2 Vacant Positions At Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), a wholesale finance institution established to alleviate financing constraints encountered by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria is inviting applications from interested and qualified candidates to apply to fill the Job Opportunities at the Bank.
Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Assistant
Job Description:
The PIU Assistant will play a critical role in supporting the effective implementation of these initiatives. Working closely with the PIU leadership, the Assistant will provide operational, administrative, and technical support to ensure smooth execution of technical assistance and climate finance programs. The role will involve engaging with internal and external stakeholders, supporting compliance with donor requirements, and contributing to the successful delivery of DBN’s transformative projects.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to provide comprehensive project management and operational support to the Climate Desk/GCF Desk within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The PIU Assistant will ensure the efficient planning, coordination, and implementation of climate finance projects, while maintaining compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies. This role is critical in enabling the smooth operation of the climate desk and achieving the Development Bank of Nigeria’s (DBN) strategic sustainability objectives.
Scope of Work
Administrative and Technical Support:
Assist the Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) in identifying and screening viable climate finance projects aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GCF priorities.
Conduct research and provide administrative support for DBN’s accreditation processes with the Adaptation Fund (AF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), ensuring compliance with their requirements.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, records, and files, ensuring they are easily accessible.
Conduct preliminary research to gather relevant data, reports, and insights to support project proposals and submissions to the GCF.
Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
Project Implementation and Monitoring:
Support the monitoring of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure adherence to donor and DBN policies.
Assist in the preparation of frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for secured funds.
Support efforts to ensure that ongoing and future projects comply with GCF accreditation requirements, contributing to DBN’s adherence to international climate finance standards.
Maintain an organized repository of GCF-related documentation, including accreditation updates, re-accreditation processes, and project records.
Support the preparation and review of funding proposals, concept notes, workplans and other project documents.
Collect, organize, and analyze data to support project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Coordinate logistics and communication for meetings with funding bodies, regulatory agencies (e.g NCCC), and other stakeholders.
Maintain an up-to-date database of key contacts and partnerships within the climate finance ecosystem.
Support the development of stakeholder engagement materials and strategies.
Operational Support:
Assist in the preparation and submission of periodic reports on project progress and funding activities.
Provide support for readiness programs and capacity-building initiatives for DBN and the Nigeria Climate Change Commission (NCCC).
Conduct preliminary research on climate finance mechanisms and provide summarized insights to the Project Manager.
General Support:
Ensure compliance with donor regulations and DBN governance standards in all activities.
Perform any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager – GCF Desk to support the successful execution of the GCF Desk’s objectives.
Conduct of Work and Duration of Assignment The Consultant will be offered a contract with a duration of twelve (12) months on a full-time basis, renewable based on satisfactory performance and need. The Consultant will be required to report at the DBN Head Office based within the DBN approved work hours.
Reporting Obligations
The Project Assistant – GCF Desk will report directly to the Project Manager – GCF Desk. Regular updates on tasks and progress will be required, along with contributions to project status reports.
Payment Schedule
For the duration of the engagement, the Consultant shall be renumerated on a monthly basis with an amount yet to be agreed. This yet to be agreed amount multiplied by the intended 12-month engagement period shall cumulate and form the total contract sum.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Development Studies, Project Management, Finance, or a related field.
Training or certification in project management or climate finance (e.g., CAPM, Climate Finance Essentials) is an added advantage.
An understanding of the financial sector and project management methodologies.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in project support, administration, or a related role within the development finance or climate finance sector.
Familiarity with the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and funding submissions is an asset.
Familiarity with international climate finance frameworks (e.g., Paris Agreement, NDCs, and GCF priorities) and their application in project development.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira).
Ability to work collaboratively in a team and under pressure.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent presentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to deal sensitively with a multi-cultural environment and build effective business relationships with clients and colleagues.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Climate Finance Specialist
Job Description:
The Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) will be a key member of the PIU, responsible for managing DBN’s growing portfolio of climate finance initiatives. This includes securing funding from the GCF and other climate finance mechanisms, identifying suitable projects for financing, ensuring their alignment with DBN’s sustainability goals, and overseeing risk management, monitoring, and evaluation processes to ensure successful implementation.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to manage DBN’s climate finance portfolio, ensuring alignment with global climate finance priorities, especially that of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and to secure new funding opportunities. The Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) will identify, screen, and develop a strong pipeline of climate-related projects for financing. Additionally, the role will focus on securing project approval and funding, ensuring proper risk management, and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of funded projects.
The CFS will also coordinate climate finance activities, develop operational frameworks, and support DBN in its efforts to become a leading institution in climate finance, particularly through successful accreditation and engagement with multiple global climate funds. This role will be key in strengthening DBN’s capacity to implement climate finance initiatives, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational goals.
Scope of Work
GCF Accreditation Management & Oversight
Ensure Ongoing Compliance: Oversee DBN’s compliance with the GCF accreditation standards, ensuring that all ongoing and future climate finance projects adhere to GCF guidelines and regulations.
Leverage GCF Accreditation: Build on DBN’s existing status as a Direct Access Entity (DAE) under the GCF to facilitate the successful implementation and financing of climate-related projects in Nigeria.
Prepare for Accreditation with AF and GEF: Assist DBN in preparing for future accreditation with the Adaptation Fund (AF), and Global Environment Facility (GEF), including conducting assessments, identifying necessary actions, and gathering required documentation.
Accreditation Maintenance: Ensure the accreditation with the GCF is continuously up to date, participating in any necessary processes for re-accreditation or ensuring alignment with new requirements from the GCF.
Project Identification, Development, & Proposal Management
Project Identification & Screening: In collaboration with the Nigerian Climate Change Commission (NCCC) and relevant stakeholders, identify viable climate projects that align with both Nigeria’s climate goals and GCF priorities.
Proposal & Concept Note Development: Lead the development of detailed concept notes and funding proposals for projects that will be submitted to the GCF, ensuring they are compliant with GCF’s guidelines and contribute to meeting the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Financial Structuring: Develop financial models for projects, ensuring alignment with climate finance principles, GCF priorities, and donor requirements.
Project Implementation & Monitoring
Manage Project Execution: Oversee the implementation of climate finance projects, ensuring they are executed efficiently, on time, and in line with GCF funding agreements.
Develop Operational Frameworks: Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operational management of climate projects funded by GCF, ensuring smooth project delivery.
M&E and Collaboration with M&E Team: Establish and oversee M&E mechanisms to track project progress, measure impact, and ensure compliance with GCF metrics. Collaborate with the M&E team to track outcomes, ensure accountability, and evaluate project performance.
Consultant and Partner Management: Develop TORs for consultants and service providers, screen for suitability, and monitor deliverables to ensure projects are implemented effectively.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Foster Relationships with Global Partners: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as the GCF, national government agencies (NCCC), and other relevant development partners to strengthen DBN’s climate finance network.
Represent DBN in Global Dialogues: Represent DBN in high-level discussions and negotiations with GCF and other climate finance organizations, ensuring DBN’s position in global climate finance discussions is reinforced.
Partnership Development: Establish partnerships with national and international organizations to enhance DBN’s capacity to deliver impactful climate finance projects
Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing
Internal Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training programs for DBN staff and key partners/stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of climate finance processes and compliance with GCF standards.
Promote Knowledge Sharing: Encourage cross-departmental knowledge sharing to enhance DBN’s internal capacity for managing climate finance projects and adhering to GCF funding conditions.
Develop Readiness Programs: In collaboration with the Nigerian Climate Change Commission (NCCC), design and support the GCF Readiness Program, including the development of a comprehensive workplan. This program will focus on enhancing the capacity of Nigeria’s institutions to effectively execute climate finance projects and prepare for future GCF funding cycles.
Reporting, Risk Management & Financial Audits
Ensure Financial Compliance: Oversee financial reporting and ensure all project expenditures and disbursements are in compliance with GCF and DBN’s internal policies.
Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to track project outcomes, financial performance, and adherence to agreed milestones.
Risk Management: Identify risks associated with funded projects and ensure that mitigation strategies are in place to safeguard project outcomes and funds.
Periodic Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the status of ongoing projects, funding disbursements, and DBN’s compliance with GCF terms. These reports will be shared with DBN leadership, GCF, and other stakeholders as required.
Conduct Financial Audits: Oversee independent audits of funded projects to ensure the appropriate use of climate finance resources and compliance with GCF requirements.
Conduct of Work and Duration of Assignment
The Consultant will be offered a contract with a duration of twelve (12) months on a full- time basis, renewable based on satisfactory performance and need. The Consultant will be required to report at the DBN Head Office based within the DBN approved work hours.
Reporting Obligation
The Climate Finance Specialist Project Manager – GCF Desk will work under the direct supervision of the PIU Project Coordinator/Manager and report to both the PIU Management Team and DBN. The Climate Finance Specialist is expected to submit regular progress reports in formats and according to reporting periods to be determined.
Payment Schedule
For the duration of the engagement, the Consultant shall be renumerated on a monthly basis with an amount yet to be agreed. This yet to be agreed amount multiplied by the intended 12-month engagement period shall cumulate and form the total contract sum.
Qualifications and Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, Business, Economics or related disciplines. Relevant trainings and professional certifications in project management such as a PMP Certification is a strong plus.
Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Climate Finance, Environmental Economics, Sustainable Development, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields.
Relevant certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Climate Finance certifications (e.g., CAPM, Climate Finance Essentials), or CFA designation, are preferred.
Minimum of eight (8) years in climate finance, with at least four (4) years focusing on DFIs, multilateral climate funds, or relevant sectors.
Proven experience with GCF accreditation and project development, and familiarity with AF and GEF.
In-depth understanding of Nigerian NDCs and how they influence climate finance projects, ensuring alignment with the country’s climate goals.
Experience in fundraising, proposal development, impact modelling and managing large-scale climate finance projects.
Strong knowledge of climate finance instruments and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and national climate policies, particularly as they relate to Nigeria’s NDC targets.
Expertise in climate finance mechanisms, M&E systems, and global climate funds.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex issues, present and negotiate effectively, and engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and navigate cross-functional challenges with tact and integrity.
High level of professionalism, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential material and maintaining strong business relationships.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira).
Method Of Application
All applications (CV and Cover Letter) should be sent to careers@devbankng.com. Make sure the subject of your mail is the position you are applying for.
Deadline: February 14, 2025
