Senior Technical Advisor (International Consultant)

Job Posting Organization:
The African Development Bank Group is an international organization established under public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, with a mission to advance sustainable economic growth and social progress across Africa. It comprises the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The organization is focused on implementing the Ten-Year Strategy (TYS-2024-2033) and the Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa (2021-2030), aiming to mobilize resources for development across various sectors, including health. The Bank operates in multiple countries across Africa, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Africa through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

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 consultant will work closely with the UNFPA and the African Development Bank to support efforts in ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Africa. This includes designing, structuring, and operationalizing a dedicated financial instrument tailored for maternal and newborn health. The role requires a deep understanding of health economics and the ability to leverage existing financing instruments to enhance health outcomes. The consultant will also be responsible for providing strategic advice, conducting feasibility studies, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of health initiatives.

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

• Supporting the conceptualization and design of an AfDB-administered multi-country financial instrument for maternal and child health, which may involve grant-based, loan-blending, or result-based financing.
• Overseeing feasibility studies and economic modeling to demonstrate the return on investment for maternal and newborn health interventions.
• Drafting operational guidelines, governance structures, and risk management frameworks in collaboration with legal and financial departments.
• Identifying priority countries for investment and shaping country investment pipelines in collaboration with UNFPA and Bank teams.
• Providing technical leadership in health economics, including advising on health financing trends and fiscal space analysis.
• Analyzing national health budgets to identify gaps for catalytic impact.
• Acting as a liaison between UNFPA and the Bank’s Social Development and Health departments.
• Coordinating joint engagements with donors and organizing advocacy events to promote the financial instrument.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires advanced qualifications, including 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 10 years of progressively 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. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate expertise in policy engagement to advance maternal health financing in developing countries, particularly in the African context.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., in relevant fields such as Health Economics, Finance, Public Health, or Economics. A specialization in maternal and newborn health is considered a significant asset for this role, as it aligns with the core objectives of the position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a significant portion dedicated to health financing or development finance at the international level. Experience working with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) or International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is crucial, as is a strong understanding of the socio-economic landscape in Africa. Prior experience within the UN system or a Multilateral Development Bank at a senior level is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must be proficient in English or French, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms. A good working knowledge of the other language is preferred, as the role may require interaction with diverse stakeholders across different linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The assignment will last for 11 months and will be based at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The 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 and social inclusion principles. The role is expected to adhere to national labor laws and occupational safety standards.