Principal Operations Officer (SEFA), PERN3

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is looking for a Principal Operations Officer to drive and support a range of programme and portfolio management activities linked to the origination, appraisal, and implementation of investment and technical assistance projects. Specifically, the role focuses on the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). The officer will act as a lead for the SEFA Operations Team, supervising support staff and overseeing portfolio monitoring, management reporting, procurement, communications, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Key Responsibilities

Programme Administration

• Serve as the primary resource on SEFA Operational Procedures, guiding project teams on design, appraisal, and implementation.
• Supervise the pipeline development and portfolio management platform for tracking project implementation.
• Maintain up-to-date guidelines, templates, and user manuals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the maintenance of SEFA projects in Bank systems such as SAP Project System (PS) and Trust Fund Management System (TFMS).
• Supervise a team of long-term consultants providing technical support in procurement, financial management, communications, and M&E.
• Design and implement a robust portfolio management platform using the latest software and AI applications.

Reporting, M&E, and Knowledge Management

• Implement and improve the SEFA monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.
• Design and implement an IT platform for real-time monitoring of project results with advanced analytics.
• Track and report on SEFA's key outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
• Lead the preparation of SEFA’s annual, semi-annual, and quarterly reports.
• Coordinate the development of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).
• Manage the knowledge management action plan and outreach events.

Communications and Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate SEFA’s web presence on the AfDB and external donor platforms.
• Manage communication materials including brochures, presentations, and press releases.
• Liaise with internal and external partners regarding procurement, financial management, and audits.
• Manage donor requests for disbursements, financial reports, and operational updates.

Selection Criteria

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Finance, Energy, or a related field.
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in project portfolio management, ideally involving grants, equity, and debt.
• Experience working with projects and institutions in Africa, specifically with development finance institutions (DFIs).
• Proven ability to monitor programs and ensure high-quality portfolio performance.
• Prior exposure to the energy sector and private sector finance is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and pro-actively with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal competencies and demonstrated team leadership skills.
• Gender and diversity competence.
• Excellent written and oral communication in French or English, with a strong working knowledge of the other language.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of SAP and AI applications is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to African Development Bank career portal or visit www.afdb.org to apply.