Chief Sanitation Officer Awtf

Full vacancy title: Chief Sanitation Officer, AWTF Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Position Grade: PL3 Position Number: 50088562 Posting Date: 08-Jul-2026 Closing Date: 28-Jul-2026 THE BANK Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent

There are 81 member states,including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries)

The Bank’s development agenda is delivering thefinancial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth

In order to sharply focus the objectives of the Ten-Year Strategy (2024 – 2033) and ensure greater developmental impact, four cardinal points, all of which will accelerate our delivery for Africa, have been identified for scaling up, namely; enhancing access to capital; reforming and consolidating the continent’s financial systems, institutions and talent to assert Africa’s global agency; harnessing the demographic transformation for economic development; and building climate-resilient infrastructure and robust value addition to natural resources

THE COMPLEX: The AHVP Complex comprises five departments: (i) Agriculture and Agro-Industry Development; (ii) Agriculture Finance and Rural Development; (iii) Gender, Women and Civil Society; (iv) Water Development and Sanitation; and,and (v) Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development

The complex objectives are (i) to develop, policy and strategy; (ii) provide deep sector expertise to the regions and (iii) develop new financing instruments The Vice-Presidency for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery (RDVP) is responsible for operational relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the Bank Group’s operational programs and activities

The RDVP ensures that the Bank operates successfully across its Regional Members Countries (RMCs) and oversees the full implementation of all aspects of the Bank’s Regional Directorates

THE HIRING DEPARTMENT: The Water Development and Sanitation Department (AHWS) is part of the Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex

The Department is responsible for the coordination of the Bank’s water development and sanitation-related activities.The AHWS leads the scaling-up of the Bank’s contribution to Africa’s efforts to attain water security and sanitation for sustainable socio-economic transformation

The Department is also responsible for the origination of Non-Sovereign Operations (NSOs)

It also supports regions concerning complex projects

Through its divisions: AHWS.l, AHWS.2, AHWS.3 for Water Security and Sanitation in Africa, and the African Water Facility (AWF), the AHWS Department supports regional hubs in the development and promotion of knowledge, approaches and tools for green and inclusive water security and for improved sanitation

THE HIRING DIVISION: The African Water Facility (AWF) is an initiative of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) to mobilize resources to finance water sector facilitation and investment activities in Africa

The AWF has been established within the context of the Africa Water Vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The African Development Bank is managing the AWF on the request of AMCOW

The resources of the AWF are primarily allocated to: water resources projects and programmes focused on improving the enabling environment for sustainable national and regional water resources management, preparing projects and programmes for immediate capital investments, and providing resources for strategic and small-scale investments

The AWF plans, organizes and carries out activities related to projects and programs cycle activities (identification, preparation, appraisal implementation and supervision) in the above areas, in all African countries; undertakes studies on issues regarding the water sector development and related areas; provides advice and technical assistance to African countries; and ensures coordination and synergy with other partners and donors in the water and sanitation sector in Africa

In 2024 the Bank approved the creation of a dedicated urban sanitation financing window set up within the AWF, under the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII)

The AUSII window will support inclusive urban sanitation projects through grant financing, TA support and deployment of concessional and blended finance instruments and guarantees

The AWF is recruiting a Chief Sanitation Officer who will lead the development, management and delivery of the AUSII sanitation portfolio, with a strong focus on investment preparation, sanitation sector financing, blended finance, private sector participation and downstream resource mobilization

The position requires a senior professional able to provide strategic leadership, guide multidisciplinary teams, engage credibly with governments, financiers and development partners, and position AUSII as a catalytic platform for sanitation investment in Africa

KEY FUNCTIONS: Lead the strategic development of the AWF/AUSII sanitation investment portfolio, in line with the AWF strategy and AUSII workplan, by identifying high-impact sanitation investment opportunities and conducting high-level dialogue with governments, local governments, utilities, regulators, private sector operators, financiers, NGOs and development partners

Lead, manage and quality-assure the implementation of AUSII annual work plans and the AWF sanitation portfolio, ensuring that programme and project objectives are met, implementation risks are addressed, and outputs meet senior-level standards suitable for engagement with governments, donors and financiers

Advise and support senior management in strategic engagements with external and internal partners, making a compelling case for increased financing and investment in Africa’s sanitation sector, including through concessional finance, blended finance, guarantees, public-private partnerships and other innovative financing mechanisms

Provide senior technical and financial leadership on the structuring of sanitation financing approaches, including investment pipelines, project preparation facilities, downstream financing strategies, private sector participation models and partnerships with development finance institutions.Originate and manage the Development of knowledge products to disseminate AUSII’s/ AWF’s analytical work, results and impact of its interventions, and lessons learnt

Lead the implementation of AUSII/ AWF strategic actions, taking guidance and direction from senior management

Lead and mentor a core sanitation team, consultants and technical experts, ensuring effective coordination, clear allocation of responsibilities, strong quality control and timely delivery of high-quality outputs

Drive the preparation of bankable and implementable sanitation projects, ensuring that technical solutions are matched with credible financing plans, institutional arrangements, implementation pathways and risk mitigation measures

Represent AWF/AUSII at senior level in sector policy, financing and investment discussions, positioning the Facility as a leading platform for sanitation project preparation and investment mobilization in Africa

Prepare the required project documentation during the identification, preparation and implementation phases of the project cycle Coordinate with other departments of the Bank in implementation of AUSII/ AWF plans Represent the AWF externally and at international events, promoting work of the AWF and AUSII accordingly Develop and maintain relations with key stakeholders and donors of AWF and AUSII Duties and Responsibilities: The Chief Sanitation Officer will be responsible for providing senior strategic, technical and financial leadership for the development and delivery of the AUSII/AWF sanitation portfolio, with a focus on urban sanitation, both sewered and non-sewered sanitation

She/he will lead the preparation of credible, bankable and implementable sanitation investment projects, guide a multidisciplinary sanitation team, and support the mobilization of downstream financing from public, concessional, blended and private sources

The position requires a senior professional with demonstrated credibility in sanitation sector financing, investment planning, project preparation and stakeholder engagement, capable of advising governments and partners on practical pathways to close Africa’s urban sanitation investment gap

Manage and Supervise AWF sanitation portfolio Lead the strategic identification, prioritization and preparation of sanitation investment opportunities, including assessment of concept notes, investment readiness, financing potential, institutional feasibility and alignment with AUSII’s objectives.Organize and undertake project preparation missions as necessary to finalize the preparation of the Project Appraisal Reports and support the review process to approval by the relevant authorities

Mobilize, lead and supervise AWF staff, Bank experts and external consultants required for project preparation, financing analysis, technical assessments, institutional studies and implementation support, ensuring high-quality delivery and effective team performance

Ensure that grant agreements are signed promptly after approval as well as timely achievement of grant effectiveness

Also ensure timely delivery of other relevant project reports Provide on-going assistance to Recipients in understanding and applying AWF’s operational procedures relating to grant administration as well as the rules and procedures for the procurement of goods, works and services

Create understanding and commitment of the Recipient on the urban sanitation challenges and possible solutions to overcome these challenges Provide senior guidance on the design and implementation of AUSII financing instruments, including concessional finance, blended finance, guarantees, project preparation support, co-financing arrangements and potential private sector participation models.Able to incorporate and reflect cross cutting issues as gender equality and climate resilience adequately into the AUSII/ AWF portfolio Work with AfDB’s Financial Department in processing disbursement requests by providing up-to-date information on spending categories, established list of goods, works and services, contracts, entry into force of grant/ financing agreements, authorized signatories, extension of closing dates, managing grant savings and any revisions and modifications thereof

Oversee and undertake desk and field supervision to ensure that projects are well implemented, are accomplishing the intended objectives and recommend any necessary corrective measures

Lead regular portfolio and team performance reviews to assess project progress, identify bottlenecks, guide corrective actions, mentor team members and ensure delivery of expected results

Ensure efficient achievement of all the project milestones including project evaluation, regular audits, knowledge synthesis and timely monitoring and reporting on project progress and completion, problems experienced and solutions to all stakeholders

Lead and Support arrangements for project evaluation

Lead and provide technical guidance to structuring grant projects, provide inputs to AUSII financing interventions, provide guidance to conceptualise sanitation policy, governance and institutional studies Lead the development of strategic partnerships with sanitation actors, development finance institutions, donors, municipalities, utilities and private sector investors, with a specific focus on co-financing, downstream investments and scale-up opportunities

Lead providing regular updates on the portfolio progress to the AWF management and ensure all inputs to the digital transformation of the AWF Develop Knowledge Products Contribute to knowledge management including: (i) providing hands-on support to Recipients in implementing projects to achieve the overall goals; (ii) establishing and maintaining an E-network for sharing knowledge and providing back-stopping support; (iii) linking projects to the sanitation experts in Africa and ensuring effective support; (iv) looking out for key approaches, findings and lessons and ensuring prompt sharing among the Recipients; (v) encouraging and supporting dissemination of findings at national level for possible replication; (vi) preparing project synthesis reports and sharing them identified audiences; (vii) ensuring effective recruitment of consultants to undertake various Knowledge Management (KM) activities; (viii) managing the annual peer-to-peer review events; etc

Ensure coordination with sanitation partners in Africa (and elsewhere), and represent AWF in donor meetings, regional and international meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops on sanitation development issues

Establish and maintain active communication between the different stakeholders and work with them to ensure that they are adequately informed on portfolio progress

AWF Administration/Liaison Contribute to the AWF Annual Report, and the Annual Work plan and budget as required

Respond to requests for information from the AWF Co-ordinator and the AWF team HQ in a timely manner

Participate in the co-ordination and organisation of AUSII/ AWF activities and participate in specific AUSII/ AWF events as required Support the AUSII/ AWF resource mobilization activities Undertake assignments as may be required by the AWF Co-ordinator from time to time SELECTION CRITERIA (including desirable skills, knowledge and experience): Hold at least a master’s degree in either of civil engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Waste Water Engineering, Sanitation and Hygiene, or related discipline

Combination of a master’s degree in economics, and/or finance with a degree in a relevant technical field will also be considered

A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in progressively senior roles related to project management, sanitation policy and strategy development, preparation and management of non-sewered sanitation and reuse projects preferably in urban and peri-urban settings and City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation approach

Demonstrated knowledge and credible hands-on experience with sanitation financing instruments, including concessional finance, blended finance, guarantees, project preparation facilities, co-financing arrangements and private sector participation, is required

Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relations with colleagues Proven ability to lead, supervise and mentor a core sanitation team, coordinate multidisciplinary experts and consultants, manage performance, ensure quality control and deliver results in a multicultural environment with limited supervision

Ability to influence and participate effectively in actions to drive change Ability to be flexible, open minded with integrity

A team player who likes to operate in a team and sees the achievements as a team effort Client and results oriented individual demonstrating “a can do attitude” Good understanding of sanitation issues, trends and opportunities in Africa

Ability to identify and articulate policy and technological issues and to provide sound advice

Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively orally and in written briefs

Experience in delivering high quality operational products and services (research advice, sectoral studies and review; projects)

Good communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships in a diverse multicultural environment

Experience with International Development Financing Institutions in developing countries including a satisfactory knowledge of their operational policies and procedures

Demonstrated experience working with private sector actors, development finance institutions, investment financiers, utilities, municipalities or transaction-oriented partners in the preparation, financing or implementation of sanitation or infrastructure projects will be a strong requirement Proven track record in leading complex sanitation, water or infrastructure assignments, including responsibility for team leadership, client engagement, quality assurance and delivery of strategic outputs

Demonstrated experience in preparing or supporting bankable infrastructure projects, investment plans, financing strategies, project concept notes, appraisal documents or resource mobilization proposals

Strong understanding of the economics and financing of sanitation services, including public finance, affordability, cost recovery, subsidies, operations and maintenance, municipal finance, utility performance and the role of private sector participation

Credible experience engaging with senior government officials, development partners, financiers, utilities, municipalities, regulators and private sector operators on sanitation sector policy, investment or financing issues

Ability to translate sanitation diagnostics and sector studies into practical investment opportunities, financing pathways and implementable project pipelines

Experience in Africa and familiarity with the institutional, financial and implementation challenges of urban sanitation service delivery will be highly desirable

Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); knowledge of SAP is desirable Excellent spoken and written English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language with the ability to lead engagements, field missions and operational activities in all RMCs of the Bank

Competence in the use of the standard Microsoft software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP

Should you encounter technical difficulties in submitting your application, please send an email with a precise description of the issue and/or a screenshot showing the problem to: HR Direct [email protected] Apply for this position 1- Regular Staff If you are currently working at the African Development Bank as a regular staff, click on the button below to apply for this position

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Apply for this position To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries

Applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are considered for further assessment will be contacted

Applicants should submit a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any additional documents that may be stated as required

The President of the African Development Bank reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level

The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

https://www.afdb.org The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications)

In addition, the Bank does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts

The African Development Bank Group declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever

“Please note that the Bank does not accept dual nationality

Therefore, you are required to declare the nationality you would like to be considered by the Bank throughout your career, if hired

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