Manager Strengthening Operational Capabilities - Abidjan

Job overview

About MCA – Côte d’Ivoire Regional The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA-Côte d’Ivoire Régional), in collaboration with the Government of République Ivory Coast (GoCI) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”) of the United States Government, is implementing a $322.5 million Compact project. This programme aims to strengthen regional energy security, reduce energy costs and promote access to reliable and affordable electricity in West Africa by improving Côte d’Ivoire’s capacity to exchange electricity on the regional market. Job purpose The Operational Capacity Building Manager is placed under the supervision of the DirectorOperational Capacity and Regulation. It is responsible for supporting public administrations, investors and regional stakeholders in the successful implementation of the Regional Electricity Project, from its conception to its execution. He ensures the coordination and monitoring of activities in his field, promotes effective collaboration between the teams and departments involved in the project (in particular in relation to the Mixed Finance Director, the Legal Director and the Support Director WAPP and Support Director ARREC, procurement functions, environmental and social management), ensures rigorous risk management as well as compliance with work plans, budgets and expected results. In this capacity, he ensures regular and quality reporting to the Director of Regulatory and Operational Capacity Support of Côte d’Ivoire as well as representatives of the MCC. It also contributes to strengthening the institutional capacities necessary for the development of the regional electricity market, in particular through initiatives aimed at improving the operational performance of actors in the sector and promoting social objectives, such as increasing women’s participation in the energy sector. Finally, it ensures the alignment of the implementation of activities with the objectives of the Compact and the efficient use of program resources.

Responsibilities

Ensure the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of MCA project activities, ensuring their alignment with Compact objectives and national development priorities. Monitor and evaluate the performance of the project, propose the necessary adjustments to respond to the risks, challenges and opportunities identified, and ensure the achievement of the objectives and expected results under the supervision of the Director of Support for Regulatory and Operational Capacity of Côte d’Ivoire. Identify and report operational and programmatic issues related to the design and implementation of the Regional Electricity Project and its activities. Lead the capacity-building activities of electricity sector institutions in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly within the framework of the regional electricity market. Support technical assistance to promote gender inclusion in the electricity sector, support the implementation of energy policies and encourage women’s participation in energy trades and bodies.

Education / Qualifications

Oversee the development of capacity building plans and the implementation of strategic trainings on regional electricity market practices. Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategy and action plan for gender mainstreaming in the energy sector in Côte d’Ivoire, in close collaboration with specialists in Social Analysis (SA).

Other information

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with public administrations, local authorities, project beneficiaries and other stakeholders to ensure their active participation and support in the implementation of the project. Advise the Director of Support to Regulatory and Operational Capacity of Côte d’Ivoire as well as project teams on best approaches in resource management, planning and execution of activities, consistent with MCA program strategies, frameworks and budgets. Ensure the communication of information on the plans, objectives and activities of the project to stakeholders (public administrations, beneficiaries, partners, etc.) in order to strengthen their adherence and commitment to achieving results. Ensure consultation and involvement of stakeholders so that their needs, concerns and perspectives are taken into account in the design and planning of activities. Evaluate the effectiveness of project management, planning and budgeting mechanisms to ensure expected results are achieved and timelines for the Regional Electricity Project are met. Oversee the components of the project and evaluate their contribution to the objectives of the Compact, ensuring compliance with quality requirements, Environmental and Social Performance (ESP), Social Analysis (SA), Monitoring-Evaluation and Economic Analysis (MEEA) standards, as well as MCC requirements. Represent the MCA project at meetings, conferences and other events, promoting its achievements, best practices and contribution to the development of the sector. Ensure compliance with the requirements for donor-funded projects, including procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, as well as policies and procedures. Monitor the performance of contracts awarded, including through review and approval of contractors’ work plans and resource mobilization plans, as well as negotiation of necessary adjustments to contract deliverables. Carry out any other tasks assigned by the MCA Management in order to contribute to the overall success of the project and the achievement of the objectives of the Compact.

Required skills

Education / Qualifications

University degree in Public Policy, Management, Economics, Operations Management, Infrastructure, International Development or any other relevant field related to electricity sector policies and capacity building.

Experience

At least eight (8) years of professional experience in a relevant area, including electricity sector policies, regulation, governance, capacity building and/or planning. At least five (5) years of relevant experience in a leadership position, including program management and team supervision. Excellent knowledge of electricity markets, regional trade policies, sector regulations and operations, as well as international best practices in regulation, pricing, governance of utilities, least-cost investment planning and promotion of private investments. Proven experience in designing and implementing capacity building and institutional development programs, ideally in the energy sector. Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering high-quality projects, on time and on budget. Proven experience in managing large and complex projects, preferably within international development organizations or agencies. Good knowledge of international standards and norms applicable to the management of donor-funded projects, including MCC, World Bank, USAID or similar institutions. Experience in monitoring performance and reporting results through predefined indicators and objectives.

Other information

Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage diverse stakeholders in order to achieve project objectives. Experience in competitive electricity markets, including their integration into regional energy markets. Experience in developing and implementing capacity-building plans to improve institutional performance. Good knowledge of gender inclusion and equity issues in sub-Saharan West Africa; experience in this area is an asset. Experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with public and private actors in the energy sector; experience in Côte d’Ivoire is desired. Experience in driving change and implementing institutional reforms is highly desired. A professional certification in project management is an important asset. Excellent command of written and oral French; proficiency in professional English is strongly desired.

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