Senior Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB was founded in 1966 and currently has 69 member countries, with 50 of them from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. The organization is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also working to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB operates in various sectors, including public sector management, governance, and finance, and aims to deliver impactful strategies and programs that align with its strategic agenda. ADB employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant position is situated within the Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office (SD3-PSMG) of the Sectors Department 3 (SD3) at ADB. This role is crucial for providing operational support to various activities within the department, which focuses on delivering effective sector strategies, programs, and integrated solutions to advance ADB's mission in the region. The Senior Project Assistant will be responsible for assisting in project administration and processing activities related to loans and technical assistance (TA), as well as managing databases and supporting knowledge management initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure that all documentation adheres to ADB's standards and procedures, and involves coordination with various stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution. The role also includes preparing essential documents, monitoring project milestones, and providing support for mission preparations, all while ensuring effective communication and collaboration within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing necessary loan/grant and technical assistance documents such as concept notes, Reports and Recommendation of the President, TA reports, and Project and TA Completion Reports, ensuring compliance with ADB's templates and guidelines; coordinating and monitoring the processing of TAs, loans, and grants, and reporting any delays to supervisors; supporting the programming, processing, and administration of TAs and loan/grant projects, including consultant selection, claims processing, contract variations, and preparation of completion reports; checking progress on TAs, loans, and grants using ADB's Integrated Disbursement System; utilizing IT tools and ADB applications to collect, compile, and analyze data for routine and ad hoc reports; assisting in mission preparation and ensuring accurate database updates; supporting knowledge management activities and event organization; providing backup support to other project/operations assistants as needed; and performing additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Project Assistant position must possess a Bachelor's degree and have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. They should demonstrate excellent typing skills and proficiency in using various computer applications, including word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphic design software commonly used in international organizations. Strong coordination and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively distribute tasks among other operations assistants. Experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and national backgrounds is important, as is a good understanding of the division's role and the Bank's purpose. Candidates should also have knowledge of relevant procedures, formats, and standards, and the capability to make informed decisions on confidential and urgent matters in the absence of a supervisor. The ability to work collaboratively as a constructive team member and proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Project Assistant position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and public sector governance, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the development process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally include roles that involve project administration, coordination, and support within an international development context. Familiarity with the operations of international organizations and experience in managing projects related to public sector management and governance will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, particularly in oral and written communication. While English is the primary language of communication at ADB, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, especially if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is a fixed-term position with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. The actual position title and grade will depend on the qualifications, experience, and job scope assigned to the selected applicants. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life and other insurance plans, staff development opportunities, a retirement plan, and housing and education allowances if applicable.