WASH Project Development and Finance Expert for West Africa MuniWASH – STTA Remote

The USAID-funded West Africa Municipal WASH (MuniWASH) project in Cote d’Ivoire and Benin, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (International Development Jobs – Tetra Tech), is currently accepting expressions of interest for a WASH Project Development and Finance Expert for a short-term technical assignment (STTA). This assignment will be hybrid located in the main office in Abidjan and Cotonou and will work remote.

Position Description/Summary: MuniWASH is actively engaging government stakeholders in both countries to identify potential projects for financing and technical assistance through the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) African Water Facility (AWF). The AWF regularly issues calls for proposals to fund water and sanitation projects. To effectively respond to these calls, sector ministries, along with their associated directorates and agencies in both Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, require technical assistance in the preparation and submission of concept notes. The objectives of this assignment are to a) support the sectorial ministries of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to identify and develop a pipeline of potential water and sanitation investment projects that are eligible for AWF financing and b) to subsequently develop concept notes to the AWF that meet the criteria of AWF calls for proposals. The ultimate goal is to secure AWF funding for essential water and sanitation projects in both countries.

The short-term Expert will research potential water and sanitation projects and prepare concept notes for submission to the AWF. This work includes meeting with stakeholders and relevant actors, documenting AWF requirements and sector ministries’ needs. The short-term position will be hybrid with travel to Cote d’Ivoire and Benin as well as remote work. The assignment has an LOE of 30 days to be completed between May 15 and July 15, 2024.

Responsibilities:

* Coordinate with AWF: Liaise with the AWF to understand its requirements and guidelines for project proposals, ensuring that the developed concept notes align closely with these criteria. Understand the AWF process, timelines, criteria, and the types of projects are they currently funding and the types of projects are they looking for. Compile an inventory of what documents are required to apply for AWF assistance.

* Conduct a brief Needs Assessment: Assess water and sanitation needs in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to identify areas in water and sanitation requiring investment through a self-directed desk review of existing reports and documentation. MuniWASH will also provide some documentation to review.

* Engage national institutions: Collaborate with sectoral ministries in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, including their associated directorates and agencies, to understand their priorities and capacities in WASH project identification and development. Present the AWF requirements to these institutions.

* Research potential investment projects: Support the sectoral ministries to research and identify potential water and sanitation investment projects in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire that align with national priorities and the criteria of the AWF. Narrow down priority sites using factors such as political priorities, population affected, presence of other donors, etc.

* Assist to develop concept notes: Assist the sectoral ministries and their associated directorates and agencies in developing concept notes for the identified investment projects, adhering to the requirements set by those institutions.

* Facilitate the application process: Assist national institutions in the preparation and submission of concept notes to the AWF for funding consideration.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or relevant area. Master’s degree preferred;

* Minimum 6 years of experience (with Masters); 8 years of experience (with Bachelor’s);

* Prior experience in water and sanitation project preparation including economic and technical feasibility studies. Demonstrated experience coordinating with multi-lateral and bilateral development banks;

* Excellent oral and written communication skills;

* Demonstrated ability to think strategically and communicate one’s vision to partners and colleagues;

* Proven experience navigating complex and high-pressure operating environments;

* Professional fluency in French required; English skills preferred; and

* Familiarity with local context and water and sanitation sector in Cote d’Ivoire and/or Benin preferred.