Principal Partnerships Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank that was established in 196

• It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the Asia-Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. The organization focuses on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth, working collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges. ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. The bank is committed to ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities in an inclusive environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background, gender, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Principal Partnerships Specialist will play a crucial role within the Partner Funds Division of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department at ADB. This position is responsible for leading the Japan Funds team, providing strategic direction, and ensuring effective management of various Japanese funds, including the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Japan Special Fund, and the Japan Scholarship Program. The incumbent will oversee the administration of these funds, ensuring compliance with fiduciary responsibilities, and will engage proactively with the Government of Japan to report on fund performance and recommend relevant projects. The role requires a strong focus on strategic policy direction, fund management, and people management, with an emphasis on aligning Japan Funds with ADB's corporate strategies and development agenda. The Principal Partnerships Specialist will also be responsible for high-level engagement with stakeholders, policy development, and ensuring effective communication and visibility of Japan Funds within ADB's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Partnerships Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading high-level engagement with the Government of Japan, serving as the primary focal point for strategic dialogue on Japan Funds, and advising ADB Management on policy-related matters.
• Shaping the strategic positioning of Japan Funds within ADB, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and development priorities.
• Overseeing the development and enhancement of Japan Funds frameworks, including policies and operational procedures.
• Managing the strategic direction of knowledge, visibility, and communications for Japan Funds, ensuring alignment with donor requirements.
• Ensuring high-quality portfolio-level reporting and overseeing the consolidation of fund performance data.
• Providing strategic oversight of the Japan Funds portfolio, ensuring optimal resource allocation and compliance with financing agreements.
• Leading the Japan Funds Team, setting strategic priorities, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Managing performance, staff development, and organizational continuity within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal Partnerships Specialist position must possess a Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a University degree in these fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience in similar organizations may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 12 years of relevant experience in the Asia and Pacific region, including high-level coordination with stakeholders and a demonstrated understanding of development assistance and international finance. Experience working with Japanese government entities or organizations is advantageous, as is a broad understanding of multilateral development bank operations. Candidates must also have proven management experience and proficiency in written and verbal English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with a University degree in these areas and at least 5 years of specialized experience in relevant organizations may be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of fund management and development operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, particularly in the Asia and Pacific region. Candidates should have experience in high-level coordination and interaction with both internal and external stakeholders, as well as a demonstrated knowledge of development assistance, international finance, and official cofinancing instruments. Experience in managing projects and technical assistance, as well as familiarity with the operations of multilateral development banks, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, additional language skills, particularly in Japanese, would be considered an advantage, especially given the role's focus on engagement with the Government of Japan and Japanese stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. The position is full-time and based at ADB's headquarters in Manila, Philippines. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities. ADB is committed to hiring nationals of its 69 member countries and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.