JOB DESCRIPTION

Reference Number: 250919

Position Grade: TI2

Department: South Asia Department

Division: Operations Coordination Unit, SARD

Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Date Posted: Friday, November 28, 2025

Closing Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

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 Operations Specialist is assigned to the Operations Coordination Unit (SAOC) within the South Asia Department (SARD). You will be based at the Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination Unit of SARD and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

The Senior Operations Specialist will contribute to quality assurance and preparation of management briefing materials; review project documents; lead, monitor and administer ongoing loans, grants, and TAs, and provide support SARD Management.

You will:

• Prepare clear and evidence-based management briefs and talking points on macroeconomic developments, policy reforms, and possible effects for ADB operations for SARD Management, for internal (BRC, ORM) and external meetings (AGMs, visiting dignitaries) under the guidance of Regional Head of Operations and Coordination.
• Help coordinate the development and processing of selected loan, grant, and technical assistance projects, in particular project readiness.
• Support SARD Management during meeting with preparation of record of discussions and minutes.
• Contribute to reviews of project documents to ensure robust diagnostics, strong results frameworks, and alignment with Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and country priorities and adherence to Operations Manual and related Staff Instructions.
• Strengthen SARD’s capacity to demonstrate development effectiveness and value addition of ADB operations.
• Review the adherence of procedures in procurement, recruitment of consultants, and contract administration to the ADB Guidelines and project administration instructions.
• Support preparation of WPBF and monitor the delivery of the pipeline of projects and technical assistance to ensure delivery of the corporate results framework.
• Review corporate reports from other departments such as SPD, PPFD, OAG, and ORM as assigned.
• Provide inputs for standardization and improvement of guidelines, business processes in connection with country systems and related plans, including assistance in drafting of policy papers, reports, briefings, guidance notes, staff instructions and similar documents.
• Contribute to country programming missions and tripartite country portfolio review missions.
• Innovate in supporting portfolio management in smaller Resident Missions with low portfolio management and project implementation experience.
• Support the monitoring and administration of ongoing loans, grants, and TAs through the departmental management information system (MIS), multiple dashboards and other tools, and provide advice to SARD Management.
• Lead the processing and implementation of technical assistance related to capacity development, for governments, project executing and implementing agencies, ADB staff, contractors and consultants on policy and procedural matters.
• Mentor SARD local staff and share knowledge on best practices in portfolio management bankwide.
• Represent the department in working groups as assigned.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in economics, public policy, legal, or other related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years relevant experience in programs, project and management, policy research, or other related areas.
• Experience processing and/or administering loan, grant, and TA.
• Knowledge of procurement, consultant recruitment, and contract administration procedures in ADB or other multilateral development banks.
• Expertise within a specific area or scope across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• International experience working in several countries, including South Asia.
• Credibility in field of expertise, including leading projects and in sharing relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community.
• Knowledge in commonly used software in ADB for word-processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and graphics.
• Can liaise effectively with key clients in the developing member countries.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for 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 is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff’s particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff’s performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.