Financial and Economic Expert

About the Company 

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team. 

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 15,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy. 

About the Project  

Nicholas O’Dwyer has been shortlisted to provide consultancy services for the Kigali Climate‑Smart Wastewater Management Project (KCSWMP), which is financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and implemented by the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), with the project focusing on the climate‑smart and climate‑resilient design of wastewater conveyance systems, as well as wastewater treatment and the reuse of treated effluent. 

The KCSWMP is planned to commence in July 2026 and will be delivered over a 12‑month period, during which the Consultant will undertake feasibility studies to identify technically viable and climate‑resilient wastewater solutions for Kigali; prepare an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment compliant with national legislation and AIIB Environmental and Social Standards, including a consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plan; develop construction‑ready detailed engineering designs covering collection, conveyance, treatment, disposal and septage management, fully integrating environmental, social and climate‑resilience requirements; and provide procurement support through the preparation of tender and bid documentation for competitive construction procurement. 

About the Role 

Nicholas O’Dwyer is seeking a Financial and Economic Expert to  work within our multidisciplinary team of experts. This Financial and Economic Expert Specialist is expected to be a high-calibre senior professional, with strong technical depth, international project exposure, and the leadership ability to work effectively in developing country contexts. 

The position does not require the expert to be based in Rwanda, but the expert will be required to travel to Rwanda as needed for the effective delivery of the project.  As highlighted in the overview the Expert is not expected to be fully engaged on the project for the full duration of the project.  

Core Responsibilities  

Key Responsibilities of this role are listed below; this is by no means an exhaustive list: 

• Ability to work in collaboration as part of a larger team is essential for this role. 
• Lead and oversee the delivery of all financial, economic and affordability-related analyses required to demonstrate the viability, sustainability and bankability of the proposed investment, in line with AIIB and Government of Rwanda requirements.  
• In particular the expert will be responsible for the following:  
• Capital and Operating Cost Analysis 
• Financial Viability and Sustainability Assessments 
• Development and assessment of Tarriff Scenarios and cost recovery  
• Connection Cost Assessments  
• Economic Appraisal and Investment Prioritisation 
• PPP and Alternative Financing Assessment (were relevant)  
• Business Planning and Project Proposal Support. 
• Work closely with the Project Manager/Team Leader, Quantity Surveyor, Institutional Specialist and client counterparts, ensuring that financial and economic considerations are fully integrated into technical, environmental and institutional decision-making  
• Deliver high-quality outputs aligned with industry standards and project requirements 
• Oversee performance, quality control and adherence to specifications 
• Coordinate with local authorities, government bodies, utilities, and community groups where required. 
• Prepare clear, concise, high-quality reports and deliverables 
• Promote sustainability, climate resilience and safe working practices across all project stages 
• Travel to Rwanda and across project locations as required 
• Maintain a culture of continuous improvements across all aspects of the working environment and projects. 

Qualifications and Experience Requirements 

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, and/or project management (academic certificates to be provided) 
• Minimum 10 years of general work experience  
• At least 5 years of experience in municipal/city accounting, auditing, financial management, economic and financial analysis.  
• Previous experience in Rwanda, East Africa and/or other developing countries in Africa is required.  
• Proven experience on multilateral development banks or International Donor Agency funded projects (highly desirable) 
• Knowledge of FIDIC contract conditions (FIDIC Red and FIDIC Yellow in particular) would be advantageous. 
• Successfully completed at least three projects with similar scope of work, as an Economic and financial Expert is required.  Wastewater / sanitation related projects would be advantageous. Proof of involvement and successful completion of the three projects to be provided.  
• Outstanding communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills 
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to work in diverse teams 
• Ability to undertake periodic travel and site visit in Rwanda 
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritise work and manage many tasks concurrently. 
• Commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in design and delivery. 
• Fluent in English; additional local languages an advantage 
• Competent in office packages, Microsoft, excel PowerPoint etc.