Regional Cooperation 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 has been operational since 1966 and currently comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of these 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 also focusing on eradicating extreme poverty. ADB employs a diverse workforce and aims to create an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, regardless of their background. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Regional Cooperation Specialist position is a critical role within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) at ADB, specifically assigned to the Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit (CWRC). The specialist will be instrumental in implementing the CAREC Strategy 2030, which aims to enhance regional cooperation among member countries. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including CAREC Development Member Countries (DMCs), development partners, and ADB's sector teams to support the CAREC Program. The specialist will be responsible for conceptualizing and administering regional technical assistance projects, contributing to the development of regional investment projects, and enhancing the quality of regional cooperation. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and mobilizing funds for projects, as well as supporting the CAREC Secretariat in organizing key institutional activities and dialogues. The specialist will also play a vital role in monitoring CAREC performance and ensuring effective communication and collaboration among various partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Cooperation Specialist include:

• Implementing CAREC Strategy 2030 by enhancing regional cooperation quality in the CAREC Program, supporting operational clusters, and executing recommendations from the Midterm Review of CAREC Strategy 203
• Conducting analytical work to promote the regional cooperation agenda in CAREC and CWRD countries.
• Conceptualizing, processing, and administering regional technical assistance (RETA) projects related to the CAREC Program or CWRD's RCI activities.
• Contributing to the identification and mobilization of funds for RETAs and managing the RETAs portfolio.
• Developing a pipeline of regional investment projects and integrating regional cooperation elements into relevant projects.
• Supporting the CAREC Secretariat by organizing key institutional activities such as Ministerial Conferences and Senior Officials' Meetings.
• Acting as the Secretariat focal point for selected CAREC countries and sectors/themes, including transport, energy, and tourism.
• Coordinating with Resident Missions on country programming and monitoring the rolling pipeline of regional projects.
• Supporting project prioritization for funding through thematic pools and cofinancing from external partners. 1
• Collaborating with development partners and monitoring CAREC performance in relation to the results framework. 1
• Leading the RCI classification exercise to ensure proper identification and classification of RCI projects. 1
• Reviewing and commenting on ADB's RCI-related economic and policy analysis work. 1
• Strengthening the CAREC brand recognition and communication strategy, implementing outreach programs, and producing high-quality knowledge-sharing products. 1
• Overseeing the performance of reporting staff and providing direction and feedback on their performance.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Regional Cooperation Specialist position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in Economics, Development Management, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in regional cooperation and integration, strategy preparation and implementation, climate change, economic corridors, and other related areas.
• International experience working in multiple countries, including experience in CAREC countries.
• Strong analytical proficiency and numerical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Experience working in a diverse cultural context and the ability to function effectively as a constructive team member.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Management, Public Policy, or International Relations. A post-graduate degree or its equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in regional cooperation and integration.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass work in regional cooperation and integration, as well as the preparation and implementation of strategies related to climate change and economic corridors. Candidates should also have international experience, particularly in CAREC countries, which will provide them with the necessary context and understanding of the regional dynamics at play.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. This is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including member countries and development partners. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the CAREC region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and 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. The decision regarding extension or conversion will depend on ADB's future needs for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, as well as their performance during the initial appointment. The role is full-time, and ADB offers a competitive salary and 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.