Country Operations Head

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established in 1966 and is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is composed of 69 member countries, with 50 of these members from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also focusing on eradicating extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under Strategy 2030, which aims to address the region's development challenges and promote sustainable economic growth. ADB employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women, and aims to foster a workplace that values diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Country Operations Head position is a critical role within the Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM) of ADB's Central and West Asia Department. The successful candidate will be based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) while also having a matrix reporting relationship with the Deputy Country Director (DCD) and the Regional Head of Operations Coordination (ROC). This role involves overseeing junior team members and managing ADB operations and engagement in Pakistan. The Country Operations Head will be responsible for coordinating country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio management, ensuring that ADB's operations align with the country's development needs and priorities. The position requires a strategic approach to managing the country portfolio, providing operational services to project teams, and ensuring compliance with ADB policies. The Country Operations Head will also play a key role in liaising with government officials and stakeholders to facilitate project implementation and address any operational challenges that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Country Operations Head include leading the country portfolio performance review and management, monitoring and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations, and providing guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. The role involves overseeing project-related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders, consulting with clients to resolve project issues, and supporting the CD and DCD in project implementation arrangements. The Country Operations Head will guide sectors in project design and processing, lead the country programming team in resource allocation, and ensure the delivery of innovative projects that meet client needs. Additionally, the position requires monitoring pipelines and the development of lending and non-lending operations, liaising with development partners on co-financing opportunities, and providing inputs into country programming strategies. The Country Operations Head will also perform quality assurance for projects, initiate analytical assessments on portfolio performance, and propose strategies to improve project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Operations Head position must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent in fields such as engineering, project management, finance, economics, or business administration. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 6 years of operational experience within ADB or similar development institutions. Experience in procurement and administration of works, goods contracts, and consulting service contracts is essential, along with international experience in development across multiple countries. The candidate should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, supervisory skills for complex project reviews, and familiarity with country programming.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Country Operations Head position includes a Master's Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as engineering, project management, finance, economics, or business administration. A university degree with significant specialized experience may also be considered, emphasizing the importance of a strong academic foundation in areas pertinent to development finance and project management.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on operational experience in development institutions like ADB. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex projects, solving implementation problems, and supporting loan processing. Experience in liaising with government officials, non-government agencies, and development partners is also crucial, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international nature of ADB's operations. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered advantageous, particularly for effective communication with local stakeholders and government officials.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is a fixed-term position 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 candidate's performance. The role is full-time and offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans. ADB is committed to hiring nationals from its member countries and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.