5 Job opportuniries at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) : Deadline: 02-07-2021

     I.  Background Information

Job Title:  Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Job Grade: JG6

Division: SPIU

Duo Reports to: Functionally to the Manager – Strategy & Research

                          Administratively to REF Project Coordinator

Direct Reports: N/A

Indirect Reports: N/A

Contract terms: Open-Ended Contract

  II.   Purpose of the Job

BRD is recruiting for an Officer in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for the REF project and clean cooking RBF program under the BRD energy portfolio. The M&E Officer will monitor performance of all projects/loans/grants in the BRD energy/REF portfolio and manage BRD’s monitoring, evaluation and learning platform across all five REF windows and clean cooking RBF program, by ensuring that all necessary information is gathered, analyzed and presented in the right format and at the correct time. This will allow BRD and its partners to incorporate lessons learned whenever applicable. Particular attention will need to be paid to the implementation of the newest window (5), the Results Based Financing subsidy program, since monitoring and evaluation tools are still under development. He/she will liaise closely with claim and verification officers It is the responsibility of the M&E Officer to ensure that all monitoring and evaluation activities happen in accordance with the general REF Operations Manuals (OM) and clean cooking RBF OM, as well as with guidance from BRD’s management, the REF Steering Committee and the World Bank.

   III.  Main Responsibilities of the Job

Monitoring

• Keep track of company applications for all REF windows and clean cooking RBF program.
•  Keep track of the number of approved companies and their earmarked funds in all REF windows.
• Keep track of subsidy budget remaining per company and for the overall RBF program.
• Help in the establishment of project management and data processing tools for Window 5 (and other windows) and clean cooking RBF program and liaising closely with the claim and verification officer.
•  Collect information and manage the REF monitoring and evaluation learning platform and recommend upgrades to the platform/tool to ensure a comprehensive range is collected from all REF windows.
• Carry out field visits to collect client’s information.
• Support REF client management and communication.
• Carry out any other duty assigned by the line managers

Evaluation & Reporting

• Provide regular reports on performance of projects and loan repayments of REF clients and of the companies receiving the RBF subsidy (off-grid solar and clean cooking) and provide recommendations to management for further actions.
• Prepare impact reports of the REF project demonstrating the progress towards achievement of the overall objective.
• Prepare progress reports on clean cooking RBF implementation toward achieving key performance indicators.
•  Make periodic retrospective comparative studies for the financed projects by especially comparing the initial projections and actuals and make recommendation for management decision making.
• Report on progress against targets. Analyze the root causes of any shortfalls against the agreed targets set by Management and make recommendations for improvement of methods, systems or standard operating procedures.
• Schedule and conduct monitoring visits, baseline surveys, midterm, and end of project evaluations as well as routine outcome monitoring initiatives.

Learning

•  Analyze gathered data to provide lessons learned to the REF team and stakeholders.
• Management of the BRD REF and clean cooking MEL Frameworker
•  Document and share experiences, best practices, lessons learned, and revise tools and procedures applied for replication by other projects in the country/region and the BRD.
• Participate and contribute to management decision-making processes by availing all the project information acquired from M&E activities.
• Prepare periodic monitoring reports and present these to management.

Performance indicators

•  Weekly reporting to functional manager.
• Bi-weekly (every other week) briefing notes outlining key issues for Energy Portfolio Manager and Project Coordinator`s attention in regards to monitoring, evaluation and learning;
• Quarterly progress reports describing major activities undertaken and tasks accomplished during the reporting period and challenges hindering implementation process;
• Implemented REF MEL Framework;
• End of year performance report.

Working relationships

•  All departments

Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Data Science, Business Administration or related discipline;
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in M&E, research, accounting or a similar discipline;
• Experience of working on projects related with lending to off-grid solar and mini-grids will be an added advantage;
• Experience of working on projects funded by World Bank or other development partners will be an added advantage;
• Exceptional communication, writing, analytical and reporting skills;
• Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power point, Word, etc.);
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Understanding of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.

    I. Background Information

Job Title:  Technology Officer

Job Grade: J6

Department: SPIU

Duo Reports to: Functionally to the Energy Portfolio Manager

                                   Administratively to the REF Project Coordinator

Contract terms:  2 years Fixed-Term contract on a full-time basis based in BRD HQ with possibility of extension

   II. Purpose of the Job

BRD is recruiting a Technology Officer to provide technical support of the REF project, as well as the clean cooking RBF implementation. The Technology Officer will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of solar home systems and minigrid technologies. The officer will at the same time manage technical aspects of REF digital platforms including the monitor, evaluation, and learning (e.g. digital platforms) aspects of the REF project and clean cooking RBF. It is the responsibility of the Technology Officer to ensure that all use of mini-grid and off-grid technologies in the REF project happens in accordance with the general REF OM and with the Window 5 Operations Manual (OM). On clean cooking RBF, the main technical part will be managed by EDCL. The technical officer is expected to serve as the focal point or resource person from BRD to communicate the relevant technical issues related to clean cooking.

   III.  Main Responsibilities of the Job

•  Conduct technical due diligence of mini-grid and off-grid solar project proposals by producing a comprehensive technical due diligence report with inputs on technical configuration and life cycle costs;
•  Advise on the applicability of the eligibility criteria for clean cooking technologies and the overall technical assessment process as detailed in the clean cooking RBF OM;
• Monitor SHS quality standards by assessing compliance with Ministerial Guidelines and other national and international standards;
• Prepare terms of reference (TORs) and support recruitment of technical staff who will provide more in-depth technical evaluations and technical due diligence of investment proposals;
• Supervise employees and serve as liaison between Investment Officers and technical staff;
•  Supervise these investment projects during engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and operation;
• Advise M&E, Environmental and Social Safeguards Officers in relevant technical aspects of mini-grid and off-grid project oversigh
• Monitor secondary market for used equipment and relevant technology developments to provide analytical support for credit terms and ongoing portfolio valuations;
• Participate in the relevant technical discussions related to clean cooking technologies, which are organized by EDCL and RSB;
• Maintain relationships with other donors and development partners engaged in mini-grid and off-grid development, including EnDev, E4I, etc.
• Assist in outreach meetings with stakeholders at national and local level, and with developers and businesses to promote off-grid and mini-grid financing opportunities under the RE
•  Assist in assessing requests for off-grid and mini-grid investment proposals for REF financing.
•  Serve as the BRD focal point on technical issues related to clean cooking technologies;
• Maintain close relationships with relevant technology providers at a national and international level;
• Conduct technical review on the verification report produced by the Independent Verification Agent (IVA), assessing the technical compliance to the REF Operations Manual for Window 5.
• Develop quarterly reports on the availability of mini-grid and solar home systems technologies on the off-grid market including the available stock of solar home systems in close collaboration with the EPD;
•  Provide technical assistance and support in the appraisal and monitoring of all projects under the energy portfolio
• Assess training needs, prepare TORs and obtain training services in areas such as:
• Knowledge transfer to BRD staff on off-grid and mini-grids technologies and developments
•  Train BRD staff on technical aspects of appraisal of mini-grid projects and off-grid solar projects. As needed, extend training to staff from Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs
•  Needs-based training to developers on aspects of project identification, preparation, business planning, and implementatio
•  Needs-based training to constructors, managers and operators
•  Adoption of technical standards and ensure compliance in the project documents.
• Carry out any other assignment given by the line managers.

   IV. Performance indicators

• Bi-weekly (every other week) briefing note outlining key technologies issues for the REF and SPIU coordinators attention.
• Quarterly progress reports to the REF manager and BRD management describing major activities undertaken and tasks accomplished during the reporting period and challenges hindering implementation process.
• End of year performance report.

   V. Working relationships

• All departments

   VI.  Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the renewable energy sector preferably in the off-grid / clean cooking sector, or similar field;
• Experience of working on projects funded by World Bank or other development partners will be an added advantage.
• Good communication, writing, analytical and reporting skills.
• Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power point, Word, etc.);
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Understanding of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.

3.      Background Information

Job Title:  Subsidy Claims and Verification Coordinator

Department: SPIU

Duo Reports to: Functionally to the REF Project Coordinator

                                   Administratively to the Head of SPIU

Contract terms: 2 years Fixed-Term contract on a full-time basis based in BRD HQ with possibility of extension

4.      Purpose of the Job

BRD is recruiting for a Subsidy Claims and Verification Coordinator who will oversee BRD’s supervision and coordination of the subsidy claims and verification process as part of the REF Window 5 and clean cooking RBF implementation. Solar and clean cooking companies that have a signed subsidiary grant agreement with BRD will claim the end-user subsidies once or twice per quarter. The objective of the claiming and verification process is to ensure that the subsidy has reached eligible customers by participating companies offering eligible Solar Home System (SHS) and clean cooking products. It is the responsibility of the Subsidy Claims and Verification Coordinator to ensure that the claiming and verification process happens in accordance with the Window 5 Operations Manual (OM)and clean cooking RBF (Result Based Finance) OM.

5.      Scope of work

BRD’s implementing partner EDCL, through Independent Verification Agents, executes the claiming process and verification of results and reports to BRD its recommended response to the subsidy claims. Given the fiduciary responsibility of BRD in the management of the Window 5 and clean cooking RBF funds, it will be the role of the Subsidy Claims and Verification Coordinator to oversee the process and to be the liaison between BRD and the Project Manager at EDCL (as well as an Independent Verification Agency, once on board) in charge of processing claims and managing the verification process

6.      Main Responsibilities of the Job

• Represent BRD with the implementing partners by being the liaison for EDCL, the IVA and the World Bank on any topics related to claiming and verification.
• Review verification reports and recommend for approval, including recommendations for subsidy disbursement, as submitted by EDCL.
• Provide quality checks on the execution of different types of verification (ie. desk/payment/phone/field).
• Ensure timely internal sign-off and execution of disbursement requests.
• Set up and improve policies and procedures, in line with the Window 5 OM and clean cooking RBF OM, that ensure an effective, timely and adequate response to the claim submissions by the solar and clean cooking companies.
• Provide inputs during the procurement process of the IVA.
• Once the IVA is on board, assist the EDCL in managing the contract with the IVA.
•  In close collaboration with the M&E Officer, keep track of claims submitted, claims approved, disbursements made and earmarked budget remaining
•  Monitor that roles and responsibilities between BRD and EDCL (and the IVA) are adhered to, as stipulated in the Service Level Agreement between BRD and EDCL
•  Analyze and implement lessons learned from the Endev Pro Poor RBF in Rwanda and/or similar RBF programs.
•   Report regularly on the implementation progress and lessons learned during the implementation of window 5 and clean cooking R
•  Lead EDCL’s efforts to continuously modify and maintain the eligibility tool in support of the REF window 5
•    Manage and maintain all other digital technology that is developed and/or used by the REF/clean Cooking R
•   Troubleshoot any breakdowns of digital technology and escalate matters to management, as needed
•  Liaise with external software developers and internal IT Officers to maintain and upgrade digital systems and online platforms and ensure that they effectively serve the REF/Clean Cooking
•  Liaise with the IVA and with solar companies/Clean cooking Companies to integrate software platforms and to streamline data flows.
•  Ensure that all REF/ CC RBF data is stored, managed and secured in line with internal and external privacy and confidentially policies and regulations
•  Carry out any other assignment given by the line managers.

Performance indicators

• Weekly reporting functionally to REF project Coordinator  and administratively to Head of SPIU .
• Bi-weekly (every other week) briefing notes outlining key issues for BRD Management attention in regard to claiming and verification implementation
• Quarterly progress reports describing major activities undertaken and tasks accomplished during the reporting period and challenges hindering implementation process.
• End of year performance report.

Working relationships

• All departments

Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in project management, information technology, economics, business administration, accounting, finance, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, finance, or audit related work.
• Experience working on projects related with off-grid solar or clean cooking technologies financing or subsidy verification processes / procedures will be an added advantage.
• Experience of working on projects funded by World Bank or other development partners will be an added advantage.
• Exceptional communication, writing and analytical skills.
• Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power point, Word, etc.)
• Strong data management knowledge and skills
• Experience with the Endev Pro Poor RBF, or similar subsidy programs, is an advantage.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Understanding of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.

2.    SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR – REF

1.      Background Information

Job Title:  Senior Financial Advisor – REF

Department: SPIU

Duo Reports to: Functionally to REF Project Coordinator

                                   Administratively to Head of SPIU

Contract terms: 2 Years Consultancy on a full-time basis based in BRD HQ with possibility of extension

2.      Purpose of the Job

BRD would like to recruit for a Senior Financial Advisor to support the REF project implementation for all activities covered under the project and to support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) capacity building.

The Senior Financial Advisor will focus on strengthening the capacity of the PIU and on providing financial and technical guidance in structuring REF project and its transactions.

The Senior Financial Advisor is also expected to advise the REF project implementation improvements and REF stakeholders management.

 The Senior Financial Advisor will ensure that all REF activities are executed in accordance to the REF Operations Manuals (OM), and the guidance provided by BRD management, the REF Steering Committee and the World Bank.

3.      Main Responsibilities of the Job

• To provide relevant assistance to the REF PIU in all aspects of project management and growth of business, to ensure the effective implementation of all financing windows under the project.
•  Advise the PIU on the engagement and relationship management with project stakeholders including; MINECOFIN, MININFRA, MINALOC, REG, EDCL, the World Bank as well as other project implementing partners (e.g Saccos, Banks, MFIs, OSCs, mini-grid developers), other development partners (e.g GIZ, ENABEL) and any other relevant stakeholders;
• Provide financing and technical advice by reviewing all REF loan & subsidy applications, he will support creditworthiness assessment of mini-grid/solar company/PFI and provide technical/financial appraisal of mini-grid/Solar company/PFI loan proposals by conducting risk assessments and other aspects of the due diligence processes on all relevant components of the applying businesses.
• Advising eligible beneficiaries to continuously adhere to the eligibility criteria, financing terms & conditions for borrowing.
• Conduct financial modeling analyses, both during company appraisal, during program design and during any project restructuring that might be needed.
•   Providing technical support in structuring REF business transactions.
• Support execution and supervision of subsidiary loan/subsidy financing agreements signed between BRD and eligible beneficiaries for direct lending, tranche based and back-to-back financing.
• Assist with the delivery of workshops and presentations aimed at sharing experiences among project beneficiaries and implementing partner
•  Assist with preparation and delivery of learning events aimed at sharing experiences among participating project beneficiaries.
• Conduct field visit to offices of participating entities and hold consultative discussions on terms and conditions of subsidiary financing to ensure the approved loan is used strictly following the guidelines in the operations manuals to avoid any ineligible expenditure.
• In collaboration with the REF Project Coordinator, support the World Bank supervision missions by providing all required documentation in respect to project implementation progress
• Advise and assist in drafting project implementation progress reports and ad-hoc briefing notes to MININFRA, MINECOFIN, EDCL, the World Bank or any other stakeholder.
•  Advise and assist in preparation of terms of reference for consultancy work planned under the project by supporting the review process with the World Bank and address any comments to the draft documents in order to receive no objections.
• Review and provide quality assurance of quarterly unaudited interim financial reports (IFRS) before their submission to the World Bank
• Provide technical back up to the REF team in the appraisal process of implementing partners participating in the implementation process of REF across all windows.
• Advise and assist with the preparation and monitoring of the annual work plan and budget as well as monitoring reports.
• Advise the REF team on strategies of pipeline development across all REF windows.
• Brief the Steering Committee on the project implementation progress, challenges and opportunities.
• Provide induction training to all project staff on project management life cycle as well as knowledge transfer along the implementation process.
• Advise and assist in the design tools for appraising the loan applications as well as tools for monitoring and reporting on progress towards achieving project objectives.
• Analyze and advise whether all REF activities are executed in accordance to the REF OMs, and in line with the guidance provided by BRD management, the REF Steering Committee and the World Bank.
•  Advise BRD’s management on improvement for project implementation.
• Rallying development partners’ support to the project.
•   Ensure adequate communication of the project to the various stakeholders.
•  Assist with supervision of various consultancy services to REF.
• Carry out any other assignment given by the BRD management, the REF Steering Committee and/or the World Bank.

Performance indicators

• Weekly reporting to supervisor
• Bi-weekly (every other week) briefing note outlining key issues for BRD Management attention.
• Quarterly progress reports to the REF coordinator describing major activities undertaken and tasks accomplished during the reporting period and challenges hindering implementation process.
• End of year performance report.

Working relationships

• All departments in BRD

Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A Master’s degree in project management, economics, business administration, accounting, finance, or related discipline.
• A degree in electrical engineering or an extensive work experience in the off-grid energy sector and demonstrated knowledge in off-grid technologies, business models and sector policies and regulations.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in financial sector services, with at least 3 years of professional experience in project finance, energy finance and project management positions.
• Strong financial skillset, including investment analyses, risk assessments, conducting due diligence, deal structuring and performing financial modeling.
• Experience of working on projects specifically related with lending to off-grid solar and mini-grids will be an added advantage.
• Experience of working on projects funded by World Bank or other development partners will also be an added advantage.
• A track record of negotiation and underwriting skills.
• Exceptional communication, writing and analytical skills.
• Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power point, Word, etc.);
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.