Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference in the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Transport) is assigned to the Transport Sector Division (SD1-TRA) within the Sectors Department 1 (SD1). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Director, TRA and have matrix reporting line to Director, CCSE, and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As an Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Transport), you will support the integration of climate adaptation and resilience into transport sector planning, policy, strategy, and operations in accordance with ADB's commitment to align operations with the Paris Agreement and key policies and plans such as the Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 9 on Climate Change under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) 2023 – 2030 and related Guidance Notes. You will provide technical expertise to ADB's developing member countries (DMCs) and Regional Departments to design and implement resilient transport investments, strengthen transport systems and services, and advance sector policy, institutional, planning, and capacity development initiatives. You will also support knowledge sharing on climate-resilient transport solutions and contribute to the integration of adaptation considerations across transport operations.

You will:

• Support the integration of climate adaptation and resilience into transport sector planning, programming, and operations, helping ADB and developing member countries strengthen the performance, reliability, and continuity of transport systems. This will include provision of climate adaptation and resilience related inputs to key transport sector strategies and plans of ADB.
• Support country and sector dialogue on transport policies, strategies, and investment plans, identifying priorities for resilient roads, bridges, railways, ports, airports, urban transport, and logistics systems ensuring alignment with the country Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans and relevant national climate change policies and strategies. This will include provision of inputs as needed in country programming exercises and preparation of Country Partnership Strategies (CPS).
• Lead the preparation and administration of technical assistance (TA) projects for supporting the planning, design, and implementation of transport projects to ensure that climate and disaster risks are addressed in transport infrastructure, services, and operations.
• Contribute to the development and processing of sovereign and nonsovereign transport operations by integrating adaptation and resilience considerations into project preparation, appraisal, implementation support, and results monitoring in accordance with relevant ADB requirements as set out in ESS9 of the ESF, related guidance notes and ensuring alignment with the CCAP.
• Guide the preparation of climate risk and vulnerability assessments for transport sector investments including estimating climate finance in accordance with ADB requirements as set out in ESS9 of the ESF and relevant guidance notes. Use the findings to improve planning, engineering design, integrating adaptation measures, operational performance, maintenance strategies, and asset management for transport infrastructure projects.
• Manage consultants supporting project teams in conducting analytical studies and designing adaptation and resilience measures and estimating climate finance in transport infrastructure networks or individual projects to ensure that their outputs are in line with relevant ADB requirements.
• Participate in project processing and administration missions and provide advice to executing agencies and project teams on resilient transport planning, implementation arrangements including institutional capacity development and integration of adaptation measures in project design in accordance with ADB and national requirements.
• Promote practical and innovative solutions to strengthen the resilience of transport networks and operations, including resilient design standards, risk-informed maintenance, traffic and service continuity measures especially of critical transport links, monitoring systems, and nature-based approaches where appropriate.
• Build and strengthen partnerships internally with the climate change and sustainable development department (CCSD), regional departments, sector groups, procurement portfolio and financial management department (PPFD) to advance transport sector reforms and scale up resilient transport investments and operations.
• Build and strengthen partnerships externally with development partners (bi-lateral and multi-lateral agencies), non-government organizations (NGOs), academic institutes and think tanks to promote innovative and best practice adaptation and resilient solutions in transport operations and mobilize financing for scaling up resilient transport investments in ADB operations.
• In close collaboration with CCSD support knowledge generation, capacity building, and the dissemination of good practices on climate-resilient transport planning, infrastructure design, operations, and asset management, and represent ADB in internal and external forums on these topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor and reflected in your workplan

You will need:

• A University degree in Climate Adaptation, Disaster Risk Management, Transport Planning, Environmental Engineering or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent
• At least 6 years of relevant work experience in managing environmental and climate change issues in transport sector projects preferably in Asia and the Pacific, with international experience working in several countries.
• Demonstrated experience integrating climate adaptation and resilience considerations into transport sector policies, strategies, plans, programs, or investments.
• Demonstrated experience in climate risk and vulnerability assessments and the application of findings to transport planning, project design, operational performance, and infrastructure management.
• Demonstrated skills and experience working with professionals, teams, and project missions and advising clients or counterparts on climate change related technical issues preferably within the transport sector.
• Familiarity with the operations, policies, and procedures of multilateral financial institutions is preferred.
• Ability to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community, support capacity building, and promote the exchange of good practices across countries and teams.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI1.

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
• Retirement plan (if applicable)
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

Additional Information

This position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

About Us

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members

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