The EIB, the European Union’s bank is seeking to recruit for its Advisory Services, JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions)Department, Independent Quality Review (IQR) Division, a:

Transport Planner/Engineer/Economist

Appointment is for a fixed period of 3 years with possibility of prolongation up to 3 years.

(The post will be located in the JASPERS IQR office in Brussels)

JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) is a partnership between the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Its mandate is to advise Member States, particularly the ones who joined the EU after 2004, in the preparation of projects co-financed by the Structural Funds.

Purpose

The JASPERS/IQR Transport Planner/Engineer/Economist will provide evaluation of projects by applicant countries under consideration for ERDF grant support. The IQR expert will focus on Transport Sector (this includes roads and the use of cars, lorries and buses, rail networks, pedestrian systems for walking or cycling, and air travel).

The successful candidate will join the new Independent Quality Review Division (IQR) of JASPERS. This new service will provide Member States with the option of asking JASPERS to carry out a final quality review of their projects before submission to the European Commission in order to speed up the approval process. The IQR function will consist of an evaluation of strategic, technical, economic and financial aspects of projects. It will ensure value for money and compliance with EU policies and legislation.

Operating Network

S/he will report to the Head of IQR Division and will collaborate with other IQR experts. The successful candidate will work in project teams for specific IQR assignments, either as a task manager or as a team member. The post will be located in the IQR Office in Brussels. The IQR Transport Planner / Engineer / Economist will be required to work also across various beneficiary countries within the EU.

Accountabilities

The expert will work within a multidisciplinary team, in close cooperation with other colleagues, EU Commission and the national authorities of the beneficiary countries. The Transport Sector expert will:

• Evaluate projects by applicant countries to assess the quality and the relevance according to the standards defined by Commission departments and IQR and framework documents. Analyze the management capability financial structure, technical design and relevance and quality of cost benefit analyses. Participation in meetings with Commission counterparts and/or the applicant countries.
• Manage and execute technical evaluation of transport projects potentially eligible for EC grant funding; this includes i) Review the conceptual development and structuring of transport projects; ii) Review the specific aspects of projects such as financial analysis, economic analysis, environmental assessment, procurement planning, technical assessment, project implementation; iii) Review feasibility studies and EC grant application; iv) Review environmental requirements, technical designs, tender documents etc.
• Assess compliance with EU law and conformity with EU policy.
• Share his/her own information and experience in the review of projects with other members of the team in order to enlarge the knowledge and competencies of the team
• Analyze the draft programmes and projects submitted by the national authorities.
• Take part in meetings with counterparts and in the annual meetings with the management authorities.
• Contribute to replies to questions from the European institutions, the EIB management, the national authorities and the public in general.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in transport engineering, economics or other domain relevant for the transport sector (transport planning, air, maritime and public transport and traffic demand analysis).
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the transport sector. Expertise in evaluation and technical analysis of projects, in thematic/sectorial analysis and in analyzing social and economic benefits in this sector. Experience in transport planning would be particularly welcome.
• Experience in key phases of the project cycle (preparation, appraisal, implementation, management and operation) and relevant methodologies (e.g. feasibility studies, cost estimates, CBA, EIA).
• Familiarity with international best practice in the transport domain, including the a) development of cost­ efficient transport investments; b) structuring of viable transport utility organizations; c) mitigation of climate related risks and the integration of climate change adaptation measures into the design of transport projects.
• Experience in developing large infrastructure projects with EU policies and procedures concerning large projects, will be a strong advantage; experience in EU countries should be highlighted. Knowledge of EU policies and of the techniques of economic and financial analysis of Cohesion Funded projects.
• Knowledge of standard IT tools.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of one or more of the languages of the EU countries would be an advantage.
• Availability to travel.

Competencies

• Good team working, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of consultants
• Good analytical and reasoning skills with capacity to provide sound judgments
• Ability to produce clear and concise reports
• Good diplomatic skills and ability to deal with clients at all levels

Deadline for applications: 8^th February 2015

We believe that Diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates; irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, education and experience, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.