IT Specialist (Data Governance and Enablement)

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 comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of them from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development, striving to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. The organization combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under Strategy 2030, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance the quality of life for the people in the region. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The IT Specialist (Data Governance and Enablement) position is crucial for the Asian Development Bank as it embarks on a data-driven transformation journey. This role is situated within the Office of the Director General in the Information Technology Department and is pivotal in leading the transition from traditional data reporting to a more advanced, foresight-driven approach. The specialist will be responsible for establishing a community of practice that engages key business stakeholders to tackle regional challenges using innovative data technologies. The position requires a blend of innovation and governance expertise to enhance data quality, interoperability, and foster a vibrant data culture. The specialist will also ensure that ADB's data is primed for advanced analytics, including AI and predictive analytics, thus enabling leaders to make informed decisions based on reliable data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the IT Specialist (Data Governance and Enablement) include acting as a champion for the evolution from descriptive analytics to AI-powered foresight, contributing to the strengthening of the Data Governance Framework, and implementing Data Quality Management controls. The specialist will oversee the certification and institutional rollout of data products, ensuring they are recognized as the sources of truth across ADB. Additionally, the role involves promoting the consistent use of certified datasets, operationalizing the Data Marketplace solution, and developing a communication framework for data sharing agreements. The specialist will also oversee the development of high-impact analytics use cases, ensure metadata richness and governance, and contribute to increasing data literacy and enablement programs. Building and nurturing communities of practice and championing self-service analytics through accessible data catalogs and trusted visualization platforms are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Information Management, Data Science, AI, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent. Professional certifications in Data Governance, Data Management, or AI are desirable. A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Data Governance, Data Management, or Analytics is required, along with international experience working in multiple countries. Candidates should have at least 3 years of leadership experience in data governance and quality programs that support AI/machine learning initiatives, predictive analytics, or digital transformation. A passion for data and its ability to create value is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Proven experience in advancing enterprise data maturity and operationalizing governance in complex organizations, particularly in international financial institutions, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Information Management, Data Science, AI, Business Administration, or Economics. A post-graduate degree or equivalent is preferred, and candidates with professional certifications in Data Governance, Data Management, or AI will have an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of progressive experience in Data Governance, Data Management, or Analytics, with a strong emphasis on international experience across various countries. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role specifically focused on data governance and quality programs that enable AI/machine learning initiatives, predictive analytics, or digital transformation. Experience in enhancing data governance practices and data sharing frameworks with both internal and external stakeholders is crucial.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a strong emphasis on the ability to communicate complex data and AI concepts clearly to senior executives and non-technical audiences. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for producing high-quality technical documentation. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is funded by a temporary funding source, meaning the renewal of the appointment is subject to the availability of funding. The position is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 2 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. After the initial period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the need for the staff's skills and experience, funding availability, and performance. This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.