Front Office Division Manager – Front Office Division, ALSF

THE AFRICAN LEGAL SUPPORT FACILITY (ALSF):

The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) is an international organisation established by a Treaty in 2008. The Facility is housed by the African Development Bank. Its membership is open to (a) All AfDB Member States (b) other states (c) AfDB and (d) other international organisations or institutions. ALSF’s main objectives include: (i) assisting AfDB’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs) address litigation brought against them by vulture funds (and other such entities); (ii) creating an avenue for AfDB’s RMCs to access technical advice when negotiating complex commercial transactions (especially in the area of infrastructure and natural resources); and (iii) investing in and organizing the training of legal counsel from participating RMCs to equip them with legal expertise necessary to better represent their countries.

The Governing Council is made up of representatives of the Facility’s member states, the Bank, and other international organizations. Its functions include determining and approving policy, appointing the Management Board, authorizing replenishments of resources, and appointing external auditors. The Management Board comprises five (5) persons appointed by the Governing Council and is responsible inter alia for approving the annual budgets and annual work programs, issuing By-laws, rules and regulations, and making decisions necessary to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the Facility, and overseeing the management of the Facility’s Endowment Fund and exercising of such powers as shall be delegated to it by the Governing Council.

The ALSF exercises both advisory and operational functions and responsibilities and renders legal support, advice and services in connection with all aspects of its business including drafting all legal instruments required for the operational activities of the institution and provision of legal opinions for its organs (Management Board and Governing Council).

THE FRONT OFFICE DIVISION :

The Front Office Division has been established to oversee and integrate key support functions critical to achieving the ALSF objectives and results, including Finance, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Communication, Resource Mobilisation, Strategic Partnerships, and Information Technology (IT). The Division plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective coordination and strategic alignment of these functions to support ALSF’s mission and strategic objectives.

THE POSITION:

The Manager of the Front Office Division is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and management oversight for the Division. This position ensures the integration and effective functioning of the finance, MEL, communications, resource mobilisation, partnerships, and IT units. The Manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team, drive the development and execution of strategic initiatives, and ensure that the Division operates efficiently and contributes to the overall goals of ALSF. The Division Manager will report to the Director and CEO of the ALSF.

Under the general supervision of the Director and CEO, the Manager will manage the Front Office Division, providing oversight and ensuring the effective implementation of Division’s goals. The role focuses on integrating and coordinating the various units to enhance overall performance and impact.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

a. Operational oversight, planning, and coordination

Plan, direct, and coordinate the day-to-day functioning and implementation of the Division’s programmes that align with ALSF’s overall mission and objectives.
Oversee the development and execution of work plans, ensuring that all activities are strategically aligned and contributing to the overarching goals of ALSF.
Monitor the progress of various projects and initiatives, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

b. Financial management and resource allocation

Oversee the financial management of the Division, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
Ensure the responsible allocation and utilisation of resources across all units, maintaining transparency and accountability.
Conduct financial analysis and risk assessments to guide strategic decision-making and safeguard ALSF’s financial health.
Lead the development and implementation of strategies for resource mobilisation to support ALSF’s programmes and initiatives.

c. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effectiveness of ALSF’s programmes.
Advise on utilisation of MEL findings to inform strategic planning, improve programme design, and enhance decision-making.
Provide reports to senior management, the Management Board, stakeholders, and donors, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

d. Communication and engagement

Lead the development and implementation of effective communication strategies to promote ALSF’s mission, values, and achievements to both internal and external audiences.
Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all communication channels, enhancing ALSF’s visibility and reputation.
Represent ALSF at meetings, conferences, and events, effectively conveying the organisation’s objectives and achievements.

e. Partnership development and management

Lead the identification and cultivation of strong constructive relationships and development of strategic partnerships that align with ALSF’s objectives and enhance its impact.
Oversee negotiation and management of partnership agreements, ensuring mutual benefit and alignment of interests.
Monitor partnership activities to ensure they are delivering value and achieving intended outcomes

f. Performance management

Lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify development opportunities for team members.
Promote a positive work environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.

SELECTION CRITERIA: (Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience)

Holds at least a master’s degree in law or business administration or international development.
Admission to the Bar of (or diploma to practice law in) a member of the African Development Bank is desirable/recommended but not a requirement.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role, preferably in a legal or development organisation.
Demonstrated experience in legal advisory, strategic leadership, operational management, and team supervision.
Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and driving organisational performance.
In-depth understanding of the legal aspects of sovereign commercial transactions especially in the ALSF focus areas – energy, infrastructure and PPPs natural resources and extractives, and sovereign finance transaction.
Strong understanding of development financing, legal support services, and the operational environment of international organisations.
Strong analytical skills, decisive decision making and ability to conceive, formulate, and implement policies and programmes.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strong professional network and proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and donors.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Ability to communicate and write effectively in English and/or French with good working knowledge of the other language.
Citizenship of a signatory member of the African Legal Support Facility.

THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS POSTED BY THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AFDB) ON BEHALF OF THE AFRICAN LEGAL SUPPORT FACILITY (“ALSF” OR “FACILITY”) WHICH IS THE EMPLOYER FOR THIS POSITION. ENGAGEMENT AS STAFF OF ALSF DOES NOT OFFER ANY EXPECTATION FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT AS STAFF IN THE AfDB.

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