Safeguards Officer (Social)

Safeguards Officer (Social)

Asian Development Bank

January 28, 2026February 11, 2026Thailand
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. It is owned by 69 members, with 50 from the region, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering prosperity across Asia. ADB collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives and build quality infrastructure. The organization is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Safeguards Officer (Social) position is crucial for ensuring that both sovereign and non-sovereign projects comply with ADB's safeguard policies, particularly those related to indigenous peoples and involuntary resettlement. This role involves providing technical support to ensure adherence to the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 and the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) 202
  • The officer will engage in interdepartmental discussions on social safeguards and contribute to the development of knowledge products for ADB's borrowers and clients. The position requires a proactive approach to managing social safeguards throughout the project lifecycle, from concept review to implementation, ensuring that all social dimensions are adequately addressed and documented.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safeguards Officer (Social) will be responsible for conducting due diligence and comprehensive analysis of project designs to ensure compliance with ADB's social safeguard policies. Key responsibilities include:
  • Conducting thorough reviews of safeguard documents and evaluating project performance at all stages.
  • Managing social safeguards requirements as part of the OneADB Team, contributing to project identification and preparation of necessary documentation.
  • Leading safeguard review missions, compiling project data, and documenting interactions with stakeholders.
  • Advising clients on social safeguard requirements and enhancing the quality of social plans.
  • Reviewing ADB policies and Thai government regulations to ensure alignment with social safeguard policies.
  • Developing knowledge products and participating in communities of practice to share insights and best practices.
  • Supporting the administration of technical assistance projects related to social development and safeguards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in social, community, or international development, with advanced training preferred. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in social development planning, gender and development, and social safeguards is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in social impact analysis and possess strong knowledge of social policies, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven development. Skills in statistics, digital mapping, and data collection are essential, along with the ability to coordinate timelines and deliverables effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social, community, or international development, gender and development, or labor and social protection. Advanced training in these areas is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex social issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years working directly with stakeholders in Thailand on social safeguards or social development issues. Experience with international financial institutions, such as the World Bank or ADB, is highly desirable, particularly familiarity with their safeguard policies.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and the local language is mandatory. Strong written and verbal communication skills in these languages are essential for effective stakeholder engagement and documentation of project activities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local staff role, open only to nationals and permanent residents of Thailand. It is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including housing and education allowances, medical benefits, and paid leave. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse candidates.
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