IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This position is under ADB’s new operating model. As the terms of reference for the new departments are still being finalized, the terms of reference for the position may change. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the implementation of the new operating model.

This is a senior staff fixed-term appointment for a period of 3 years. This vacancy is open to internal and external applicants.

If the selected candidate is an external hire, 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, or be reassigned to any suitable position in ADB.

Whether the selected candidate is internal or external, and regardless of the type of appointment, any extension of staff beyond age 60 shall be subject to such terms and conditions determined by ADB, including, where relevant, those provided in Section 10 of AO 2.05 (Termination Policy) and its Appendices.

The position title on appointment is “Director, Transport”.

Overview

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.

This position is assigned in the Sectors Group established to deliver impactful sector policy dialogues, initiatives, and solutions that advance ADB’s strategic agenda in the region and with ADB’s clients. The Sectors Group will have three responsibilities: (i) conceptualize, process, and administer financial and technical assistance (TA) operations; and deliver knowledge services to clients; (ii) support resident missions in their country engagement, lead technical work on sector diagnostics and country sector road maps, and contribute to business development efforts, and (iii) ensure ADB’s technical leadership externally and internally.

The Sectors Group will have seven sector offices (i) agriculture, food, nature, and rural development; (ii) energy; (iii) finance; (iv) human and social development, covering health, education, and the social development agenda; (v) public sector management and governance; (vi) transport; and (vii) water and urban development.

Job Purpose

The Director, Transport will provide strategic and thought leadership in transport sector in general, and in the area of railways and logistics solutions in particular; and will have the overall mandate to expand opportunities for ADB’s support to DMCs in the practice area across the entire Asia and the Pacific region. To this end, she/he will provide support to regional departments together with the respective regional sector directors (i) undertaking continuous policy dialogue with clients (ii) supporting initial preparation of projects and (iii) providing technical expertise to project teams.

The Director, Transport will report to the Senior Sector Director, Transport Sector Office and supervise International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Establish the railways and logistics practice area as a “Center of Excellence”, through which ADB can offer high-value adding solutions to all DMCs in the Asia and Pacific region.
• Recommends and designs appropriate policies or frameworks in the practice area to deliver solutions to DMCs.
• Ensure delivery of quality practice area support, in close coordination with the regional transport directors, to Country Partnership Strategy (policy dialogue, diagnostics, roadmaps) and pipeline development, and coordinate implementation of approved sector roadmaps.
• Formulate/advise on the sector practice work programs.
• Recommend teams for projects and initiatives for projects assigned to the practice area, to be approved by the Senior Director.
• Guide teams in designing and processing lending, TA, knowledge and capacity building operations in the practice area, in close coordination with regional transport directors, and with regional departments and resident missions.
• Identify the practice area staffing needs to carry out the near and medium-term work programs, including where specialized expertise will be required.
• Assess skills requirements in the sector practice area and prepare skills-development plans to deliver quality solutions to DMCs.
• Guide and oversee project implementation and portfolio management within the practice area, contributing to overall portfolio quality as well as achievement of contract awards and disbursement targets.
• Provide overall quality assurance support to all ADB work in the sector to achieve all targets including operational performance metrics on key parameters such as climate financing, gender mainstreaming etc; overall value addition and compliance with ADB policies.
• Lead and facilitate effective coordination and cooperation with Regional Departments, other sector teams, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Private Sector Operations Department, Office of Markets Development and PPPs in the design and delivery of appropriate and holistic solutions for clients in the sector.
• Contribute to the sector’s overall knowledge generation and management, and strategy development efforts.
• Provide advice and recommendations on significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in area of responsibility.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in fields related to ADB Sectors. University degree combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree
• At least 15 years of relevant experience within the field at senior levels (e.g. managing large teams and large-scale, complex projects, both for processing and implementation), with good knowledge of the Asia Pacific region.
• Proven management and leadership qualities. (Standard for IS7/8)
• Excellent capabilities in people and talent leadership, strong client and impact orientation, and effective communication.
• International experience working in several countries and multiple ADB regions
• Experience in private sector desirable.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS7 and IS8.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.