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 Regional Lead Economist is assigned to the Office of the Chief Economist and Director General (EROD) in the Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Chief Economist and Director General, ERDI, as well as the Director General, PARD and will oversee International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff.

Your Role

As a Regional Lead Economist for the Pacific Department (PARD), you will lead and oversee regional and country economic monitoring, analytical and data-related work, as well as country diagnostics, and advise on the development impact of programs and operations.

You will:

• Provide thought leadership and guidance on strategic economic priorities and pressing development issues in the region, such as the economic development aspects of climate change, and ensure that such priorities are reflected in the department’s programming and work plan preparations.
• Contribute actively to country and regional economic policy dialogues in countries within the region and support senior management requests on economic issues.
• Serve as a principal spokesperson internally and externally on economic issues facing the region.
• Lead and oversee regional and country economic monitoring and analytical work, including Asian Development Outlooks and country diagnostics used to formulate country partnership and regional strategies for PARD. Provide analytical and data services for subregional economic cooperation and integration programs and operations.
• Lead the strategic direction and work plan for economics work and knowledge products in PARD and represents ADB at high-level or external forums in coordination with the country economists. Lead the design and implementation of TA related to economics work.
• Backstop the Country Directors (CDs) and PARD Director General in ensuring the quality of country partnership strategies. Work with country economists to ensure that country performance assessments, country information notes, debt sustainability assessments and other relevant assessments are conducted with quality.
• Provide support for the processing of Policy-Based Lending and offers inputs to other projects, depending on need.
• Depending on the needs of PARD, either lead, or support in the development and implementation of a regional knowledge program. Advise on sectoral/thematic studies and other policy-relevant economic research for the countries/region within PARD. Support the development and implementation of country knowledge plans, and knowledge products within the department.
• Advise CDs and regional operations coordination head on proposed programs and projects, with a view to maximize ADB’s development impact. Support the assessment of development impact of programs and operations within PARD.
• Serve as a member of the management teams of both ERDI and PARD, supporting both departments and helping ensure alignment of agendas and work programs between PARD, other regional departments, and ERDI.
• Guide and provide learning and development opportunities for a team of regional and country economists within PARD.
• Advise on data collection and statistical capacity building activities within the region.
• Undertake other activities as designated by the Chief Economist, ERDI, as well as the Director General, PARD.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and supports their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• A post-graduate degree (preferably at Doctorate level) in economics, public policy, or related fields.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience within the field at senior levels (e.g. managing large teams), with good knowledge of the Asia Pacific region including international work experience.
• Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivities and maturity.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff level IS7.

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

This is a fixed term appointment or assignment for senior staff, for a period of 3 years. This opening is open to internal and external applicants.

If you are selected as an external candidate, the appointment may be extended for a period of up to 3 years per extension, or not renewed. In case of extension, staff may continue in the position for another term of up to 3 years.

At the end of the initial period, ADB, at its discretion may: (a) renew a fixed term appointment or assignment, (b) not renew a fixed term appointment.

Fixed-term appointments or assignments for senior staff are subject to terms and conditions determined by ADB as indicated in all relevant policies.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 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 68 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.

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