Job Announcement

Technical Expert at KfW’s Sarajevo Office 

KfW Entwicklungsbank (KfW), one of the world's leading bilateral development banks, is an integral part of KfW Bankengruppe. With a total global funding volume of 167 billion euros in 2022 we support the improvement of economic, social and environmental conditions worldwide. In the Western Balkans region KfW primarily supports projects in the renewable energy & energy efficiency and sustainable urban development. KfW works on behalf of the German Government and the EU Commission, helping to achieve the goals set by the German and EU Development Cooperation and strategically agreed with bilateral and regional partners.

The Technical Expert based at KfW’s Sarajevo office will be part of the Energy Division at the Department for Southeast Europe and Türkiye and will be responsible for managing the technical preparation and supervision of the implementation of the Energy sector portfolio in the region, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

Role and Responsibilities

The Technical Expert’s tasks and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Active support in analyzing projects regarding technical and economic feasibility and efficiency, verification of business models, technological soundness, environmental and climate relevance and close monitoring of environmental and social risks as well as procurement procedures.
• Support in the screening of new project ideas in collaboration with local and Frankfurt KfW-teams, providing inputs to the team on justifiability for the German and EU’s financial cooperation to support the specific projects based on his/hers technical, sectoral and local markets know-how.
• Reviewing contracts in accordance with the KfW procurement and FIDIC guidelines and providing feedback to the team on necessary actions.
• Expertise inputs to appraisal concepts or project proposals and know-how to actively contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions in all phases of the projects.
• Providing support to the monitoring of project implementation, the site-execution and the use of funds assessments, as well as the final project reviews in cooperation with the portfolio managers and technical experts in headquarters in Frankfurt, as well as with the local sector specialists at KfW offices in the region.
• Project implementation monitoring may require liaising with technical personnel from project entities and KfW technical experts and sector specialists to arbitrate conflicts during the project cycle (e.g., conceptualization, design, tendering, contract award, construction supervision, commissioning, operation).
• Preparing the terms of reference and the tendering process for studies as well as the evaluation of consulting reports and progress reports in coordination with technical experts from Frankfurt.
• Using local market knowledge and networking, supporting the structuring of consulting, construction and supply contracts and give relevant input for the awarding of contracts.
• Support and verification of the application and implementation of internationally recognized standards (IEC, ISO, EN, DIN, World Bank Group, ILO, IFC) in terms of the sustainability guidelines and the requirements of KfW Development Bank for sustainable awarding and implementation.
• Supporting identification and introduction of the state-of-the-art technological solutions (including digital and renewables) that can accelerate implementation of the Green Agenda and foster electricity market development.

Requirements:

• University Degree or Masters in electrical (power systems)/mechanical engineering or energy technology or equivalent qualification.
• At least 8 years of extensive professional experience with energy infrastructure projects or consultancy/construction company working on energy infrastructure such renewable energy projects (Wind, photovoltaics, hydropower) transmission and distribution grids, district heating and BESS with detailed insight into at least some phases of the project cycle from feasibility to commissioning, while experience in operation would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in project management and contracts for works and goods according to FIDIC.
• Familiarity with public procurement procedures and internationally recognized design and construction contracts (e.g. FIDIC).
• Knowledge and proven experience assessing the implementation of internationally recognized standards for environmental protection (ESIA, ESPM, etc.), social and health protection as well as occupational safety issues.
• Experience in working with international financial institutions and/or EU is an advantage.
• Strong and proven methodical and analytical skills and quantitative reasoning.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage / follow-up complex administrative processes.
• Highest level of integrity.
• Good communication, cooperation, assertiveness skills, as well as selective attention and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Digital knowledge, ability in agile new work methods will be an asset.
• Convincing demeanor, willingness to make decisions, willingness to take responsibility and resilience.
• Proactive approach and pragmatism in resolving problems.
• Willingness to travel within Southeast Europe and Germany.
• Very good knowledge of one of BiH languages and English languages. Knowledge of German is an advantage.
• Experience of institutional set-ups in the Western Balkans, especially in BiH, with manufacturer/consultancy market knowledge and network will be an asset.

Onboarding

The Technical Expert will receive a comprehensive on-boarding process with focus on:

• Familiarization with the energy and infrastructure portfolio of the department,
• Learning about KfW’s products and internal processes along the project cycle, including KfW Procurement and E&S guidelines,
• Networking with technical experts and project managers at KfW headquarters and offices.

KfW offers the opportunity for establishing a full-time employment with possibility to part-time for 2 years with possibility for extension. Applications for part-time working hours will be also considered. The starting date for this position is planned for Q1 2025.

Contact:

Candidates are requested to send their motivation letter (mandatory), CV and credentials as one pdf not exceeding 10 MB to [email protected] or via: "Prijavite se na oglas" option.

Deadline for submission of applications is the 4th of February 2025. Only hort-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews to be held in Sarajevo presumably in the 3rd week of February 2025. Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring certified copies of their diplomas and work certificates.