Operations Officer - SSAWA Program

Job Stream: Technical Assistance & Advisory Services

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Close Date: 03-May-2011

Background / General description:

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, pursues its mission of creating opportunities for people to escape poverty by promoting private sector development through investment and advisory services.

IFC's Sustainable Business Advisory (SBA) Business Line works with firms in manufacturing, agribusiness, services, and infrastructure to contribute to the creation of inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and efficient markets in developing countries.

An area of focus for IFC SBA business line in Africa is increasing access to safe water and sanitation to the underserved. In support of IFC Africa s growing commitment in this area, a Program Manager for the SSAWA Program is being sought.

IFC s Private Enterprise Partnership (PEP) Africa is implementing the East Africa Sanitation and Safe Water for All Program ("SSAWA", or the Program), to catalyze private sector delivery of water and sanitation services in Africa.

SSAWA interventions include an access to finance component, which incorporates but is not limited to consumer micro-finance, bundling of small loans (e.g. business start-up loans), cooperation with capacity building organizations (such as IFC s SME Solutions Center in Nairobi), commercial financing, support for innovative payment options (e.g., via mobile phone schemes) etc.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The work to be undertaken by the SSAWA Program Manager includes the functions below:

• Project Management. Ensure that the Program is implemented on schedule as well as budget.
• Funds Management: Actively contribute to SSAWA s fundraising efforts and compy to program and project related fiduciary requirements.
• Business Development and Quality Assurance: Develop new projects under or related to the SSAWA umbrella program jointly with World Bank, relevant IFC advisory or investment teams, and quality assure program and project outputs.
• Results Management. Design of M&E frameworks, data collection and result reporting as required by various stakeholders.
• Stakeholder management – Manage and grow key stakeholder relationships such as those with World Bank, government and private sector partners.
• Contract management. Contract and oversee contractors who will be conducting program and project activities. Originate and manage partnership agreements.
• Knowledge Management. Coordinate knowledge management activities with the sustainable water core team based in IFC headquarters (Washington DC) and with other interested parties.

Selection Criteria:

The candidate should demonstrate their ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as their ability to work with others.

S/he would have to be a strong team player, able to take leadership as well as supporting roles.

S/he should be able to handle a variety of activities concurrently in a high-pressure environment and deliver on time and consistently.

S/he should be able to make links between fields, disciplines and people in formulating solutions as well as build alliances and promote open communication and collaboration to achieve objectives.

More specifically, the selection criteria will be:

• Masters level education in business, development, water or sanitation and demonstrated knowledge in policy as well as social/commercial issues related to the safe water or sanitation access agenda.
  
• Seven or more years of relevant operational experience and proven performance in the water sector, including hands-on involvement in project design, appraisal and management
• Outstanding track-record of proven, results oriented performance/achievement. Dynamic individual, with track record in identifying hidden market opportunities, structuring interventions and implementing them.
  
• Experience with water and sanitation projects in or at the interface with the public and private sector is a must; experience in IFC operations or in investment operations of a similar kind a plus.
  
• Successful experience managing relationships, resolving differences, and achieving successful outcomes among multiple and diverse set of stakeholders
  
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills. Ability to synthesize multiple/complex messages and to identify appropriate key points for different audiences; fluency in English and ideally other languages.

How to apply

Click here to apply online