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. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 69 member countries, with 50 of these members located in the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. ADB's headquarters is located in Manila, Philippines, and it operates in numerous countries across the region, working closely with developing member countries to implement projects that enhance economic and social development. ADB's mission is to create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. The organization emphasizes respect, equal opportunities, and inclusivity in its hiring practices, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant position at the Asian Development Bank is a critical role within the Financial Sector Office (SD-FIN) of the Sectors Department 3 (SD3). This department is responsible for delivering impactful sector strategies and integrated solutions that align with ADB's strategic agenda in finance, human and social development, and governance. The Senior Project Assistant will play a vital role in supporting project processing and administration, contributing to the analytical, statistical, and accounting aspects of the sector office's portfolio management. The position requires a proactive approach to managing various administrative functions, ensuring that all project-related activities are executed smoothly and efficiently. The successful candidate will be expected to liaise with counterparts, assist in consultant recruitment, and maintain comprehensive databases related to project indicators. This role is essential for ensuring that ADB's projects are well-coordinated and effectively managed, ultimately contributing to the organization's mission of fostering prosperity in Asia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects, which involves liaising inquiries from counterparts to respective supervisors; contributing to the preparation of the Project Administration Manual (PAM) by gathering and consolidating data; creating, updating, and maintaining project processing and implementation information in eOperations and other relevant systems; monitoring and following up on outstanding obligations of executing and implementing agencies; assisting in consultant recruitment, procurement, and contract management; maintaining and monitoring databases of portfolio/pipeline indicators; ensuring all correspondence and documents meet ADB's standards; coordinating work among Operations Assistants; facilitating project missions; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires a strong focus on detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Project Assistant position must possess a Bachelor's degree in business administration or a relevant discipline. Additionally, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience is required. The ideal candidate will have advanced computer skills, particularly in word-processing, spreadsheets, and graphics software commonly used in multilateral organizations. A good understanding of project administration activities and the interactions between different work areas is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The ability to manage priorities and workload, maintain composure under pressure, and work collaboratively as part of a team is also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Project Assistant position includes a Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and administration within a multilateral organization like ADB.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally be in project administration, operations support, or a related field, providing the candidate with the necessary skills to manage the various responsibilities associated with the role effectively.

Languages:
A strong command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to ADB's member countries.

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. After the initial period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the staff's performance and the organization's needs. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and ADB offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical benefits, life insurance, staff development opportunities, and retirement plans. Expatriate benefits may be available for international staff.