Senior Technical Advisor (International Consultant)

Job Posting Organization:
The African Development Bank Group, which includes the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), is an international organization established under public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. Its overarching mission is to advance sustainable economic growth and social progress across Africa. The Bank has been implementing its Ten-Year Strategy (TYS-2024-2033) and the Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa (2021-2030) to mobilize resources for development across various sectors, including health. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on key priorities such as 'Feed Africa' and 'Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa'.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor (International Consultant) position is a critical role aimed at bridging the gap between technical maternal and newborn health interventions and sustainable development finance. The advisor will work closely with the UNFPA and the African Development Bank to support initiatives aimed at ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Africa. This includes designing, structuring, and operationalizing a dedicated financial instrument that could take various forms, such as a Thematic Window, an Investment Platform, or an Outcome Fund. The advisor will also explore opportunities to leverage existing financing instruments to improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns. The role requires a deep understanding of health economics, financing trends, and the socio-economic landscape of Africa, particularly as it relates to maternal and child health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key duties and responsibilities of the Senior Technical Advisor include:

• Strategic Design of the Financial Instrument: Support the conceptualization and design of a multi-country financial instrument for maternal and child health, oversee feasibility studies, and economic modeling to demonstrate the return on investment for maternal and newborn health interventions.
• Technical Leadership in Health Economics: Provide expert advice on health financing trends, fiscal space analysis, and universal health coverage in Africa, and support the integration of maternal and child health indicators into broader AfDB projects.
• Partnership and Resource Mobilization: Act as a liaison between UNFPA and the Bank’s departments, coordinate joint engagements with donors and stakeholders, and support high-level advocacy events.
• Deliverables: Develop an inception note, instrument options paper, economic modeling packs, operational guidelines, and resource mobilization materials, ensuring alignment with AfDB and UNFPA policies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Health Economics, Finance, Public Health, Economics, or a related field, with a focus on maternal and newborn health being an asset. Candidates should have at least 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the international level, particularly in health financing or development finance. A proven track record of working with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is essential, along with demonstrated expertise in policy engagement to advance maternal health financing in developing countries. A strong understanding of the African socio-economic landscape and areas relevant to UNFPA's mandate is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a Ph.D., in Health Economics, Finance, Public Health, Economics, or a related field. A specialization or focus on maternal and newborn health is considered an asset for this role, as it aligns closely with the objectives of the position.

Experience:
The role requires at least 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international level. This experience should include a significant focus on health financing or development finance, particularly within the context of maternal and newborn health. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and experience in policy engagement to advance maternal health financing in developing countries is crucial.

Languages:
Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English or French, both in writing and orally. A good working knowledge of the other language is preferred, as the role may require interaction with stakeholders in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The assignment will last for 11 months and will be based at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The International Consultant will report administratively to the Director of the Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department (AHHD) or a delegated manager. All activities must align with AfDB policies and safeguards, including gender equality, social inclusion, and DO NO HARM principles. Compliance with national labor laws and occupational safety standards is also required.