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 Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2-AFNR). You will initially be strategically assigned to the Mongolia Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for three years. After this period, and based on business needs, the role might be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines or other Resident Mission. All reasonable relation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Senior Director, SD2-AFNR, and Country Director, MNRM and will collaborate closely with colleagues from the East Asia Regional Department and other Sector Offices, and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist, you will lead, formulate, and articulate policy and strategies in the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR) sector, engage with the government of Mongolia and other developing member countries (DMC) in policy dialogue, engage with the private sector and other industry stakeholders, and conduct operations to support ADB's operational approach on Agrifood Systems Transformation. The specialist will lead in identifying and developing loans, grants, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services, and provide technical support and backstopping to other staff.

You will:

• Lead the development of strategies to support sustainable natural resources management, climate smart agriculture and nutrition development, and agrifood value chain development in the context of the ADB Food Systems Transformation Operational Approach.
• Facilitate cross-sectoral coordination between national natural resource and agriculture sector strategies and ADBs country partnership strategy and investments
• Review natural resources and agriculture sector policies, legal and regulatory framework and assess progress towards achieving environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic development and food security objectives· Lead policy dialogue to assist governments in developing natural resources management, agriculture and food security strategies for environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic development
• Provide support to other specialists in their work with governments to identify investment opportunities in the natural resource and agriculture sectors for sustainable economic growth to support poverty reduction and regional cooperation
• Lead in developing natural resource conservation and management strategies and initiatives in coordination and cooperation with the Mongolia government, development partners, the private sector and civil society·
• Promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in national and regional strategies.
• Contribute sector-relevant inputs to country programming, including the development of Country Partnership Strategies
• Lead in the development, processing and administration of loan, grant and TA projects in the AFNR sector in assigned Mongolia, and ensure key technical, economic, financial and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.·
• Ensure that key environmental and climate factors are incorporated in the technical, economic, financial analyses of projects
• Ensure the development impact of the natural resources and agriculture portfolio is monitored and evaluated as well as draw lessons for future programs and investments in the sector
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of its work
• Supervise the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance
• Provide coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.

You will need:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture development, agricultural economics, natural resource management, natural resource economics, rural financing, rural development, or other related fields. University degree in agriculture, natural resource management, natural resource economics, rural financing, rural development, or other related fields, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable agriculture, including agro-enterprises development, value chain development, food security, and rural development.
• International development work experience in AFNR sector in several DMCs of ADB.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating with government and non-government agencies, development partners, and professional communities.
• Strong analytical abilities, multidisciplinary competence, and proven ability to organize, lead, and manage project teams.
• Strong understanding of the capacity development needs of national and local-level agencies in DMCs.
• 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff 2 (TI2).

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

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

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.

You will be based at our ADB Headquarters in Manila and may be assigned in one of East Asia Department's (EARD's) resident missions

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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ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

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