Civil Engineer

Job Description

Devex is currently assisting the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) in looking for an experienced professional to perform the role of Civil Engineer for the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.

CDB has been selected by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) acting through the Department for International Development (DFID), to manage a UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIF). The CIF will support eight Commonwealth Countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and one ODA-eligible Overseas Territory to create critical economic infrastructure in the Caribbean to set the foundations for growth and prosperity, reducing poverty and increasing resilience to climate change.

The Infrastructure Fund will be available to the following countries: Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent & the Grenadines; as well as Montserrat as an Overseas Territory.

OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS)

The Office of the Vice-President (Operations) is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Bank’s lending and related economic activities. The work of the Office of the Vice-President (Operations) is delivered through two departments - Projects and Economics.

Projects Department

The Projects Department (PD) is accountable for the pipeline and portfolio of capital and TA projects. The PD is responsible for the identification, appraisal and supervision of all capital and TA projects and sector loans in the Bank’s portfolio. In addition, the Department is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the status of the Bank’s loan portfolio; for the preparation of sector analyses and policy papers, delivery of capacity development training in BMCs in the areas of project development, project management and macro-economic management; and for provision of assistance to micro- and small-enterprises.

The work of the Department is delivered through three Divisions and three Units, each providing a focus on one of the following – the social sector, economic infrastructure, technical cooperation, environmental sustainability, private sector development and procurement policy.

Economics Department

The Economics Department is accountable for the formulation of country strategies to guide the Bank’s financial and TA operations in the BMCs. It is also responsible for monitoring and analysis of economic, social and political developments in the BMCs; policy advice and reporting on relevant industrial sectors, social and environmental sectors; and training in economic management.

THE ROLE

The Civil Engineer, CIF reports administratively to the Head, Infrastructure Partnerships and functionally to the Division Chief, Economic Infrastructure Division. He/she is accountable for due diligence, probity and professional excellence in the discharge of the position’s specific responsibility for the civil engineering expertise in monitoring the implementation of the infrastructure and related institutional components of assigned projects. He/she is expected to stay abreast of advances in the civil engineering discipline, identify/recommend areas for improvement of operational policy, procedure and practice, “lessons learned” and best practices to support project development activities and project performance assessments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The job will require the Civil Engineer, CIF to:

• Contribute as a team member to the preparation and appraisal of loan/grant financing proposals in respect of assigned projects. Inputs will include checking for consistency of information and analysis, as well as ensuring all issues related to compliance with CDB and DFID policies and procedures are identified and resolved during the appraisal process.
• Assume a lead role in coordination and analysis of assigned projects according to civil engineering expertise.
• Develop and build client/partner relations at technical/professional project levels and promote the generation of new business for the Bank.
• Analyse project proposals to ensure rigour in design and application of proven successful approaches.
• Identify, conceptualise and develop capital and capacity building projects and TA interventions in collaboration with participating countries for consideration by the Bank.
• Prepare comprehensive technical inputs for reports as required under the CIF Memorandum of Understanding.
• Negotiate programme development and implementation with eligible countries and development partners as appropriate.
• Supervise approved projects through to completion, including review of project reports for consistency with CDB’s policies and procedures and approved project requirements, including ensuring the collection of data to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Provide advice and guidance to the borrower on application of CDB’s policies and procedures relating to preparation, appraisal and supervision of assigned projects.
• Identify and recommend remedial measures where issues which threaten the achievement of project objectives arise during implementation.
• Participate in other related organisational initiatives as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The Civil Engineer, CIF must have superior client orientation and inter-personal skills with the proven ability to work cooperatively with multi-disciplinary teams and all levels of staff. The successful candidate will have the ability to make sound business judgements and engage in analytical decision-making.

The Civil Engineer, CIF is expected to actively seek knowledge needed to complete assignments and share knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear, logical and organised manner.

Technical Grounding and Expertise

The successful candidate should have:

• A first degree in Civil Engineering and a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications in a related field.
• At least eight (8) years’ relevant experience in engineering design, supervision of construction and/or project management. Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams would be an asset.
• Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, standards and methods required to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities such as buildings, transportation systems, water and sewerage systems, and other public works systems.
• Knowledge of development issues, policies and strategies gained from hands-on experience.

Function-specific Competencies

The Civil Engineer, CIF should have the ability to:

• Collaborate with other team members and contribute productively to the team’s work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
• Effectively adapt to tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and sudden or frequent changes in priority in order to accomplish objectives.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal for an additional two-year term. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.