Associate Project Officer

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 has grown to include 68 member countries, with 50 of these 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 focusing on eradicating extreme poverty. ADB operates in various sectors including finance, human and social development, and public sector management, and aims to deliver impactful sector strategies and integrated solutions 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 Associate Project Officer position is a critical role within the Financial Sector Office (SD-FIN) of the Sectors Department 3 (SD3) at ADB. This position involves providing support and coordination for the portfolio performance of the division, which includes a full spectrum of operational, analytical, and knowledge support to ensure effective functioning of the team. The Associate Project Officer will work both independently and collaboratively, engaging in project processing, administration, and contract management. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring project progress, preparing performance reports, and addressing issues related to project implementation. The successful candidate will also contribute to the analysis of the financial sector portfolio performance and provide guidance to team members, ensuring quality and timely delivery of project outcomes. This position is essential for supporting ADB's mission to foster prosperity in Asia and will involve significant interaction with government officials, stakeholders, and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include:

• Supporting the processing, implementation, and administration of investment projects and technical assistance (TA) projects, focusing on the financial sector.
• Monitoring the progress of assigned projects and preparing project performance reports.
• Preparing annual forecasts of contract awards and disbursements, identifying factors responsible for shortfalls, and expediting achievements of target levels.
• Identifying issues related to project implementation and coordinating actions with executing agencies, implementing agencies, contractors, consultants, and project beneficiaries.
• Preparing internal procurement papers and reviewing procurement documents, including technical designs and cost estimates.
• Conducting review missions with government counterparts and analyzing the team's financial sector portfolio performance.
• Contributing to the analysis and review of mission reports, progress reports, and other project performance indexes.
• Engaging in dialogue with government officials and key stakeholders in the financial sector.
• Organizing and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the finance sector. 1
• Supporting priority initiatives of the finance sector office and contributing to country programming and review missions. 1
• Mentoring and supporting junior Technical Local staff. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned in the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Project Officer position include:

• A Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, engineering, public administration, or related disciplines, with advanced training preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation within the financial sector.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct research, collect and organize data, and draft documents.
• Familiarity with various stages of the project cycle, including planning, feasibility analysis, detailed design, implementation, and contract management.
• Knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures, as well as best practices in procurement and disbursement processes.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to guide and support junior colleagues.
• Excellent relationship management capabilities, client orientation, and effective communication skills.
• A solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and a high level of professionalism.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Associate Project Officer position should possess a Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, engineering, public administration, or related fields. Advanced training or qualifications in these areas is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in the principles and practices relevant to project management and financial sector operations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation, particularly within the financial sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects through various stages of the project cycle, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex project environments and deliver results effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective interaction with stakeholders and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the regions in which ADB operates.

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, conversion to a regular appointment, or termination at the end of the initial period based on ADB's needs and the employee's performance. The position is full-time and offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life insurance, retirement plans, and housing allowances for expatriate staff. ADB is committed to hiring nationals from its 68 member countries and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.