Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB was founded in 1966 and currently comprises 68 member countries, with 49 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 continuously working to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB operates under its Strategy 2030, which outlines its vision and goals for the future. The institution employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women, and aims to reflect the diversity of its member countries in its workforce.

Job Overview:
As a Project Officer at ADB, you will play a crucial role in managing and administering projects within the Water and Urban Development Sector Office (WUD) of the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). Your responsibilities will include portfolio management, project administration, budget preparation, and monitoring, as well as contributing to knowledge management activities. You will be involved in various projects and initiatives that align with ADB's strategic agenda, focusing on delivering impactful solutions to advance development in the region. The position requires collaboration with international and local staff, ensuring timely actions are taken to address project administration issues. You will analyze sector portfolio performance, review mission reports, and provide guidance to team members, contributing to the overall success of ADB's projects. Your role will also involve mentoring junior staff and ensuring compliance with ADB's operational processes and guidelines, making it essential for you to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a database of key performance indicators and project administration issues, ensuring timely actions are taken by relevant staff.
• Prepare and clear consolidated portfolio management reports, analyzing sector portfolio performance and project administration workload.
• Coordinate with project administration teams across the sector office to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Review mission reports, progress reports, and project performance indexes, ensuring quality and conducting special loan/TA review missions.
• Monitor and review data accuracy for Project Performance Reports, analyzing contract awards/disbursement and project completion reports.
• Prepare portfolio analysis reports for internal and external communication.
• Ensure quality of loan, grant, and TA processing documents in accordance with ADB guidelines.
• Provide inputs and feedback to sector office initiatives, reflecting operational issues and experiences.
• Contribute to project administration tasks, especially in procurement, and provide guidance to executing agencies on ADB's procurement guidelines. 1
• Participate in project inception, review, and completion missions as required. 1
• Support project processing missions in designing implementation arrangements and reviewing financing plans. 1
• Contribute to the preparation of annual portfolio management programs and monitor budget utilization. 1
• Mentor and oversee junior staff, ensuring their development and performance. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned in the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Project Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in economics, development studies, business administration, or a related field. Advanced training in these areas is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in project processing or administration. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, along with proficiency in computer-based applications, including spreadsheets and word processing software. A comprehensive understanding of ADB's operational processes and administration guidelines is required, as well as the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and national backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate good analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as economics, development studies, business administration, or other related disciplines. Advanced training or qualifications in these areas will be considered an advantage, as they will enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role of Project Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in project processing or administration. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as familiarity with the operational processes of international development organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects and contributing to their administration, showcasing their ability to navigate complex project environments and deliver results.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and reporting. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial, particularly if they are relevant 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 or conversion to a regular appointment, depending on ADB's needs and the candidate's 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 be determined based 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 for eligible staff.