Associate Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. ADB collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect the environment. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer position is integral to the Afghanistan Resident Mission (AFRM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) of ADB. The role involves significant contributions to the management and administration of the Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund (AITF). The Associate Project Officer will coordinate with various stakeholders, including other aid agencies and NGOs, to ensure effective information dissemination and monitoring of knowledge products. The position requires a proactive approach to support the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Country Operations Head in managing AITF operations, preparing financial reports, and facilitating meetings with donors and stakeholders. The role also encompasses the administration of technical assistance projects, ensuring compliance with AITF guidelines, and providing inputs for project design and implementation. The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration among various partners to support the Afghan people and enhance project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include:

• Supporting the Country Director and Country Operations Head in the management of the AITF, including reviewing financial records and preparing reports.
• Arranging and coordinating AITF steering committee meetings and other stakeholder meetings.
• Liaising with existing and potential AITF donors, preparing responses to information requests, and coordinating with ADB team members on AITF-financed projects.
• Monitoring project fund balances and assisting in the return of funds to donors when necessary.
• Leading the processing and administration of technical assistance projects and preparing completion reports.
• Providing inputs for project design, including technical specifications, cost estimates, and compliance with AITF guidelines.
• Supporting coordination with donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders to gather information and explore potential partnerships.
• Assisting project teams in communication and coordination efforts with NGOs and donors.
• Supporting information dissemination and knowledge product preparation in collaboration with the Department of Communications and Knowledge Management. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Project Officer position must possess a Bachelor's degree, with a preference for a Master's degree in civil engineering, economics, business administration, or other relevant disciplines. Advanced training in these areas is also preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in externally funded project formulation, implementation, or administration, with exposure to infrastructure projects and familiarity with trust fund management. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, proficiency with numerical data, and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Familiarity with ADB's Core Competency Framework for TL 4 is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. Relevant disciplines include civil engineering, economics, business administration, or related areas. Advanced training in these fields is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include work on externally funded projects, with a focus on project formulation, implementation, or administration. Candidates should have a background in infrastructure projects and familiarity with trust fund management, ideally with some accounting experience. Experience in an international setting is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate complex project environments and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, particularly strong verbal and report writing skills. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial, especially in the context of working with local stakeholders and partners in Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local staff position, open only to nationals and permanent residents of Afghanistan. It is a fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal, initially for a period of up to three years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The decision to renew the appointment will depend on various factors, including the organizational needs, funding availability, and the staff member's performance. The position offers a competitive salary and 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.