Portfolio Manager - Two positions

Job Profile:

In co-operation with the Director, the Portfolio Manager leads the implementation and monitoring of the Public Sector projects in the assigned portfolio countries, including procurement, supervision, disbursements, and completion. In coordination with the relevant Country Managers and Sector experts, the Portfolio Manager also participates in the appraisal of Public Sector projects and contributes to the development of Partner Country Strategies in the assigned portfolio-countries.  The Portfolio Manager is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of country operational strategies and supports the achievements of the regional and departmental objectives and targets.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management

• Leads the implementation of projects, through providing guidance to project management /implementation teams within the executing agencies in the assigned portfolio-countries to facilitate implementation, resolve implementation problems, as well as incorporating lessons learnt into the project’s implementation framework
• Ensures the proper preparation of projects implementation through necessary training and familiarization of the Executing Agencies and Project Management Units with the OPEC Fund’s rules and procedures related to procurement, disbursement reporting and changes
• Oversees the progress of project implementation up to completion and closing of the financing, ensuring compliance with covenants, submission of regular progress reports including the completion report, and monitoring of the adherence to the Project’s Results Framework in order to achieve the envisaged project outcomes
• Leads the procurement and disbursement processes for the project, insuring achievement of contract award, as well as successful disbursement according to regularly updated Procurement Plans and Disbursement Forecasts
• Conducts regular projects supervision and country portfolio performance review missions to portfolio countries to ensure ongoing monitoring of project progress, proactive identification of issues, course correction recommendation and implementation of action plans to resolve issues promptly and confirm progress of implementation
• Manages and monitors Project’s scope, budget and completion dates and undertakes, in collaboration with the relevant Country Manager project restructuring when necessary
• Maintains adequate, up-to-date, and accurate project information and key records in the OPEC Fund’s operations management information system
• Conducts regular assessments of the implementation of projects in the portfolio countries (Project Rating), to develop practical and innovative solutions to streamline implementation of problematic projects and improve portfolio quality, especially for fragile and conflict countries. Recommend and follow-up on portfolio cleaning actions including cancellation of idle and problematic projects
• Ensures the preparation and timely submission of the project completion reports, to ensure key issues and lessons learned are documented for reference in future projects
• Provides support to the teams responsible for disbursements and loan servicing (repayments) in Finance
• Participates in the implementation of the annual work plan for the portfolio, ensuring alignment with the regional and departmental objectives, targets and KPIs

Contribution to the Country Strategies, project identification and preparation 

• Contributes to the development of Partner Country Strategies in the portfolio countries by providing feedback on implementation issues and lessons learnt
• Participates in the project appraisal, including implementation arrangements, as well as project administration design

Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing and Supervision

• Prepares and implements individual Annual Work Program and Budget (AWPB) for the assigned countries, including proposed supervision missions, trainings and Project Start-up Workshops for the Project Management Unit (PMU)/ (Project Implementation Unit (PIU), in close coordination with the Country Managers
• Contributes to institution building and maintains and shares knowledge through active participation in task force groups and other meetings
• Ensures and validates information entry into the Management Information System (MIS/ SAP/ EDMS) and makes recommendations for improving its functionality

Perform other duties as required by the Director relevant to the area of responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Banking, Business Administration, Engineering or a (closely) related field
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience
• Preferably at least two (2) years' relevant work experience in an international development institution
• Robust analytical skills with regard to public procurement and development finance
• Fluent in English
• Good working knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is an added advantage

Competencies:

• Customer Centricity - The ability to focus on comprehending and addressing customer needs; consistently deliver exceptional service and foster strong, lasting customer relationships.
• Problem Solving Ability - The ability to identify issues adeptly, delve into root causes, and devise pragmatic solutions; demonstrate ingenuity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
• Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences.
• Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role.
• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.