Procurement 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 members located in 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, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance the quality of life for people in the region. ADB is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all qualified candidates have equal opportunities regardless of their background, and actively encourages women to apply for positions.

Job Overview:
As a Procurement Specialist at ADB, you will play a crucial role in enhancing procurement processes and systems within the organization. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at improving procurement practices in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, education, health, transport, and urban development. You will be involved in conducting country procurement diagnostic assessments, assisting governments in strengthening their procurement systems, and developing procurement strategies that ensure value-for-money outcomes. Your expertise will also be essential in advising on contract management issues, particularly those related to the FIDIC suite of contracts. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of knowledge products on procurement, participate in outreach activities, and deliver training sessions to enhance the procurement skills of ADB and government staff. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying procurement risks and developing mitigation plans, ensuring compliance with ADB's procedures, and leading the implementation of procurement policies and directives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: conducting country, sector, and project-level procurement risk assessments; developing risk mitigation plans; supporting borrowers in formulating procurement strategies for investment projects; reviewing procurement activities under ADB loans and providing technical advice; advising on the use of FIDIC contracts and reviewing bidding documents; leading procurement design and implementation during loan and technical assistance project processing; administering technical assistance projects related to procurement; contributing to the development of procurement policies and directives; supporting the digital transformation of ADB's procurement systems; and delivering training to enhance the procurement capabilities of ADB and government staff. You will also oversee junior team members, providing leadership and guidance to ensure their professional development and performance.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Procurement Specialist position, candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Public Procurement, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, with a preference for post-graduate qualifications or equivalent. A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, project management, or a related area is required. Experience in sectors such as agriculture, energy, education, health, transport, and urban development is advantageous. Candidates should have international experience working in multiple countries and demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English. Familiarity with multilateral development bank (MDB) procurement policies is preferred, along with a proven track record of leading projects and conducting knowledge-sharing sessions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Public Procurement, Public Policy, or Law. A post-graduate degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, which indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex procurement and project management issues.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, project management, or related fields. Candidates with experience in specific sectors such as agriculture, energy, education, health, transport, and urban development will have an advantage. Additionally, international experience working in various countries is highly valued, as it demonstrates adaptability and a broader understanding of procurement practices across different contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with the ability to express ideas clearly in both spoken and written formats. While English is the primary language required for this position, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

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. The organization is committed to hiring nationals from its 69 member countries and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.