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

While the position of Senior Urban Development Specialist resides with the Water and Urban Development Sector Officer (SD2-WUD) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2), you will be based at our Papua New Guinea Resident Mission (PNRM) within the Pacific Department (PARD) for an initial period of three years. At this period, subject to business need, the role may be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines or at another resident mission. Relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Country Director, PNRM, and will have matrix reporting to Director, Urban Development Sector Office. You will oversee junior team members and consultants.

Your Role

As Senior Urban Development Specialist, you will lead the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on urban and water sectors Papua New Guinea (PNG), and other identified Pacific countries. You will lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TA projects, and providing relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge for projects.

You will be designated to lead portfolio management and be responsible for project reviews to ensure effective implementation, attainment of project and sector goals and development impacts which may also include portfolio and pipeline projects in PNG and other Pacific countries as required. You will provide oversight and guidance to project teams, specifically in areas of project implementation and development effectiveness, in designing, and processing of loans, grants, TA projects.

You will:

• Lead the preparation, processing, and administration of loans, grants, and TAs in the area of urban development with due attention to country's development policies and projects' impacts on climate change.
• Lead the development and design of new lending projects and programs in the urban development sector.
• Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to the region's needs.
• Identify and introduce innovative and smart solutions and international best practices in the design and administration of loans, grants, and TAs. Propose appropriate contract modalities and lead discussions on procurement issues including review of bidding documents and bid evaluation reports.
• Coordinate with RDs, Office of Safeguards, and Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for the urban development sector.
• Support Cities Development Initiative of Asia Trust Fund Management as the key person responsible for day-to-day operations.
• Support WUD in implementing the work plan within the framework provided by ADB's Strategy 2030 and the Livable Cities Urban Operational Priority Plan.
• Assess urban sector policies, strategies, and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to international best practices, smart solutions, and technological advances, and responsiveness to development needs.
• Identify the priority areas in the urban development sector, and the modality and nature of the required loans and TA support.
• Assist the team and RDs with guidance on inquiries related to the urban development sector development and governance reforms.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries.
• Lead in generating and disseminating knowledge solutions from ADB operations, international best practices, and country or region specific cross-learning in the urban development sector.
• Lead relevant in-house studies and seminars and prepare reports or policy briefs on topics crucial to ADB's urban development sector operations.
• Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in staff's workplan.

You will need:

• Master's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years of relevant work experience may be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in urban development and municipal service improvement and/ or water utilities, urban and/ or water sector development, and in project preparation and administration of projects, practical knowledge, and experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in delivering projects and policies with integration of financial, economic, social, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements and experience of project design and execution
• International experience working in several countries.
• Broad experience in the preparation of investment projects and analysis of relevant development policies, including knowledge on procurement and consultant recruitment.
• Demonstrated team leadership or managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for technical matters and projects processing/implementation.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of ADB's or similar MDBs and/or bilateral development institutions' operations (economic, sector, or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats 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 Technical International 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)
• Retirement plan (if applicable)
• 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.

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 wants 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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