View Vacancy – Infrastructure and Urban Planning Manager (04/24 MPT)

The main purpose of the job:

The British High Commission (BHC) Maputo is looking for an experienced technical officer to support mobilisation and delivery of a new Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) in Mozambique. The programme will provide technical assistance to developing countries on low-carbon infrastructure and climate-smart urban development, under the banner of the UK’s British Investment Partnerships initiative which aims to mobilise £8 billion of investment in infrastructure projects in 23 priority countries, including Mozambique.

The job holder will sit within the Trade and Inclusive Growth (TIG) team in the British High Commission, reporting to the senior private sector development adviser.  S/he will work closely with other members of the British High Commission team (including private sector experts, climate and environment advisers, economists, political and conflict officers, programme managers, and colleagues from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT)) to support delivery of the UK Country Plan in Mozambique.     

The post is funded under GCIP. Should FCDO withdraw funding to the programme, the position will end after any required notice period.

The job holder will lead the design and implementation of the GCIP in Mozambique.  This will include:

·       Ensuring the programme’s objectives are fully aligned with the UK Government’s International Development White Paper[1], published November 2023.

·       Ensuring high quality and value for money delivery of GCIP projects in Mozambique.

·       Identifying and advising on opportunities for new programme interventions.

·       Identifying and providing advice on infrastructure investment and carbon market opportunities.

·       Establishing and maintaining a strong stakeholder network of GCIP partners.

·       Coordinating GCIP engagement across BHC Maputo and the UK’s network.

·       Contributing to smooth programme and budget management and reporting. 

The role requires substantial external engagement and influence. The job holder is expected to build and maintain a strong network of diplomatic, government, private sector, multilateral, and civil society contacts to help inform further investment opportunities and programme interventions. The post-holder will have substantial responsibility and the opportunity to influence the design and delivery of a high-profile political priority. The role combines diplomacy and international development delivery, including the UK’s International Climate Finance commitments. The post holder will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on global issues across the British High Commission, including Urban and Infrastructure, Development Capital, Science and Innovation Network, and Trade teams.

The job holder will also be required to contribute to the wider objectives of the British High Commission, including helping maintain an inclusive working environment where all staff feel valued and can make the best use of their skills and experience. The role will also require maintaining good working relationships with colleagues in FCDO’s headquarters in the UK, as well as the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) consortium who have been contracted to lead GCIP implementation. Good stakeholder management is key.

Roles and responsibilities:

In close coordination and collaboration with British High Commission colleagues, the job holder should provide expertise and guidance on the development and improvement of public infrastructure, such as transportation systems, utilities, and public spaces within selected cities (Pemba, Nacala, and Beira). The job holder should also engage and manage relationships with relevant ministries (including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment) and local government in Mozambique to design and oversee implementation of activities defined and supported by GCIP. Responsibilities include:

1.     Project/Programme Delivery (50%)

·       Manage programme/project delivery of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) in line with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework.

·       Ensure PWC Alliance and other delivery partners meet their milestones, remain on track to deliver programme objectives and that reporting is high quality and timely.

·       Input into financial aspects of the GCIP: this could include budget forecasting, monitoring and budget allocation of individual projects and input into the overall programme working with GCIP London. Challenging value for money for individual projects.

·       Manage and monitor risks to programme delivery, escalating when necessary.

·       Work closely with teams at BHC Maputo, other British High Commissions/Embassies with GCIP activities, and FCDO Headquarters to share learning and best practice.

·       Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks are in place across all GCIP projects and that projects contribute to the BHC’s Mozambique Country Plan objectives on sustainable prosperity and climate resilience.

2.     Infrastructure Policy and Stakeholder Engagement (30%)

·       Provide high-quality analysis advising on policy decisions and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable and efficient development of infrastructure projects, including seek cross-team collaboration opportunities amongst BHC Maputo teams to continue supporting a mainstreamed approach in bilateral programmes.

·       Ensure coordination between UK cities, transport and sustainable infrastructure programmes and initiatives supported by the UK and other development partners, identifying opportunities for multilateral cooperation where possible.

·       Contribute to long-term planning efforts to enhance the overall liveability and functionality of the targeted and selected cities with wider benefits to local communities and advise on opportunities for projects to mobilise investment including from UK institutions such as BII, private sector, and climate finance.

·       Prompt strategic, regular communications with key stakeholders in the UK, Mozambique, and other regional stakeholders to facilitate sharing of best practice.

·       Publicly represent the British High Commission and the UK Government as a credible interlocutor in external engagements on themes relevant to the programme (climate change adaptation, resilient infrastructure, urban planning, and development).

·       Support the Resilient Cities and Infrastructure team (based in London) in developing deeper climate collaboration with Mozambique at the national, state, and local levels, fostering relationships across the Government of Mozambique. 

3.     Contribute to effective working across BHC Maputo (20%)

·       Contribute to cross-office activities and discussions; supporting other colleagues to deliver their objectives.

·       Provide a timely response to requests for policy briefings and corporate returns, if required.

·       Keep abreast of the latest evidence and experience from Mozambique and other countries and developments in UK policy concerning infrastructure development and city planning.

·       Uphold and champion BHC’s values by playing an active role in supporting the working environment and overall performance.

·       Report to senior leadership on progress towards objectives and develop and implement adequate procedures to support decision-making, monitor projects and their outcomes, engage with government bodies, organise events and visits, and build strong relationships with key UK and Mozambican institutions.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The job holder will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme which is funded from the UK’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) budget.  The role does not include line management responsibilities.

• Relevant qualification and experience in thematic areas relevant to the role e.g. sustainable/green infrastructure, mobilising investment, climate finance, environmental management, urban planning, and civil engineering.
• Ability to analyse complex data, evaluate project development proposals, and make informed recommendations based on findings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Portuguese; able to convey your point clearly and concisely.
• Experience in building a wide network of government, private sector, international community, and civil society stakeholders and using relationships to deliver objectives.
• Demonstrated resilience to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, with the ability to implement, benchmark against national and international evidence and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong political economy awareness and ability to spot opportunities to influence and build partnerships.
• Experience in programme management, including planning, budgeting, and coordination of interdisciplinary teams.
• An organised and proactive approach to work and a willingness to continually learn and improve.
• A commitment to contributing to a positive working environment grounded in inclusion, respect, kindness, and collaboration.