Program Coordinator, Affirmative Finance Action For Women in Africa (AFAWA) at the African Development Bank (AfDB)

African Development Bank (AfDB) - 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 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank's development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Coordinator, Affirmative Finance Action For Women in Africa (AFAWA)

Reference: ADB/17/031
Location: Cote d'Ivoire
Grade: PL2

The Position

• The Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Program Coordinator reports to the Director Gender, Women and Civil Society Department.
• The AFAWA Program Coordinator will be responsible to provide overall strategic direction for AFAWA and ensure that AFAWA's development goals are met.
• The job holder will manage the AFAWA Team to deliver transformative financing for women owned enterprises with a special focus on small and medium scale enterprises.
• The role of the AFAWA Program Coordinator will include high level policy dialogue for gender related issues particularly related to the Small & Medium-size Enterprise sector. This will include empowerment policies to ensure women's competitive access to credit and business services.
• The Coordinator manage the work of other members of the AFAWA Team (including decentralized staff), and work closely with other relevant Departments and Sectors to ensure effective implementation of AFAWA across all the Bank's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Key Functions:

• The AFAWA Program Coordinator under the oversight of the Director Gender, Women And Civil Society Department, will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the AFAWA Program, which includes: resource mobilization and coordination with internal and external partners; and integration of the AFAWA key performance drivers across Bank's operations. S/he will perform the following duties and have the following responsibilities:
• Support the delivery of AFAWA's vision and objectives, including under each of the High 5 Agenda.
• Lead all relevant Bank approval processes related to AFAWA, including the development of business plan, strategies and operating guidelines, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate all Bank-wide activities related to AFAWA i.e. financing mechanisms; technical assistance, policy dialogue and knowledge management.
• Work closely with the Gender, Women and Civil Society Department, at all levels, to harmonize the integration of the Gender Agenda and women's financial inclusion in particular, in Bank's operations and policy dialogue.
• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of the overall Program. This includes implementation of all AFAWA pillars, enhancing resource allocation, innovative instruments, non-financial services, pipeline development, and client relationship management.
• Develop Monitoring & Evaluation methodologies and produce regular reports for dissemination to Committees, Board, cross-departments and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate co-financing and resource mobilization activities in close collaboration with the Bank's Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department.
• Prepare, propose and manage the AFAWA Team's annual work plan and budget, in line with AFAWA business plan and strategy, as agreed by Senior Management.
• Recruit, supervise and motivate personnel on the AFAWA Team, including staff, consultants and technical assistants.
• Serve as AFAWA's principle spokesperson by clearly articulating its broad goals and objectives and being a voice on key issues related to women’s business enterprises in Africa.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Hold at least a Master's Degree in one or more of the following areas: Gender, Economics, Finance, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration; Relevant qualification in development project management and project finance, in Small & Medium Enterprise-size finance, gender financing and financial inclusion is a plus.
• Have a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience and expertise in producing (i) financial and non-financial/advisory services strategies and operations in Africa, particularly in business banking, Small & Medium-size Enterprise sector finance and financial inclusion and/or (ii) gender financial inclusion strategies, initiatives and programs, specifically working on issues around women in rural areas and women in business; whose three (3) years in a management position.
• Proven experience in strategy development and implementation, with a particular focus on sustainable finance.
• Experience working on women's economic empowerment and women’s rights or/and experience in agriculture, agribusiness, industrial manufacturing and energy is an asset.
• Experience working with African financial and private sector stakeholders (policy makers, regulators, financial institutions, multinationals, Small & Medium-size Enterprise sectors).
• Demonstrable experience in resource mobilization, public-private partnership development, business incubation and management.
• Proven track record of engaging at the highest level with African governments, companies, civil society and development institutions.
• Ability to structure and market complex development projects, integrating investment and technical assistance, in competitive markets.
• Proven inter personal skills and ability to communicate effectively and mobilize diverse and multicultural teams & partners for delivery.
• Proven ability to build and direct high performing teams to achieve visionary and challenging goals;
• Knowledge of gender issues.
• Demonstrated skills to combine strategic thinking with a good understanding on how to translate ideas into products in a participatory manner, navigating the shortest institutional way possible.
• Proven leadership and team building skills; results oriented and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); knowledge of SAP is desirable.

Application Closing Date
29th March, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are considered for interview will be contacted.
• Only online applications submitted with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and copies of the required degrees will be considered.
• The President, AfDB, reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level.
• The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.