Senior Adaptation Solution Specialist (Water)

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. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 69 member countries, with 50 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. ADB's mission is to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also striving to eradicate extreme poverty. The institution combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030, which aims to address the region's most pressing challenges and support its development goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adaptation Solution Specialist (Water) position is a critical role within the Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment (CCRE) Cluster of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD) at ADB. This role is focused on developing and implementing strategies related to adaptation and resilience in the water sector, which includes areas such as water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), hydropower, irrigated agriculture, urban drainage, water resources management, and flood risk management. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance and support to ADB's developing member countries (DMCs) and sector groups, ensuring that investments in adaptation and resilience are well-informed and effectively executed. The position requires a strong understanding of the risks associated with water-related operations and the ability to promote innovative solutions that enhance resilience while managing social vulnerabilities. The specialist will also play a key role in knowledge sharing and capacity building, ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated across the organization and with external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adaptation Solution Specialist (Water) will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading ADB's programs and initiatives on adaptation and resilience, focusing on maximizing resilience outcomes through water-related operations.
• Supporting country programming and pipeline development from a water infrastructure and resilience perspective.
• Mobilizing financial resources for water resilience initiatives.
• Providing technical assistance to DMCs and sector groups to conceptualize and design investments in adaptation and resilience.
• Participating in project missions and providing technical support throughout the project cycle to ensure quality and performance.
• Co-leading the processing of selected full-adaptation projects with a focus on water resilience.
• Developing and disseminating knowledge and innovation work related to adaptation and resilience in water operations.
• Strengthening partnerships with external development partners and representing ADB in international forums and technical working groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Adaptation Solution Specialist (Water) position must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in engineering, hydrology, water resources management, natural resources management, or related fields, or a university degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position.
• A minimum of 10 years of international work experience in adaptation and resilience in water-related operations, preferably in the Asia and Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience with water sector adaptation solutions and tools to enhance resilience and pursue low-carbon development.
• Proven experience in conducting risk assessments related to water infrastructure.
• Strong managerial skills and experience leading teams and project missions on technical matters related to water resilience.
• Familiarity with the operations, policies, and procedures of multilateral financial institutions is preferred.
• Ability to share knowledge effectively and support knowledge transfer initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as engineering, hydrology, water resources management, or natural resources management. Alternatively, candidates with a university degree in related fields and significant specialized experience in the water sector may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of water-related operations and the challenges associated with climate change adaptation and resilience.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of international work experience specifically in the field of adaptation and resilience related to water operations. This experience should ideally include a strong focus on the Asia and Pacific region, where the challenges of water management and climate change are particularly acute. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that involve water infrastructure and resilience, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of this sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. This is essential for effective communication within ADB and with external partners. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew, 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 for an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. The appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment, and ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, emphasizing inclusivity and equal opportunity in the hiring process. The organization offers a competitive compensation package, including paid leave, medical benefits, life insurance, staff development opportunities, a retirement plan, and housing and education allowances for applicable cases.