Investment Specialist

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 69 member countries, with 50 of these being from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development, focusing on creating a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. The organization combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to achieve its goals, particularly under its Strategy 2030 framework. ADB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and a respectful work environment for all employees, encouraging diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Investment Specialist position is a critical role within the Asian Development Bank's Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), specifically assigned to the Social Sectors Team (SST). The primary function of this role is to support the identification, screening, due diligence, structuring, negotiation, implementation, and closing of direct debt financing and equity investments in the private healthcare and education sectors across ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). The Investment Specialist will be responsible for nurturing relationships with stakeholders in these sectors, developing a pipeline of potential investments, and ensuring compliance with ADB's internal policies and market best practices. This role requires a strategic mindset to contribute to policy development and planning, as well as a commitment to knowledge sharing and staff management, ensuring that team members are effectively supervised and supported in their professional growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investment Specialist will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Transaction Origination and Processing: Identify and process transactions in the health and education sectors for ADB private sector investment, develop relationships with relevant companies and financiers, conduct comprehensive financial assessments, perform due diligence on various aspects of proposed transactions, structure and negotiate financial assistance, present transaction rationales to ADB's Management and Board, and ensure compliance with internal policies.
• Strategy and Planning: Contribute to the development of policies and strategies for ADB's goals in the private sector, coordinate with other departments on project-related matters, and participate in relevant practice groups.
• Knowledge Sharing: Engage in learning events and advocacy activities, draft and review project and policy papers, and maintain knowledge of best practices in the health and education sectors.
• Staff Management: Lead project teams, supervise team members, monitor performance, and support the ongoing development of staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Investment Specialist position must possess a university degree in finance or business, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in corporate and project lending, investment banking, or private equity is required, with a focus on leading cross-border debt or equity transactions in the health or education sectors in Asia. Strong financial modeling, equity valuation, and corporate finance skills are essential, along with familiarity with legal documentation for banking or private equity transactions. International experience working in multiple countries is also a key qualification.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in finance or business, with a preference for candidates holding a post-graduate degree or its equivalent. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of investment transactions and financial assessments in the health and education sectors.

Experience:
The role requires at least 6 years of relevant professional experience, specifically in corporate and project lending, investment banking, or private equity. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading direct cross-border debt or equity transactions, particularly with exposure to the health or education sectors in Asia. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the challenges and intricacies of investment operations effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent communication skills are essential for interacting with stakeholders and presenting transaction rationales. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered advantageous.

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 employee's performance. The role is full-time and may involve relocation to one of ADB's Resident Missions, with all reasonable relocation expenses covered. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.