Afdb Principal Political Scientist

Position title: Principal Political Scientist
Grade: PL4
Position N°: NA
Reference: ADB/13/063
Publication date: 14/05/2013
Closing date: 31/05/2013

Objectives

The primary objective of the position is to enable the Bank Group play a leadership role and more effectively assist Africa’s fragile states to transit out of fragility, help prevent countries at risk of slippage and to assist post-crisis and post-conflict states move forward towards more stable political and economic development, through approaches that are grounded in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) Principles of Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations, and the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States.

Background:

The Fragile States Unit (OSFU) was established in July 2008 and is currently located within the First-Vice Presidency and Chief Operation Officer’s (FVP/COO) complex. The Unit is responsible for coordinating the Bank-wide program of enhanced engagement in fragile states. Support to fragile states is one of the core business mandates of the Bank Group as identified in its Long-Term Strategy (2013-2022). The Unit also administers the Bank Group’s Fragile States Facility (FSF), which was established in 2008 as an operationally autonomous, special purpose financing entity with three grant financing windows. The FSF provides supplemental support for eligible fragile states, resources for arrears clearance operations and targeted capacity building institutional development assistance.

The operational mandate and responsibilities of the OSFU aim at enabling the Bank to: i) more effectively and efficiently assist in the recovery and development efforts of the fragile and conflict-affected regional member states of the Bank; and ii) help regional member countries that are at risk to avoid slipping into fragility and/or conflict. Africa’s fragile and conflict-affected states constitute a critical development challenge for the global efforts to reduce poverty and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They also generate negative spillover effects into neighboring countries, regions and the wider international community. The Bank’s experience is that effective and sustainable development in such situations requires different approaches from those typically applied in more stable, low- or middle-income states.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Fragile States Unit, the incumbent will:

Provide analyses of political dynamics, trends, and outlooks at the country and regional level as a contribution to the development of Bank assistance strategies, programs and policies.
Provide advice and guidance to country teams on political dimensions and context for preparation of operational strategies, programs and projects.
Develop tools and methodologies for integrating political analysis in Bank Group operational strategies such as country strategy papers (CSPs), country briefs (CBs) and project appraisal reports (PARs).
Contribute to general guidance for staff on the application of “fragility lens” in the development of operations and programming documents to more effectively address fragility and build resilience.
Provide guidance on effective Bank Group dialogue with governments and stakeholders on implementing reforms for improved governance, economic growth and service delivery beyond technical solutions to include navigating the power dynamics of state, business and society.
Work with partner institutions to ensure that peace-building activities that complement the Bank Group core mandates and areas of expertise are sufficiently addressed in order to help clients to comprehensively deal with the roots causes of fragility, avoid slippage in the peace- and state-building process, and build societal resilience.
Work with partner institutions to develop additional indicators for the peace- and state-building goals (PSGs) and apply them to characterize state fragility and fragile situations more objectively.
Contribute to enhancing staff capacity through the development of learning modules and other techniques to more appropriately apply political analyses in the Bank’s work.
Contribute to preparation and dissemination of the Bank’s knowledge products (Economic and Sector Work) on fragility and conflicts, in close partnership and collaboration with OSFU staff, Regional Departments and the Office of the Chief Economist.
Undertake any other assignments and tasks as requested by the Head, Fragile States Unit and/or the First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Such assignments may involve working with Bank-teams and/or staff within or outside OSFU.

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

Minimum of a Master’s degree in Political Science; Public Administration and Policy, Social Development or other relevant discipline; Ph.D. will be an added advantage.
Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in a multilateral or bilateral development institution or reputable development organization in the area of power, politics and development; post-conflict recovery and support.
Experience in project/program management, preferably in an environment similar to the African Development Bank or a partner development institutions.
Demonstrated understanding and familiarity with Africa’s post-conflict recovery and development challenges and effective strategies and approaches for peace- and state-building.
Sound understanding of political, social and economic development issues, governance and regional integration priorities of the Bank Group and how these can help in the peace-building and state-building prospects of fragile states and conflict-affected countries.
Experience in policy development and implementation in relation to the dynamics and challenges of peace-building and state-building in Africa and in promoting and applying governance practices through alignment with national development strategies.
Proven ability to apply innovative approaches, work independently and apply new methods to solve problems, while remaining efficient in a fast-paced, changing and challenging institutional environment such as the African Development Bank.
Excellent written and verbal communication in English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
Competence in the use of standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, MS Projects); knowledge of SAP would be an added advantage.

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To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.

Submitted by: Amie Sey, OIC CHRM.1
Approved by: Joseph O. Badaki, CHRM Director

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs