Senior Expert n°1: Rail transport Expert

For Project: EU Global Gateway Support Mechanism (GGSM)

The Global Gateway is the EU’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. It is in line with the commitment of the G7 leaders from June 2021 to launch a values-driven, high-standard, and transparent infrastructure partnership to meet global infrastructure development needs.

The LAC Railways Working Group (WG), launched in June 2024, rapidly became the most advanced among the other regional initiatives. It supports the EU railway industry to gain access to LA markets with the aim to participate in key tenders/projects. To this end, it is essential to deepen the understanding of the railway markets by combining forces, considering different geographical contexts, listening to national priorities, concerns, opportunities and interests about railway plans. The objective is to identify potential projects of interest for European industry and available sources of funding to support EU efforts. 

The work of the Group has enabled the selection of project priorities, the design of tailor-made action plans that can be modulated as need arises. In some countries (e.g. Colombia and Costa Rica) where projects are already ongoing, working groups have been established and are operational at bilateral level and are managed by the EU Delegation (EUD) in the country. As new opportunities emerge in other countries (e.g. Brazil, Argentina), similar ad-hoc groups will be expected to be set up at country level.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Team Europe is already investing in Cameroon where tenders are soon to be launched, in the development of the Lobito Corridor including the renovation of the DRC railway section and  a potential greenfield railway section in Angola-Zambia is taking place at high pace. Several other investments have been advanced in Gabon or Mozambique, with other advanced initiatives in Ivory Coast, Southern and Eastern Africa. During the first year of the WG, structured exchanges with regional organisations such as SARA enabled a clearer picture of ongoing initiatives and potential areas for EU engagement.

In Asia, the focus remains in Central Asia with the EU initiatives along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the development/upgrading of various railway sections, with complementary engagements in the Caucasus and EU neighbouring regions. Additional investments have been explored or monitored in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries with dynamic and expanding railway markets. Targeted desk reviews conducted in 2025 provided an initial basis for project identification and future RWG activity.

The first phase of the assignment also generated important methodological advances, most notably the Case Builder concept, the shadow Operator Concept, and initial integration with the Global Gateway Investment Hub, while consolidating structured cooperation with private sector stakeholders. Building on these achievements, the second phase seeks to reinforce and expand EU action to increase European presence in partner countries’ rail markets.

The present request for services seeks to update, reinforce and extend the duration of this support to strengthen European presence in partner countries’ markets. This task includes, inter-alia, leading the coordination of these Working Groups, facilitating dialogue with governments and national institutions, providing guidance and stimulating interest and bringing together various actors (IFIs, private sector, etc.), while taking into account companies’ suggestions, ensuring fair competition in tendering processes, and thus creating the conditions to seize market opportunities.

For ASSIGNMENT: SUPPORT TO THE GLOBAL GATEWAY RAILWAYS WORKING GROUPS IN AFRICA, ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA – PHASE 2: UPGRADED SUPPORT

Global objective: Strengthen the development of the railways sector and the increase the involvement of the EU industry in partner countries.

Specific objective: Provide support to DG INTPA in pursuing its objective of increasing EU rail companies participation in the targeted markets, including through the coordination of the work of the Railway Working Groups and by providing technical support to facilitate dialogue between the partner countries and the EU private sector, in close collaboration with the EU Delegations.

Еxpected outputs in relation to GGTSM contract: 

Activity Area O1 – Initial mapping and establishing national and regional quality infrastructure and connectivity sector related policies including planning, regulations and reforms with a focus on the transport sector

Activity Area 04 – Operationalisation of the EU connectivity strategy

 

DAI is looking to recruit Senior Rail transport Expert

 

Possible tasks will be:

• Promote coordination and exchange of information among projects, programmes or other initiatives that contribute to the objectives of GG in the railway sector, notably with EUD, Member States, their relevant implementing agencies, EIB and other financing institutions and export credit agencies, and the private sector, as well as national and local authorities in partner countries. 
• This includes supporting the progressive operationalisation of structured “Team Europe” coordination around priority railway corridors and project pipelines. The recently launched GG Investment Hub and its Team Nationals, as well as specific calls for proposals or for expressions of interest launched by DG INTPA targeting the sector and particular regions will further facilitate the implementation of investment plans of EU companies worldwide.
• Provide technical inputs and expert analysis for WGs meetings between the key relevant stakeholders mentioned above in the railway sector (including analytical notes, technical background papers and expert recommendations). This will include preparing and facilitating both regular plenary WG meetings and thematic/technical sub-sessions, as well as contributing to:
  • alignment with the Team Europe and GG Investment Hub processes;
  • supporting the preparation of Calls for Proposals, including technical advice on eligibility, evaluation criteria and alignment with GG priorities;
  • maintaining project pipelines and interest matrices;
  • the refinement and operationalisation of the Case Builder methodology;
  • the development of the Shadow Operator concept;
  • strengthening WG coordination in Africa and Asia by adapting and replicating the LAC methodology.
• Prepare, coordinate and support meetings with other counterparts (e.g. international organisations, civil society, private sector) in line with the objectives and specific structure set up of each Working Group. This task will also cover bilateral consultations with private sector entities, IFIs and sector associations, the systematic capture of their inputs, and the preparation of technical briefing notes or memos.
• Support DG INTPA in identifying opportunities where EU instruments (GG Investment Hub, EFSD+, blending, TA) can add value, and contribute to the early shaping of priority railway projects in LAC, Africa and Asia.
• Identify needs and opportunities for EUDs to assist the national and local governments with technical assistance and training for project identification, programming and preparation in the railway sector.
• Provide ad hoc technical support to DG INTPA and EUD on railway project pipelines, including the review and quality assessment of project documentation (such as concept notes, scoping papers, master plans, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, Terms of Reference and procurement documents). This may also include preparing technical comments, identifying gaps or risks, advising on alignment with EU standards, supporting early-stage project structuring, and formulating recommendations to enhance bankability, sustainability and operational readiness.
• Preparation of reports and summaries on the evolution observed in the railway sector including specific showcasing of results as needed. This includes more in-depth sector monitoring in Africa and Asia, country briefings, and analytical inputs linked to emerging railway markets (e.g. Bangladesh, India, Vietnam), building on the preparatory desk reviews conducted in 2025.
• Follow-up of relevant policy and regulatory developments on the topics related to the railway sector at global level and share this information with relevant stakeholders. This includes monitoring the competitive landscape (e.g. concession models, financing practices of global competitors), key regulatory developments, and informing DG INTPA of implications for EU engagement.
• Ensure continuous methodological development, capitalisation of lessons learned, and transfer of good practices across the three RWGs (LAC, Africa and Asia), building on experience gained during the first phase.
• Support the preparation and implementation of an outreach plan, including mapping of relevant counterparts, sector policy orientations and recommendations, awareness raising and communication activities. In Phase 2, this includes updating and expanding sectoral mappings developed during the first year, enhancing visibility efforts, and supporting targeted outreach linked to the Call for Expressions of Interest and the forthcoming Call for Proposals under the GGIH–Case Builder framework.

 

Qualifications and skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering or Economics/Finance. Candidates with a master's degree related to business, economics, any specific features on railways will be a plus.
• Proven experience in railway sector related topics.
• Knowledge of the railway private sector.
• Knowledge and experience of working on transport projects financed by international financial institutions will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of development aid delivery methods.
• Good communication and writing skills.
• Fluency in English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of French will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an asset.

   

 Professional experience: 

• At least 15 years of general professional experience in the transport sector
• At least 7 years of professional experience in the areas of developing, promoting and/or implementing public investment projects in the railway sector.
• Experience in Latin America and/or Africa and/or (Central) Asia is required.
• Previous experience with European DFIs will be considered an asset.

Language: All reports will be in English. In addition, some specific documents will be submitted in Spanish.

All experts must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities they take on.

Starting date: ASAP The foreseen duration is 11 months from the start of the assignment.

Input: 150 working-days

Location: Brussels

Interested candidates shall send their CV in English ASAP, not later than May 11th, 2026!

Reviewing of the candidates will be conducted on a rolling basis so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!