Purpose of Job

The Principal is responsible for the delivery of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project preparation within the sub-Saharan Africa Region (SSA).

The purpose of the job is to originate new opportunities for advisory on private financing of infrastructure and PPP project preparation in the region. In addition, the role also requires project management of PPP project preparation TCs for infrastructure projects in SSA once different mandates materialise.

The Principal will guide the process of evaluation of projects, internal approval from EBRD, approval by the parties and signing of mandate agreement, tender some tasks of the advisory to external consultants and overview the consultants’ work together with the PPP Advisory team in London. He/she will directly manage the communications with the public stakeholders and ensure compliance with the mandate agreement. In fulfilling these objectives, the Principal will liaise with the EBRD internal and external stakeholders including several regional public and private stakeholders. The Principal will provide supervision including managing workloads, to ensure all the PPP projects under preparation are on time and being delivered as per the plan.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing for a significant expansion of its operations to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. The EBRD has a storied history of fostering economic development, particularly in countries transitioning to market economies. Traditionally focused on Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Bank’s evolving mandate now includes an ambitious plan to incorporate new regions, promising to leverage its expertise in private sector development and sustainable growth.

At the EBRD’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Board of Governors approved a limited and incremental expansion of its operations to include sub-Saharan African countries and Iraq.

Following extensive preparatory analysis, the EBRD identified six sub-Saharan African countries that align well with its mandate and business model: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. Benin’s membership was finalized in April 2024, marking it as the first sub-Saharan African country to join the EBRD, followed by Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal, with ongoing discussions for Kenya and Nigeria.

Sub-Saharan Africa has a significant infrastructure deficit that hampers economic growth and development. Basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power supply, water, and sanitation facilities are often inadequate or in poor condition. PPPs can mobilize private sector investment and expertise to build, maintain, and operate infrastructure projects, addressing these critical gaps efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, many sub-Saharan African countries struggle with limited public sector capacity to plan, finance, and manage large-scale infrastructure projects. Government agencies often lack the technical expertise and experience needed to execute complex projects, leading to delays, cost overruns, and suboptimal outcomes.

Public finances in sub-Saharan Africa are also often constrained, with high levels of debt and limited fiscal space. This financial situation makes it difficult for governments to fund large infrastructure projects relying only on public resources. Additionally, borrowing costs for many sub-Saharan African countries are very high due to perceived risks and lack of access to international debt markets, making it expensive for governments to finance infrastructure development through traditional public debt. PPPs provide an alternative financing mechanism, attracting private capital and reducing the financial burden on the public sector.

Given the specific challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and in the future countries of operation of the Bank, there is a need for more upstream support to prepare and structure PPPs. Upstream support includes the initial stages of PPP development, such as project identification, feasibility studies, and creating a favourable regulatory environment. This support is crucial to ensure that PPP projects are viable, bankable, and attractive to private investors.

EBRD’s extensive experience in providing PPP advisory services is instrumental in this context. The Bank with the PPP Advisory Unit, assists governments in designing, implementing, and managing PPP projects to meet international standards and attract private investment. This involves comprehensive support, including capacity building, policy advice, and transaction advisory services, which are essential for overcoming existing barriers and building robust institutional frameworks.

SI3P PPP Advisory Unit manages a total of 12 projects that are under preparation in different countries and in different sectors such as transport, education, health, or urban infrastructure.

Each project requires the Unit to mobilise funding and engage a group of external consultants. Together the Unit advises governments on the technical, legal and financial feasibility of the project as well as in the balanced structure of the future PPP contract with the aim to attract the best possible competition to the future procurement.

The team manages the projects to ensure they are prepared in accordance with the Bank internal procedures, strategies and donor requirements, as well as aligned with the EBRD’s mandate and policies.

Each project usually takes at least three years from the start of the engagement with the government until the completion of the public procurement.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The following will be part of the responsibilities of the successful candidate:

• Business and pipeline development in SSA;
• Communicate frequently with the regional PPP Units and other public stakeholders. Once projects materialise, the communication with the public clients will be daily;
• Assess and agree on concept of projects to be prepared by the team and prepare the Terms of Reference for external consultants;
• Coordinate with the EBRD Procurement Department in the selection of consultants, signing of advisory contracts and mobilisation;
• Coordinate with the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit for results-oriented outcomes ensuring consistency and meeting conditions under the approvals of the Contribution Agreement and the Client.
• With support from the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit, work with the public stakeholders in the region on the review and assessment of potential PPP projects that are under preparation separately. This may include review of:
  • feasibility studies and PPP structuring documents of a project
  • tender documents and agreements of the project
  • evaluation reports
  • execution version of the project’s agreements
  • financing agreements
• Provide input into the design and development of projects in coordination with different stakeholders, including the private sector, and potential foreign investors;
• Monitor implementation and results for all projects in the region. Ensure that all relevant deliverables, procurements and project documents meet EBRD Environmental and Social policies;
• Coordinate visibility of donors and the EBRD and ensure projects supported by EBRD are implemented in line with the relevant visibility action plan agreed with the donors.
• During the transition period until the pipeline in SSA builds up, the Principal is expected to support in projects in other regions depending on business needs and workload of the team.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Education

• Relevant experience in PPP Project preparation including some experience with advisory on PPP transactions
• Exposure to private sector and experience in the financial sector, working with banks and/or large advisory firms would be an advantage
• Master’s degree from a leading university in the country of education
• Proven project management skills including ability to manage a project team throughout the infrastructure project cycle, sound decision making skills and problem resolution ensuring adherence to established procedures for project approvals and management;
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills;
• Proficient in French and English;
• Ability to communicate effectively (informing, presenting, advising, negotiating) at different levels within the organisation as well as with external stakeholders in the Region;
• Previous experience of structuring and managing TC / donor funds (or similar) is an advantage
• Excellent written (report writing, correspondence) and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic skills
• Proven, strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data
• Computer literate
• Attention to detail

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people’s lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements