Job Summary:

As an Associate Project Officer, you will provide technical and operational support and input in processing and implementation of projects for agriculture, food, nature and rural development sector. This includes engaging in sector dialogue with the government and development partners in the Kyrgyz Republic. You will work closely with the government of the Kyrgyz Republic, other development partners, and civil society; provide necessary support in project preparation, administration and portfolio management activities; and perform a wide range of project specific tasks and activities as may be directed by supervisor. You will coordinate with ADB’s Private Sector Operation Department and Office of Private-Public Partnership to discuss opportunities to promote private sector participation in ADB country operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

You will:

• Co-lead, lead and/or support the processing, implementation and administration of loans, technical assistance (TA) projects, and assist in portfolio management, sector work/activities, with focus on AFNR Sector.
• Provide team leadership by facilitating work planning, delivery and reviews in project administration with tasks including but not limited to: (i) monitoring the progress of assigned projects and preparing project performance reports; (ii) preparing annual forecasts of contract awards and disbursement, identifying factors responsible for shortfalls, and expediting achievements of target levels; (iii) identifying issues related to project implementation and taking action in close coordination with executing agencies (EAs), contractors, consultants, and project beneficiaries; (iv) preparing measures and implementing them to address the issues; (v) preparing internal procurement papers, reviewing procurement documents including draft technical designs and cost estimates, and papers for extension of loan closing dates; and (vi) reallocating loan proceeds, changes in scope and implementation arrangements, and other project administration tasks, and (viii) conducting review missions with the government counterpart.
• Monitor portfolio progress and prepare project performance reports, annual forecasts of contract awards and disbursement, identify factors responsible for shortfalls, and analyze issues related to project implementation through interaction with executing agency, contractors, consultants, and project beneficiaries, and prepare measures to address the project administration issues.
• Engage in sector dialogue with senior government officials and key stakeholders of the AFNR sector, including from the private sector.
• Maintain effective liaison and working relationship with AFNR SG, Government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate formulation, processing, administration and monitoring of ADB-financed loans and TAs in assigned sectors.
• Organize, contribute, support, and participate in meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops, related to energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Prepare sector assessments and provide appropriate advice on project procurement and sector policies and institutional reforms.
• Maintain and update knowledge base of future Government investment plans and approval processes, organizational structure and policies relevant to the assigned sector. Contribute to sector work in the field by assisting in conducting research, updating information on the AFNR sector, analyzing financial, institutional or economics uses, and preparing reports on the subjects.
• Participate in Country Programming and Review Missions to monitor performance of AFNR sector projects, including preparation of the related pre- and post-mission documentation. Facilitate timely processing and approval of assistance pipeline (Loans, TAs and grants). Liaise with federal and provincial governments and ADB Headquarters to facilitate invitation and participation of government officials to ADB training and conferences in Kyrgyz Republic and abroad.
• Perform other assignments as indicated in the incumbent’s workplan.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

You will need:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, agriculture engineering, environmental engineering, water resources management or related fields, preferably with advanced training.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience working in water resources, agricultural or environment sectors;
• Experience in development work related to the sector will be given preference.
• Good knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures.
• Familiarity with accepted best practices of procurement and disbursement processes.
• Effective report-writing and communication skills in English.
• Ability to guide administrative staff to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review.
• Ability to liaise and work effectively with government officials within own work location.
• Proficiency in verbal and written English professionally, and fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for National Staff Level 1.