Country Manager โ Africa
Vacancy Number: 2268
Department/Unit: Public Sector Operations / Africa
Date of Issuance: June 26, 2025
Deadline of Applications: July 25, 2025
Required Languages: English and French
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Grade: Professional
Job Category: F
Recruitment Status: International
Contract Duration: Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal
Job Profile
In co-operation with the Director, the Country Manager leads and oversees the identification, development, appraisal, approval and implementation of Public Sector projects. The position contributes to the development of policies and strategies in the portfolio-countries and supports the achievements of the regional and departmental objectives and targets. The Country Manager is responsible for identifying and recommending options and solutions for the optimum deployment of financing resources in the portfolio-countries, including the development, implementation and monitoring of country operational strategies and business plans. Working together with the Director, the Country Manager also leads and oversees relations with the portfolio countries and other relevant partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
Policy development and implementation
Conducts regular assessments for assigned portfolio countries, to support the development of short-medium term strategies (3 year objectives) in coordination with the Director, partners and other donorsLeads and coordinates the preparation of country partnership strategies and country business plans, to support the achievement of the regional business planCoordinates the implementation of the annual work plan for the assigned portfolio, in co-operation with the Director, ensuring alignment with the regional and departmental objectives, targets and KPIsCoordinates work with the Director, as well as other departments on project, strategy and policy related mattersProject cycle (Project development and processing)
In tandem with the Director, the Country Manager:
Contributes to the identification of a pipeline of projects and identifies opportunities through partner outreach and project screeningSupports the sourcing of new projects and co-financing opportunities, by leveraging professional networks and relationshipsEvaluates financing opportunities and provides support on the initial risk and financial assessments of the projectsParticipates in project appraisals, including technical, economic, and ESG analysis, as well as project administration designCoordinates and supports the full project life cycle including project identification, preparation, concept and terms clearance, due diligence and appraisal, interface with technical and loan committee as well as with management and the Governing BoardEnsures that legal documentation is successfully concluded (loan signed and declared effective) in a timely manner through negotiations with Government and partners with the support of the legal counselSupports project implementation, ensuring compliance with covenants, achievement of contract awards, and planned disbursements in order to achieve the envisaged project outcomesContributes to the implementation of projects, in coordination with project management teams and executing agencies, developing practical and innovative solutions to facilitate implementation, resolve implementation problems, as well as incorporates lessons learnt into the project implementation frameworkFacilitates the procurement and disbursement processes for the project, insuring achievement of contract award, as well as successful disbursementManages day-to-day project administration, providing support to the team responsible for disbursements and loan servicing (repayments) and coordinating with Loan Management and Risk ManagementCapacity Building, Knowledge Sharing and Supervision
Recommends and supports the implementation of individual annual work program and budget for the assigned countries, including proposed missions and trainingsContributes to institution building, and builds and shares knowledge through participation in task force groups and other meetingsParticipates and contributes to relevant learning activities for advocacy, and knowledge buildingEnters, updates and validates data/ information related to the assigned countries into the Management Information System (MIS/ SAP/ EDMS)Coaches and supervises newly appointed analysts and internsPartners and Relationships Management
In cooperation with the Director, maintains active relationships and creates new partnerships with governments, executing agencies, partner institutions with the aim of expanding strategic partnerships in the portfolio countriesMaintains and fosters relationships with governmentsโ authorities, and DFIs to maximize potential for co-financing and catalyzing resources from partnersPerform other duties as required by the Director relevant to the area of responsibilities
Qualifications and Experience
Masterโs degree in Economics, Finance, Engineering or a (closely) related fieldA minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experiencePreferably at least two (2) years' relevant work experience in an international development institutionFluent in English and FrenchGood working knowledge of Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish is an added advantageCompetencies
Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goalsCustomer Centricity - The ability to focus on comprehending and addressing customer needs; consistently deliver exceptional service and foster strong, lasting customer relationshipsDecision making - The ability to analyze information comprehensively to make well-informed decisions; assess both immediate and long-term ramificationsEffective Planning and Follow Up - The ability to set clear goals and priorities; skillfully organize tasks for efficiency; consistently follow through on commitments and plansSense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities