Job Description

About MCA 

The Government of Belize (GoB) is in the process of establishing an independent executing agency called the Millennium Challenge Account – Belize (MCA-B).  The MCA-B will be created by an act of Parliament to undertake the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the Government of Belize under the Compact, which is expected to be signed in September 2024. The MCA-B is located in Belize City and will be the entity that employs staff in its own capacity. 

The Compact, detailed below, is between the Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”). MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries and is dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. MCC will not be party to any employment agreements resulting from this vacancy announcement. 

Position Objective

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Belize, collaborating with the Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, is responsible for implementing the $125 million Belize Compact. The Compact aims to address two binding constraints to economic growth in Belize: low quality of education and the high cost of electricity.  


The Government of Belize (GoB) seeks a Managing Director for the Energy Project to oversee the overall program function of the energy project.  Under the direction of the Executive Director, The Managing Director will be responsible for day-to-day management of the energy project and cross-cutting sector activities to ensure the achievement of the compact’s targets. The position leads and communicates all key decisions regarding final design and implementation of the activities under the project. In addition, the Managing Director builds collaborative relationships with project stakeholders, contract management, assuring the quality of goods and services received, and oversight of the timeline and budget to ensure alignment with Compact requirements. The Managing Director will be expected to carry out the following among his/her primary responsibilities:

Responsibilities

• Support and advise the Executive Director on a range of issues, including the status and performance of the Energy Project activities, risks, impacts of risks, progress on milestones and timeline impact for all investment activities, budget updates and their compliance with MCC requirements and applicable local standards.
• Lead MCA-B’s efforts to manage and implement the Energy Project as an effective organization with adequate capacity and effective process to oversee operations and management of the energy sector in Belize. The Energy Project Director will be accountable for managing all aspects related to the energy sector activities.
• Develop and monitor detailed implementation plans and budgets for the Energy Project, including identification of resource requirements, key milestones and project critical path, and regular reporting on status.
• Develop and apply a risk management plan to proactively identify and mitigate risks to project implementation. A risk matrix will be included in regular reporting.
• Provide technical inputs for the procurement of contractors to implement the energy project, including development of terms of reference (TORs) or statements of work (SOWs), review of bidding documents, and participation on evaluation panels.
• Manage all project contracts and contractor performance through regular, proactive engagement to ensure proper monitoring of work plans, review of deliverables, and troubleshooting to enhance contractor engagement with project partners and beneficiaries. Review contractor deliverables, invoices and other documents and coordinate approvals and processing with the Director of Administration & Finance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders at key power sector institutions, including the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to ensure effective coordination of Compact Program.
• Organize and participate in meetings of the Energy Sector Steering Committee that will coordinate power sector initiatives and reforms, including support for logistics and agenda-setting, ensuring attendance by key stakeholders, participation in meetings to advance Compact Program initiatives, and follow up on action items.
• Engage stakeholders through meetings and facilitate dialogue to address areas of disagreement and overcome bottlenecks in program implementation.
• Provide clear, regular updates on implementation progress to the management and Board of MCA-B and MCC and develop required reports. Contribute to and participate in public outreach activities.
• Contribute to the development of an Environment and Social Management System for MCA-B, in accordance with MCC Environmental Guidelines and IFC Performance Standards, and ensure proper management and oversight of environment, health and safety issues on the project.
• Engage with other MCA-B and MCC staff to effectively address cross-cutting implementation and oversight responsibilities including monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and any emerging health, environment and safety management issues.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the MCA-B Executive Director.

Required Competencies

• Master’s or other advanced degree in one or more of the following fields: Public Policy /Administration, Engineering, Economics or other relevant field.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience leading energy projects, preferably in an international context, including experience with donor-funded projects
• Relevant experience with public policy in Belize. Knowledge of GoB processes and organizational dynamics and understanding of policy reform processes.
• Deep familiarity with key issues in delivery of public utility services with a strong preference for background in electricity/power sector including understanding of financial flows and sustainability, sector planning, and private sector participation.
• Proven ability to maintain relationships with government and/or parastatal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of compact program activities. Strong, diplomatic relationship management skills.
• Experience in integrating environmental and social performance standards and best practices into a large energy project.
• Demonstrated professionalism, good judgment, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work in a national and international context with multidisciplinary teams and institutions on complex projects with many moving parts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility to work, as may be necessary, outside normal work hours to meet the needs of the position.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, internet). Familiarity with MS Project or similar software a plus.
• Experience working in Belize is preferred.
• Experience working on variable renewable energy is preferred.
• Project management certification is preferred.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://belize-jobs.tenderwell.app/.  The following documents should accompany applications:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you encounter challenges when applying online, please contact belize@developmentaid.org for assistance.

The closing date for receiving applications is August 2, 2024. Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Skills Required

• Program or Project Administrator