Climate-smart infrastructure international technical assistant

Location: Kigali

Deadline for submitting the application: 11/12/2024 

Start date: 03/02/2025 if official approval for this budget is received

Contract type: Limited 

Contract term (months): 24.00 (renewble)

1. Background

LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, is responsible for formulating and implementing bilateral development cooperation programs and projects for the government of Luxembourg. The agency's staff consists of approximately 140 employees at headquarters, in our country offices, and 400 employees involved in the 50 projects and programs spread across 12 countries of intervention within the Luxembourg Cooperation.

The Pro-Poor Development Basket Fund (PPD-Basket) is a fund implemented by LODA (Local Administrative Entities Development Agency), under the authority of MINALOC (Ministry of Local Government and Community Development), and currently financed by contributions from KfW (€31,000,000), AFD (€16,000,000) and Luxembourg Cooperation (€3,000,000).

The PPD-Basket aims to promote local economic development, climate resilience, and access to public services for the poorest populations in Rwanda, in the 16 districts (out of 30 in total) selected based on high poverty rates

The PPD-Basket pursues its objectives through (i) a reform of the institutional framework for local economic development in Rwanda, (ii) the financing of Local-Economic Development (LED) rural infrastructure projects in the selected rural districts, and (iii) capacity building within national authorities and districts responsible for implementation.

The second pillar (ii) represents the majority of the fund's budget, and covers infrastructures such as roads and tracks, health centres, schools and education facilities, water supply systems, structuring infrastructure for agriculture, among other. These projects are promoted and implemented by the district administration.

In this context, LuxDev is preparing additional support for LODA to enhance the PPD-Basket fund, including a Technical Assistance, in order to improve the quality of infrastructure projects and better integrate the technical requirements for climate change adaptation.

The Climate-Smart Infrastructure Engineer or Architect (international technical assistant) or infra-ITA will provide technical support in the form of consultancy, document review, technical execution review, and guidance to integrate innovative concepts and practices into the design and technical implementation of rural infrastructure.

By introducing these innovations, the Infra-ITA will ensure that the infrastructure is designed to be resilient to climate change, which will involve incorporating climate-smart solutions such as the use of sustainable materials, water-sensitive urban design, and renewable energy technologies. Additionally, in coordination with other project stakeholders, the Infra-ITA will promote the contribution of this infrastructure to the climate resilience of vulnerable populations in the beneficiary districts.

The Infra-ITA will be responsible for a team of two people, including himself, and a national technical assistant specialised in the implementation of rural infrastructure, who is still to be recruited. This team will work in close coordination with the other partners of the project, in particular LODA, the district authorities, and the technical assistances mobilised by KfW and AFD.

2. Place of Work

The Climate-Smart Infrastructure Engineer or Architect (international technical assistant) or infra-ITA will work for the Luxembourg Development Agency (LuxDev). The position is based at Kigali. He/she is expected to work partly in LODA offices (estimated 80%) and partly in LuxDev office (estimated 20%).

The position will make frequent field visits in the districts targeted by the PPD-Basket fund, including rural areas.

The operational resources of the Infra-ITA will include a four-wheel drive vehicle with a driver.

3. Role

Technical assistance:

• provide technical guidance and support to district engineers and project managers on the design, implementation, and monitoring of climate-smart infrastructure projects;
• co-create or review project proposals and designs to ensure compliance with climate-resilient design standards and best practices;
• identify opportunities for climate-smart interventions, such as the use of climate-resilient materials, water-sensitive urban design, and nature-based solutions;
• conduct training and capacity-building workshops for district staff on climate-resilient infrastructure design and implementation.

Contribution to project monitoring and evaluation (M&E):

• contribute to the monitoring of infrastructure projects preparation and execution and identify potential risks and challenges;
• contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of climate-smart interventions and document lessons learned;
• contribute to an economic impact assessment, foreseen as part of the project.

Knowledge sharing and collaboration:

• facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between different stakeholders;
• contribute to the development of technical guidelines and standards for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Coordination and reporting:

• coordinate with the LODA, KfW, AFD, their subcontractors, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the technical assistance;
• contribute to progress and impact assessments reports related to the PPD-Basket and foreseen in LuxDev reporting cycle;
• prepare regular reports on project progress, challenges, and recommendations.

These responsibilities also include the mentoring and supervision of the architect’s/engineer’s team composed by the Infra-ITA him/herself and one national staff member.

Other tasks and responsibilities may be expected from/assigned to Infra-ITA, when relevant for achieving the purpose of the position.

4. Education and/or experience - mandatory or desirable 

Education:

• mandatory: advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in civil engineering, architecture, rural or environmental engineering, or equivalent;
• specific certifications or training relevant for the project, especially regarding climate resilience, are a strong advantage.

Experience:

• mandatory: at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in climate-resilient infrastructure design and implementation;
• mandatory: proven track record of promoting innovation for climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable construction, or equivalent;
• mandatory: strong understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. Knowledge of sustainable development principles and practices;
• desirable: experience in working with government agencies, and providing technical assistance, ideally in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• desirable: good experience and proven practice in know-how transfer and coaching;
• desirable: strong IT skills, including proficiency in relevant software (e.g., CAD, GIS).

N.B. suspensive clause: this recruitment is launched before the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding of the Project. No contract can be concluded without the signature of this agreement.