Africa Regional Department (ARD) is seeking to recruit a dynamic economic infrastructure adviser to contribute to the delivery of UK Government’s new approach to Africa, focusing on promoting mutual prosperity by boosting economic growth, jobs, trade, and development.

The adviser will provide leadership for UK engagement in the development and financing of economic infrastructure for growth and trade in West Africa to deliver excellent development outcomes for partner countries as well as increased opportunities for UK business. This will include strengthening relationships with key African institutions, multi-lateral and bilateral organisations on infrastructure policy, planning, and financing, as well as working closely with UK Government colleagues, particularly the Department of International Trade (DIT) and UK Export Finance (UKEF).

Key responsibilities and accountabilities;

• Leading on sustainable, inclusive economic infrastructure development and financing in West Africa, working closely with Africa Regional Department and UK Government colleagues in country teams and in the UK to strengthen coordination and collaboration. This includes bringing together a strategic and structured approach for UK engagement in infrastructure, informing and strengthening UK Government’s prosperity offer.
• Building strong relationships with national governments and regional institutions to gain a sound understanding of infrastructure priorities, planning, and project pipelines across the transport, energy, water and telecoms sectors. This includes the key institutions, the policy and regulatory context, decision making and incentives, and the opportunities and barriers for increased financing.
• Working with Department International Trade and UK Export Finance to develop approaches and partnerships for increased financing of infrastructure and maximised development impact.
• Ensuring UK financing is climate resilient and low carbon, in line with the UKs commitment to the Paris Agreement.
• Strengthening understanding of China’s role and engagement in infrastructure, identifying opportunities for collaboration to strengthen prioritisation and quality.
• Maintaining collaboration with the Private Infrastructure Development Group and the UK’s Development Finance Institution CDC Group on infrastructure strategy and portfolio/project development in relation to West Africa.