east with the highest level of ethics, fiduciary responsibility, and professionalism to protect and enhance the reputation of the bank
Provide both technical and managerial leadership to staff in the definition and realisation of the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the division
Ensure effective divisional budget resources management
Strengthen the human and institutional capacities of countries and deepen the capacity of the bank to implement the bank’s flagship projects and to become the thought leader in knowledge products and advisory services to countries
Ensure the task managers of the division contribute to the development of country strategy papers and regional integration strategies
Lead and drive the division’s contribution to policy dialogue with government officials in agriculture
Ensure regular and timely supervision reporting of all agricultural operations in the region
Ensure timely completion of reporting for all agricultural projects
Process cancellation of loan and grant balances
Ensure dashboard performance of agriculture portfolio is within set targets
Lead and manage the development of partnerships that lead to the creation of public-private partnership for transformation and innovative financing of operations
Build strong relationships – a strategic focus with regional and local private businesses, regional economic communities, river basin organisations, civil society organisations, United Nations organisations, bilateral and multilateral partners and government officials to develop investment opportunities and to ramp up co-financing and loan syndications
Coordinate the bank’s relationships with institutions involved in agriculture, operations (exchange of information on policies, operational experience, identification, preparation and appraisal)
Represent the division, department, and the bank at agriculture gatherings
Execute staff performance management, including work performance appraisals and assessments of staff potential and training and development needs
Foster an environment that stimulates and rewards performance, initiative and innovation, and encourage continuous learning, open communication and teamwork

Requirements

Master’s degree in General Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Livestock, Agricultural Economics, or a related field
Qualification or certification in Project Management will be useful
Eight years, minimum, of relevant professional experience, with three years in a management position or leadership role
Proven track record of managing the delivery of projects in at least one of the sectors/sub-sectors covered by the division
Track record of demonstrating a high-level expertise of project appraisal including environmental, social, economic and financial analysis and the provision of technical assistance to improve service delivery
Experience in and strong understanding of socio-economic and development issues and dynamics in at least one of the sectors covered by the division, particularly in Africa and/or assigned region in Africa
Experience with working in a team oriented, multicultural, multi-disciplinary, international and professional environment
Track record of leading and developing teams and managing projects and programmes
Experience in development of agriculture strategies and strong understanding of socio-economic and development issues
Familiarity with strategies, policies, procedures and practices of multilateral development institutions
Ability to communicate and write effectively in French or English
Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
Knowledge of SAP (desirable)