Senior Energy Specialist (Hydropower)

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. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 69 member countries, with 49 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development. ADB's mission is to create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also working to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under Strategy 2030, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. ADB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Energy Specialist (Hydropower) at ADB, you will play a crucial role in the preparation and implementation of hydropower projects across ADB's Developing Member Countries (DMCs). Your responsibilities will include leading technical reviews and due diligence processes to ensure that projects are not only technically feasible but also economically viable and environmentally sustainable. You will be instrumental in formulating and articulating energy sector policies and strategies, engaging with DMC governments in policy dialogue, and conducting ADB's activities to support sector policy reforms. This position requires a deep understanding of hydropower and renewable energy opportunities, aligning with ADB's 2021 Energy Policy. You will oversee the development, processing, and implementation of investment and technical assistance projects, ensuring that they contribute to ADB's overarching goal of poverty reduction. Additionally, you will collaborate with various departments to deliver value-added services to DMCs, thereby enhancing ADB's impact in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties as a Senior Energy Specialist (Hydropower) will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the review of technical documents such as pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, design specifications, environmental and social impact assessments, and power system plans; developing and designing new lending projects and programs in hydropower and other renewable energy sectors; supervising hydropower projects during construction and ensuring continuous engagement with expert panels; preparing, processing, and administering loans, grants, and technical assistance in the energy sector while considering the country's development policies and climate change impacts; developing policies and strategies for sustainable low-carbon development in the hydropower sector; engaging in analytical work and knowledge management to promote best practices; providing guidance on energy sector issues during the initiation and administration of loans and grants; leading discussions on procurement issues; developing strategic partnerships for knowledge and project opportunities; contributing to training and conferences on hydropower and clean energy; creating and leading multidisciplinary teams; supervising and mentoring junior staff; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you will need a Master's degree or equivalent in hydropower-related engineering or a core competency such as hydromechanical/electromechanical engineering, water engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or project management. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. You should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in hydropower energy, with exposure to other renewable energy generation in both public and private sectors. Experience in environmental and social aspects of large infrastructure development, generation planning in hydro or other renewables, and design, construction, and management of hydropower projects in leadership roles is essential. A basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical components of hydropower projects and their grid connections, as well as an understanding of energy sector reform issues in developing countries, is also required. You must demonstrate the ability to perform effectively as a mission leader or team lead, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and possess international experience working in multiple countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as hydropower-related engineering or a core competency like hydromechanical/electromechanical engineering, water engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or project management. Candidates with a university degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of hydropower projects and the associated technical, environmental, and economic considerations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the hydropower energy sector, with a preference for candidates who have exposure to other renewable energy generation. Experience should include working in both public and private sectors, with a strong emphasis on leadership roles in the design, construction, and management of hydropower projects. Candidates should also have experience in environmental and social aspects of large infrastructure development and generation planning in hydro or other renewable energy sources.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills required for effective engagement with stakeholders and the preparation of technical documents. While English is the primary language for this position, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with DMC governments and local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position 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 candidate's performance. 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. Expatriate benefits are available for international staff. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.