Project Officer (Private Sector Development and Investments) Verified listing

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Islamabad was established in Pakistan in 1985 with the objective of fostering closer and stronger ties between the EU and Pakistan, which expanded considerably since. The EU Delegation works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Pakistani government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

The EU is a major development cooperation partner of Pakistan, with a portfolio of close to EUR 100 million a year. EU-funded programmes and projects cover a wide range of sectors including rural development and economic growth, climate change and energy, education as well as governance and human rights. In addition, the EU has launched its Global Gateway Strategy. To meet global infrastructure development needs in line with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, its target is to mobilise between 2021 and 2027 up to EUR 300 billion of sustainable investments in quality infrastructure.

The Position: 

We are looking for a Project Officer for Private Sector Development and Investments (Local Agent Group 1) in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. Under a fixed term employment contract of 2 years, with a possibility of renewal under reserve of budgetary availabilities and operational considerations. For internal candidates holding an indefinite term contract alternative contractual arrangement may apply in accordance with institutional policies. The team consists of 9 people and there are occasional a typical working hours.

Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will, in close cooperation with and under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of the Rural Development and Economic Growth section, coordinate and monitor the implementation of ongoing projects in the field of economic growth, private sector development and investments, as well as in the formulation and advancement of new interventions in this field. In addition, we propose an interesting and diverse coordinating role supporting the roll out of the Global Gateway and the implementation of the Team Europe approach and initiatives.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required:

• To advise on and manage projects and programs of development assistance and of financial and technical cooperation with third countries in the fields of economic growth, private sector development and investments;

• To support and contribute to policy dialogue with relevant public and private sector stakeholders in all areas of concern, with a special focus on infrastructure investments;

• Contribute and prepare inputs to briefings and Global Gateway horizontal issues;

• Maintain good and effective contacts with the local operators in the field, with the national authorities and institutions, with representatives of the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States as well as of European and International Financial Institutions, with representatives of the principal international donors, with NGOs and other local non-official actors;

• Prepare and assist in missions from Headquarters;

• Contribute to communication and visibility of programmes and ad hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Section and the Delegation.

• A master’s degree in (agricultural) economics, finance, business administration, public administration, international development, rural development, or similar relevant discipline;

• Minimum 8 years professional experience, of which at least 3 years in an international organisation, or internationally funded projects;

• Minimum 3 years professional experience in finance or private sector development (which can be included in the overall 8 years of professional experience);

• Proven proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing English. Ability to draft documents to high standard essential;

• High level of general IT literacy, in particular Microsoft Office (word, outlook, excel);

• Medical fitness to carry out the tasks assigned;

• Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law;

• Have a clean criminal record (at the time of the recruitment).

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

• Experience in project management, procurement and contract management;

• Strong knowledge of access to finance, financial instruments, investment facilitation, and public-private partnerships;

• Knowledge of/ experience in international development cooperation;

• Knowledge of/ experience in EU development cooperation, in particular with relations to Global Gateway is considered a strong asset;

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders;