Job vacancy Operations Officer (Education) BB

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to fill the position of Operations Officer (Education) in the Social Sector Division (SSD) of the Projects Department. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s Office located in St. Michael, Barbados.

THE DIVISION

SSD is responsible for project cycle management in education and training, human settlements (including sites and services), social protection, agriculture and rural development. SSD also has responsibility for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), a direct targeted integrated community development programme focussed on poverty reduction, which is currently administered in ten (10) of the Bank’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

THE ROLE

The OO (Education) is responsible for providing technical analyses, expertise and inputs on capital and technical assistance projects. He/she may have responsibility for direct coordination of some projects or the preparation of relevant policy papers for consideration by management.

The OO (Education) is expected to stay abreast of advances in the human resource development/education and training disciplines, identify/recommend areas for improvement of operational policy, procedure and practice, “lessons learned” and best practices to support project development activities and project performance assessments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The job will require the OO (Education) to:

• Lead the development of theoretical frameworks and analysis of assigned projects in the area of education, training and human resource development.

• Develop and build client/partner relations at technical/professional project levels and promote the generation of new business for the Bank.

• Identify, conceptualise and develop capital projects and technical assistance interventions in collaboration with BMCs for consideration by the Bank and provide advice and guidance on CDB requirements on assigned projects.

• Determine and provide/acquire technical inputs in the area of education and/or prepare diverse operational products/outputs (e.g. sector and country briefings, background reports, case studies, project performance reviews, etc.) to meet operational demands.

• Negotiate programme development and implementation with BMC clients, other recipients of CDB funding and development partners as appropriate.

• Contribute, as a team member, to the preparation and appraisal of loan/grant financing proposals in respect of assigned projects. Inputs will include checking for consistency of information and analysis, as well as ensuring all issues related to compliance with CDB’s policies and procedures are identified and resolved during the appraisal process.

• Analyse project proposals to ensure rigor in design and application of proven successful approaches and identify/recommend areas for improvement of operational policy, procedure and practice.

• Supervise approved projects to completion through all stages of implementation and identify and recommend remedial measures where issues arise during project implementation.

• Research national, regional and international best practices and contribute to “lessons learned” to support project development activities; project performance assessments; and enhancement of educational outcomes in BMCs.

• Work closely with and support BMCs in developing their education plans and financing frameworks in line with country’s development objectives and strategies and CDB’s strategic plan including the Education and Training Policy and Strategy.

• Collaborate with BMCs, regional and international development partners, and others, as relevant to execute the Bank’s mandate of learning recovery, accelerated learning opportunities and transformation of the education sector.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role must have:

• A first degree in education or training, the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences and a postgraduate degree in a field related to education development/policy and planning, human resource development and education.

• At least five years’ practical experience leading education development, policy formulation and programme development at the national level.

• Experience as a practitioner in the oversight of education/training programmes or systems in addition to a strong background in educational planning and research.

• Experience in formulating policy and promoting the use of technology as a catalyst for human resource development.

Project cycle management experience in programme formulation and delivery vis-à-vis human resource development and/or education and training will be an asset.

Experience working with regional and international organisations, including demonstrated understanding of development aid trends, donor landscape and results-based reporting will be an asset.

COMPETENCIES

Function-specific Competencies

The OO (Education) must demonstrate:

• A sound knowledge of socio-economic issues, including education and human resource development concerns in Caribbean countries.

• The capacity to advise educational leaders in BMCs.

• A good grasp of macroeconomic, social policy and institutional development issues as they relate to the problem of poverty.

• The ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues and other development partners.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency

Definition

Acting as a Champion for

Change

Actively identifies problems and opportunities for change and implements solutions where appropriate. Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; and supports people in their efforts to try new things.

Acting Decisively

Moves quickly to make decisions and commits to a clear course of action; comfortable making decisions based on partial information; willing to take risks in order to maintain momentum; shows a strong bias toward action.

Acting Strategically

Aligns day-to-day activities around broader organisational goals and objectives; prioritises resources based on the strategic objectives of the organisation; recognises and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the organisation.

Championing Customer Needs

Calls attention to issues that impact customer satisfaction; views situations from the perspective of customers; encourages people to think about customers when making decisions and develops and sustains productive customer relationships.

Communicating Effectively

Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimise audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills.

Delivering High Quality Work

Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice.

Displaying Technical Expertise

Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialised knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.

Driving for Results

Bottom-line oriented and pushes self and others to achieve results. Keeps current on project status; makes sure people are aware of project status and what they need to do to keep things moving; redirects project resources and activities to overcome setbacks; elevates project concerns to senior levels of leadership when appropriate.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A pension plan, life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that your background and interest will not be discussed with anyone including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications June 28, 2022 at 11:59 pm AST.