Project Development Specialist (IDD) at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The Project Development Specialist is responsible for conceptualising and packaging infrastructure projects from earlystage ideation through feasibility and execution readiness. The role works closely with clients, internal teams, an external partners to build a project pipeline through identifying innovative delivery and funding mechanisms and supporting long-term infrastructure planning. The incumbent also drives product development and solution innovation to strengthen the infrastructure pipeline and mandate delivery.

Key Responsibilities    
Key Performance Areas:

Market Research and Planning

• Participate in the development of project origination strategies to unlock infrastructure.
• Develop project development strategies to promote the development of projects aligned with the development priorities of the DBSA.
• Conduct market research and needs analysis to ascertain the gaps and requirements.
• Understand legislation impacting infrastructure development, e.g., the Division of Revenue Act, conditional infrastructure grant guidelines, sector governance frameworks, etc.
• Identify the gaps for infrastructure development for South Africa, SADC and select African countries.
• Comprehensively map industry or sector opportunities to generate a list of potential programmes to be developed.
• Conduct in-depth macro-level feasibility assessments to provide insight into the programmes:
• National, Provincial and Local landscape sector-specific challenges.
• Environmental and regulatory assessments.
• Community structures and needs.

Project Development

• Design and implement the IDD project development framework, guidelines, tools, and processes to ensure a consistent approach across all projects.
• Identify infrastructure project opportunities aligned to organisational and IDD strategy.
• Engage clients and stakeholders to understand development needs and translate them into viable project concepts.
• Develop and package programme and project concepts during the project development phase.
• Provide advice and input to create, refine, and evaluate project development ideas and concepts.
• Ensure technical consistency and adherence to quality benchmarks for all development-stage projects.
• Prepare new programme appraisals, feasibility assessments, and technical evaluation reports.
• Collect, analyse, and communicate technical data for identified or potential IDD project opportunities.
• Identify, define, coordinate, and manage external research required to enhance project development packages and proposals.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates, incorporating relevant industry benchmarks to support project viability and planning.
• Support the preparation of funding applications, concept notes, and project pitches for internal and external financiers.

Planning, Execution Readiness & Project Packaging

• Develop project execution plans, statements of requirements, and project development reports that guide implementation.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs (technical, legal, financial, environmental) to prepare project packages.
• Support transaction teams during due diligence, structuring, and preparation for implementation.
• Promote technical innovations, new methodologies, and cost optimisation approaches to strengthen project design.

Reporting, Monitoring & Quality Assurance

• Prepare and deliver high-quality project development reports, appraisal documents, technical assessments, and progress updates.
• Monitor risks, timelines, and quality standards to ensure readiness for decision-making and next-stage approvals.
• Ensure alignment with institutional standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance processes.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at global, regional, and local levels, including businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop specific project preparation opportunities.
• Manage expectations from programme owners and ensure third-party programme mandates are understood by the DBSA teams.
• Liaise with Investment divisions' peers to develop a pipeline for the DBSA market at large.
• Contribute to the development of the DBSA’s brand and reputation through positioning the bank as a partner of choice for end-to-end infrastructure development and financing across Africa.

Key Measurements of Outputs:

• Sector Strategies developed and maintained.
• Number of opportunities identified and developed for execution
• Number of opportunities developed through the project life cycles
• Management of client relationships and key stakeholders

Expertise & Technical Competencies    
Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or equivalent qualification.
• A postgraduate degree will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, project planning, preparation and packaging, project
• finance, concept and proposal development, bid analysis and pricing, budgeting, writing scope of work, document
• interpretation and negotiated projects.
• In-depth experience in sourcing viable and bankable projects, structuring and closing investments in SA.
• Demonstrated experience in product development and innovative strategies to support infrastructure investment.
• Proficiency in planning, scheduling, and production.
• Demonstrated excellence in the field of business origination and development.
• Experience in engaging with high-level politicians, dignitaries and stakeholders in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Desirable Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification, preferably a CA or CFA or MBA.
• Project finance experience.

Deadline:12th Deadline,2025