Back Principal, PPP Advisory Unit

Requisition ID 34385 Office Country Uzbekistan Office City Tashkent Division Banking Sectors Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 05/03/2024

Purpose of Job

The Principal is responsible for the delivery of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project preparation within the Uzbek PPP Project Development Facility (UPDF) established by the EBRD and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan (the \"MoEF\"). This facility is managed by the PPP Advisory Unit in SIG and the Donor Partnership team within EBRD.

The purpose of the job is to provide pipeline and project management of PPP project preparation TC for infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan. The Principal will guide the process of evaluation of projects, approval by the parties, tender the work to external consultants and overview the consultants’ work together with the Uzbek authorities. They will directly manage the communications with the PPP Project Implementation Department under the MoEF (the “PPPID”) responsible for PPPs in Uzbekistan acting as Uzbek PPP Unit and ensure compliance with the contractual terms and pass-through requirements in the UPDF. In fulfilling these objectives, the Principal will liaise with the EBRD internal and external stakeholders including several public Uzbek stakeholders. The Principal will provide supervision including managing workloads, to ensure all the PPP projects under preparation are on time and being delivered as per the plan.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Comply with the Bilateral Cooperation Agreement between EBRD and the Uzbek Government as well as the Concept Note which defines the procedures to assess, approve and undertake new projects under the UPDF. While the Concept Note details each step of the preparation, implementation, and reporting, in terms of key responsibilities and processes, the following will be part of the responsibilities of the successful candidate:

• Oversee the UPDF pipeline.
• Communicate on daily basis to the PPPID on the development of projects.
• Assess and agree on projects to be prepared by the Facility and prepare the Terms of Reference for the external consultants.
• Coordinate with the EBRD Procurement Department in the selection of consultants, signing of advisory contracts and mobilisation.
• Coordinate with the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit for results-oriented outcomes ensuring consistency and meeting conditions under the approvals of the UPDF by both the EBRD and the MoEF.
• Although the external advisors will be working directly with public Uzbek counterparties, the Principal should be able to ensure overview and quality of the work provided by consultants to the public stakeholders;
• With support from the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit, work with the PPPID and different Uzbek authorities on the review and assessment of potential PPP projects that are under preparation separately. This may include review of:
  • feasibility studies and PPP structuring documents of a project
  • tender documents and agreements of the project
  • evaluation reports
  • execution version of the project’s agreements
  • financing agreements
  • Provide input into the design and development of projects in coordination with different stakeholders, including the private sector in Uzbekistan, and potential foreign investors.
  • Monitor headroom utilisation under the UPDF for both project preparation and policy dialogue activities.
  • Monitor implementation and results for all projects that benefit from the support of the facility. Ensure that all relevant deliverables, procurements, and project documents meet EBRD Environmental and Social policies.
  • Prepare semi-annual operational reporting to the MoEF.
  • Coordinate visibility of the Facility and ensure the projects supported by UPDF are implemented in line with the relevant visibility action plan agreed with the Uzbek Government.
  • Work in parallel in up to five projects and activities under preparation by UPDF.
  • Coordinate with Donor Partnerships on the management of resources of the UPDF, to ensure compliance with donor requirements

    Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

    • Relevant experience in PPP Project preparation including some experience with advisory on PPP transactions.
    • Exposure to private sector and experience in the financial sector. Having working experience with International Finance Institutions and/or large advisory firms would be an advantage.
    • Master’s degree from a leading university in the country of education
    • Proven project management skills including ability to manage a project team throughout the infrastructure project cycle, sound decision making skills and problem resolution ensuring adherence to established procedures for project approvals and management.
    • Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
    • Proficient in Russian and English. Capacity to communicate in Uzbek both verbal and written will be an advantage.
    • Ability to communicate effectively (informing, presenting, advising, negotiating) at different levels within the organisation as well as with external stakeholders in Uzbekistan.
    • Previous experience of structuring and managing TC / donor funds (or similar) is an advantage.
    • Excellent written and verbal (report writing, presentation and business communication) skills.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic skills
    • Proven, strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data.
    • Computer literate
    • Attention to detail

      What is it like to work at the EBRD?

      Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

      The EBRD environment provides you with:

      • Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
      • A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
      • An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.

        Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.