Senior Agro-Industry & Forestry Sector Specialist at European Investment Bank (EIB)

Accountabilities

• Assist in the identification and screening of new projects and contribute to all the relevant aspects of project assessment.
• Assess the operational viability, of projects and programmes in the countries in which the Bank operates, particularly the long-term economic, financial, technical and environmental viability of capital investment projects and programmes. Draft the relevant aspects and findings of the investment proposals for Bank lending assessment.
• Monitor approved operations during the implementation stage, including through deployment of external consultants.
• Continuously update technical expertise in key areas such as innovative value chain developments, agro-industry processing technologies, biomass cascading and food loss/waste reduction and other environmental sustainability aspects related to the bio-economy sector, and contribute to knowledge exchanges at various levels as required.
• Follow regional and global market developments and policies in defined sectors such as agro-food/forest value chains, trade, regional and rural development, as well as horizontal policies concerning Bio-economy and wider Rural Development, innovation and environment.
• Contribute to sector studies, lending policy papers and other analyses in support of the Bio-economy Division and wider Bank activities as required.
• Where required and in full coordination with the Head of Office, build relations in relevant area of expertise with key external parties (e.g. international financing institutions, government representatives, local authorities, other institutions, etc.);
• Where required and in full coordination with the Head of Office/HQ, represent the EIB at events, for example regular sector meetings, conferences or meetings with International Financial Institutions (IFIs);
• Provide input to monitoring reports, project completion reports and project briefings to management;
• Provide input to the preparation of sector related presentations for the Head and/or staff of the Nairobi Office;
• Participate in the general activities of the Nairobi Office, including internal meetings.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor or higher degree, or equivalent professional qualification in engineering or applied economics (e.g. agriculture, forestry, bio-based and/or food sectors)
• A Masters or a post graduate degree, such as an MBA or a PhD in a relevant sector of responsibility (agriculture/horticulture, forestry and forest industries etc.) or related to development or environmental economics would be considered as distinct advantage
• A minimum of 5 years relevant industry, research or consultancy experience including preparation and screening of feasibility and market studies, assessment of company strategies, profitability and risk analysis in a relevant sector
• Practical experience gained within the region of West/East Africa in a relevant field of agriculture or forestry value chains; awareness and direct work experience in implementation of development projects and policies would be an advantage, as would relevant work experience within the EU.
• Experience with Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for larger agribusiness or investment projects in forestry value chains, esp. in areas such as resettlement action plans, environmental assessment and innovative financial structures related to biodiversity protection & regeneration.
• Knowledge of investment analysis, including financial modelling and cost benefit assessment
• Excellent working knowledge of English. Good command of French would be an advantage.
• Solid IT (standard Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and writing skills.