Principal Transport Specialist

Job Profile:

The Principal Transport Specialist will provide strategic leadership in client dialogue and policy development related to local and regional connectivity through roads and railways, transport logistics, urban transportation, airports & ports, etc.. The incumbent will foster strong partnerships with government agencies and development partners, research institutions, non-government organizations, the private sector, and other sector-related institutions to advance sustainable and climate-resilient transport solutions. The role will be responsible for leading the design and direction of investment operations in the sector and for developing comprehensive policy papers addressing key areas such as efficiency, equity and affordability in the transport sector.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accountability & Responsibilities

• Lead transport sector analytical work including preparation of strategic documentation (including presentations, proposals, notes, and other material) required for business development, supervision and dissemination of activities and strategies
• Develop investment strategies with clients to pursue the most effective approach to achieve transport efficiency in various economic environments and the specific needs of partner countries
• Lead and conduct the assessment of transport policies in partner countries to understand their impact on transport operations and service delivery
• Identify innovative solutions for the development of transport sector operations to support sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in consultation with partner countries, development partners and other stakeholders
• Contributes to the design, preparation, and delivery of transport infrastructure projects, focusing on technical quality and delivery of development outcomes. This also entails reviewing the technical designs, implementation arrangements, and adequacy of procurement and fiduciary arrangements of projects in coordination with other team members
• Participate and at times co-lead teams in operational missions, supporting the identification, preparation or appraisal of potential new operations and the supervision of the implementation of a selected number of ongoing projects
• Originate and implement high impact transport sector projects and develop a pipeline of standalone projects for OPEC Fund

Knowledge Management and Innovations:

• Identify innovative ideas and provide expertise, recommendations and improvement proposals to Country Managers on transport sector matters
• Contribute to knowledge building and management in the transport sector and keep abreast of the latest developments and issues in the sector
• Ensure effective dissemination of lessons learnt and best practices in the transport sector to promote knowledge at OPEC Fund by collaborating with other departments/entities

Perform other duties as required by the Director, Sectors and Themes Unit relevant to the area of responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance or a (closely) related field 
• A minimum of 12 years of direct relevant professional experience, of which at least five (5) years of experience within a multilateral development institution or international financial institution, with a focus on transport sector  planning and operations
• Proven practical experience in operations and policy work of multilateral development institution is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated experience working across diverse geographic regions, with substantial exposure to local and regional connectivity as also large transport infrastructure (highways, ports, airports, etc.) will be an advantage.
• Experience of working in Latin America is considered a strong asset
• A demonstrated track record in producing high-quality research papers, analysis and policy briefs for the multilateral development institution or other international organizations is considered a strong asset
• Proven practical experience in designing, implementing, and supervising projects in the sector, ideally within the context of international development
• Robust analytical skills with regard to transport sector and development finance
• Strong organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize tasks and ensure timely completion of tasks under pressure. 
• Proactive application of relevant international best practices to own work
• Demonstrated project management experience, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement
• Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Portuguese is an added advantage

Competencies:

• Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.