Senior Project Assistant

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 located in the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also focusing on eradicating extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030, which aims to address the region's most pressing challenges. ADB is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background, gender, or abilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting ADB's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant position is a critical role within the South Asia Department (SARD) at the India Resident Mission (INRM) of ADB. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing essential coordination, technical, and analytical support for portfolio management and project administration. This role involves contributing to the preparation and updating of project administration manuals, compiling project performance reports, and monitoring contract awards and disbursements. The Senior Project Assistant will also participate in various project missions, ensuring compliance with loan covenants and assisting executing agencies in understanding ADB's loan procedures. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government officials and colleagues within ADB. The role is integral to ensuring that projects are implemented effectively and efficiently, contributing to ADB's mission of promoting sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Project Assistant include:

• Contributing to the preparation and updating of the Project Administration Manual (PAM) by gathering and consolidating relevant data and drafting various sections.
• Preparing and updating individual Project Performance Reports (PPR) monthly, detailing project descriptions, implementation status, developments, and major issues.
• Compiling data on contract awards and disbursements for assigned projects and generating reports for departmental and management review.
• Monitoring actual awards and disbursements against targets, identifying shortfalls, and following up with executing agencies.
• Participating in project missions, providing support in data collection, compliance monitoring, and report preparation.
• Maintaining records to monitor compliance with project and technical assistance covenants and inputting data into the INRM database.
• Monitoring physical progress in project implementation and following up on outstanding obligations of executing agencies.
• Assisting in updating procurement plans, reviewing procurement documents, and drafting responses on procurement matters.
• Reviewing withdrawal applications for compliance with project agreements. 1
• Performing other tasks as assigned in the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Project Assistant position will possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, business administration, or a related field.
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities of the position at the required level.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project-related activities, particularly in the infrastructure sector, with a preference for experience in international agencies.
• Knowledge of various stages of the project cycle, including procurement, contract administration, and progress management.
• Proficiency in technology packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, PowerPoint, and web browsing.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses to support decision-making.
• Effective report-writing and communication skills in English and the national language as required.
• Ability to liaise effectively with government officials and work collaboratively with teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, business administration, or a related area. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical and administrative aspects of project management and administration within the infrastructure sector.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in project-related activities, particularly in the infrastructure sector. Experience in international agencies is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the complexities of project management in a global context. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the project cycle, including procurement, contract administration, and progress management, which are critical for the successful execution of projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as effective communication and report writing are essential components of the role. Additionally, knowledge of the national language is required to facilitate interactions with local stakeholders and government officials. Familiarity with other languages spoken in the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is classified as a local staff position, meaning it is only available to nationals and permanent residents of India. The role 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 staff's performance and the organization's needs. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), relocation assistance (if applicable), a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.