Associate Project Officer

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 them from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. ADB's mission is to foster prosperity in Asia by combining finance, knowledge, and partnerships to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. ADB is committed to eradicating extreme poverty and has a strategic vision outlined in its Strategy 2030, which aims to address the challenges faced by the region. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background, and particularly encourages women to apply.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer position is a critical role within the Nepal Resident Mission (NRM) of the South Asia Department (SARD) at ADB. The successful candidate will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and will report to designated international staff and officers. The primary responsibilities of this role include providing analytical, statistical, and administrative support for project administration and associated project and portfolio analyses. The Associate Project Officer will assist in the administration of complex projects delegated to the NRM, ensuring effective communication and follow-up with executive agencies regarding project progress reports, financial statements, and project accounts. The role also involves monitoring the implementation progress of loan and technical assistance projects, preparing documentation for field missions, and supporting contract awards and disbursement projections. The Associate Project Officer will play a vital role in ensuring the sound administration of project contracts and compliance with ADB policies, while also providing guidance and training to local staff in the Resident Mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include: assisting in the administration of NRM-delegated projects; following up with executive agencies on project progress reports and financial statements; facilitating quality control and content review with executive agencies and project mission leaders; monitoring implementation progress of loan and technical assistance projects; updating project performance reports; preparing documents and files for field missions; assisting in contract awards and disbursement projections; supporting project completion review missions; reviewing procurement documents and tender evaluation reports; maintaining a database of project procurement and complaints; ensuring compliance with ADB procurement policies; processing disbursements for delegated projects; collecting and analyzing data for quarterly country portfolio review meetings; and providing guidance and training to local staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Project Officer position must possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, business administration, or a related field, preferably with advanced training. A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in project design, construction, administration, and procurement is required. Experience in international agencies is preferred. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting background analysis, collecting and organizing data, and applying computer skills for data analysis and report preparation. Knowledge of ADB or similar multilateral development bank procurement procedures and policies is essential, along with proficiency in common software applications used in ADB. Experience working with government officials, donor agencies, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also necessary, as well as a high level of integrity and confidentiality.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate Project Officer position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, or business administration. Advanced training in these areas is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge that would be beneficial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as project design, construction, administration, and procurement. Candidates should have experience in international agencies, which would provide valuable insights into the workings of multilateral development banks and their procurement processes. The ability to conduct background analysis on complex tasks and to collect and organize data effectively is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as good communication skills in English are necessary for effective collaboration and reporting. Familiarity with local languages and institutions is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and understanding within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants, but it is specifically a local staff position, meaning it is only open to nationals and permanent residents of Nepal. The position is a fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. After the initial period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment based on various factors, including the staff's performance and the organization's needs. It is important to note that this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and life insurance plans.