Minerals Economist

Job Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

SHORT-TERM ASSIGNMENT

MINERAL ECONOMIST

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

IBI International seeks qualified candidates for a short-term assignments under the USAID-funded Governance and Economic Management Support (GEMS) Program in Liberia. We are seeking a Mineral Economist to advise Liberia’s National Bureau of Concessions. The assignment will be four to six weeks long and take place in Monrovia Liberia.

Background:

The USAID-funded Governance and Economic Management Support Program (GEMS) is a five-year technical assistance program to improve performance through strengthening public sector capacity in Liberia. GEMS will develop and implement an economic governance capacity building program that targets human and institutional capacity building within GOL ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs) under the three thematic areas of 1) managing national resources effectively 2) Building national wealth and 3) Promoting equity and youth empowerment. Specifically, USAID GEMS will work with key ministries, agencies, and commissions of Liberia to build management capacity, implement a comprehensive civil servant training initiative, strengthen the government’s capacity to manage natural resource concessions, facilitate the implementation of the government’s national ICT policy, and operate a modern national payment system.

Liberia’s National Bureau of Concessions (NBC) was established by an Act of Legislature in September 2011. As a new entity with significant responsibility for monitoring the performance of the source of the GOL primary revenue base, the NBC requires support in developing its organization, activities, management tools and processes to effectively deliver their mandate. Additionally, other GOL entities involved in natural resource concessions require assistance in improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and professionalism with which they participate in the concessions process and monitor their technical area within concessions agreements.

Responsibilities:

Each economist will work in collaboration with the Director General of the National Bureau of Concessions and other relevant GOL agencies (e.g. the minerals economist will work with the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy ). The consultant is responsible for undertaking the following tasks:

• Develop models to examine the likely cost, price structures and fiscal regime for each the mining and mineral sector typically encountered in Liberia. These models will be based on international best practice, local and international information on the production, processing and market prices.
• Review the GOL national development objectives and the policy / development objectives of concessions and the particular sector.
• Review at least two concession agreements in the sector, and existing local documentation on changes to the specific commodity pricing and revenue system. Analyze the levels of GOL charges on that sector’s production and prepare recommendations based on the data and analysis outlined in Task 1. It should also reflect the broader policy objectives and provide the GOL with an adequate pricing policy and fiscal regime.
• Prepare projections of total future revenue collection from the specific sector’s production under a range of future production scenarios.
• Discuss and agree on the proposals for revised concessions charges for that sector with National Bureau of Concessions, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Lands, Mines and Minerals, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Work with the designated NBC staff identified on a day to day basis over the course of the assignment and to build capacity in managing the review process, and applying methodologies and are ensure they are capable of reviewing cost, price and revenue data for other contracts.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in minerals economics, geology, economics, agriculture, mining or closely related subject. A PhD would be an advantage.
• At least ten years of experience in mining management and/or mining economics, preferably with experience gained in developing countries.
• Proven experience in the collection and analysis of cost, price and fiscal data from mineral based industries.
• Some experience related to the development and implementation of mining plantation revenue systems would be an advantage.
• Previous work experience in Liberia or West Africa will be an advantage.
• Proven track record of strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving competencies.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple stakeholders including government representatives and donors.
• Ability to present coherent and convincing positions (both in writing and orally) in the English language.
• Excellent computer skills.

To Apply:

Please send a CV with details about experience in public-sector pay reform and grading hicd@ibi-usa.com and include “MINERALS” in the subject line. Please include information about your availability in the body of the email. IBI appreciates all applications, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

For full consideration, please apply by: May 31, 2013

For more information about IBI International, please visit www.ibi-usa.com.

IBI International is an equal opportunity employer.