Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist

Job Vacancy | Friday, November 15, 2024

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on 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 Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SG-AFNR) within the Sectors Group (SG). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Senior Director, SG-AFNR, will collaborate closely with colleagues from the Regional Departments and other Sector Offices, and will oversee National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Your Role

As a Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist, you will lead, formulate, and articulate policy and strategies on the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR) sector, engage developing member country (DMC) governments in policy dialogue, engage with the private sector and other industry stakeholders, and conduct ADB’s activities to support agrifood system transformation, nature capital financing, and climate-smart net zero agriculture development. You 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 and operations for agrifood system transformation and natural resources management, with innovative financing to support green, resilient, and modernized agriculture with enhanced private sector engagement, in consultation with relevant government agencies of DMCs.
• Lead AFNR sector assessment, strategy and roadmap preparation or updating in assigned DMCs, and provide AFNR sector inputs to country partnership strategies and country programming missions.
• Lead in the development, processing and administration of loan, grant and TA projects in the AFNR sector in assigned DMCs, and ensure key technical, economic, financial and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.
• Contribute to ADB’s efforts in promoting food and nutrition security by identifying and designing innovative participatory approaches to climate resilient, environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable agriculture, natural resources management and rural development, and substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
• Lead in coordinating with development agencies on policies, sector strategies, investments, TAs, and co-financing.
• Keep abreast of the latest development in international, sub-regional, and national best practices for climate-resilient, environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development, and participate in and contribute to ADB-wide sector and thematic groups.
• Contribute to SG-AFNR Communities of Practice by sharing expertise within SG-AFNR.
• Take the role of mentor to develop capabilities/potential of reporting staff, staff of the assigned sector team, and those of the sector office as needed.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance; and ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned as reflected in his/her workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, agricultural science, or other related fields. Alternatively, university degree in agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, agricultural science or other related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant international work experience in AFNR sector in several DMCs of ADB.
• Significant expertise in his/her technical area with recognized ability to lead business development and project processing and administration and share relevant knowledge to benefit the AFNR sector office and the broader ADB community.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating with government and non-government agencies, development partners, and professional communities.
• Broad knowledge of cutting-edge international and national policies and programs related to the AFNR sector.
• 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 the DMCs.
• Commitment to learning and changes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 6.

Benefits

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

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

Additional Information

ADB will be rolling-out a new job grading structure on 1 January 2025, which may result in a change of the position grade and title with no change in the terms of reference. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the new job grading structure

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

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