Tanzania/Burundi/DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway Project Phase II Gains Momentum as Recruitment Drive Takes Centre Stage

The ambitious Tanzania/Burundi/DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway Project Phase II is gaining momentum with the recent launch of a comprehensive recruitment drive. This multinational initiative, aimed at bolstering regional connectivity and economic integration, is now focusing on filling key positions to ensure the project’s successful implementation.

The Governments of Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have received significant funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) group to support this major infrastructure project. The funds include grants and partial credit guarantees designed to facilitate the mobilisation of additional resources necessary for the project’s different phases.

To achieve its objectives, the project has initiated a recruitment drive to hire specialised professionals for various roles. Among the key positions are the Environmental Safeguard Manager, Project Accountant, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Administrative and Financial Manager and Project Coordinator.

The Environmental Safeguard Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation and updating of social safeguard instruments such as the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). These updates will be in compliance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) set by the AfDB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

The Project Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accounting records for financial and accounting operations carried out by the Ministry, monitoring the budget, and preparing financial statements according to accepted accounting standards and partner presentation rules.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager will oversee the tracking of project indicators, develop and validate a communication and visibility strategy for the project, and create an action plan to support its implementation. This role will also involve assisting other CEP members in implementing the activities of the said plan.

The Administrative and Financial Manager will handle the administrative, accounting, financial, and budgetary operations of the project. This role includes supervising the related services, structuring representative data for decision-making, and ensuring compliance with current regulations and donor standards.

The Project Coordinator will ensure the overall management of the project, supporting the Ministry in its implementation and management. The Coordinator will supervise the project at the local level, including its technical, administrative, financial, procurement, and environmental and social aspects. Additionally, the Coordinator will ensure efficient use of project resources, create conducive conditions for achieving the project’s development objectives, and ensure proper preparation and execution of all project activities in line with AfDB guidelines.

The recruitment drive is a significant step forward in the project’s progression, demonstrating the commitment of Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC to advancing regional infrastructure and fostering economic growth. By filling these vital positions, the project aims to ensure that all aspects of its implementation are managed effectively, paving the way for the successful completion of this transformative railway project.

The funding includes:

1.ADF grant of up to 65 million UC and a Pillar I FAT grant of 10 million UC to the Republic of Burundi;
2.ADF grant of up to 69 million UC to the United Republic of Tanzania;
3.AfDB partial credit guarantee of up to 800 million USD to help Tanzania mobilise funding for lot 6. Plus, A credit insurance purchase from a supranational institution with a minimum credit rating of “A” to ensure the AfDB’s obligations towards Tanzania for lot 6 amounting to 394.5 million USD, subject to conditions outlined in the project evaluation report.
4.AfDB partial credit guarantee of up to 72.3 million USD to help Tanzania mobilise funding for lot 7.
5.ADF partial credit guarantee of up to 122 million USD to help Tanzania mobilise funding for lot 7.