Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender Equality)

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 inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. ADB collaborates with its members and partners to tackle complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender Equality) will play a crucial role within the Gender Equality Division of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department at ADB. This position involves providing high-level leadership and technical oversight on gender equality and women's empowerment programming, focusing on policy development and results monitoring. The role emphasizes the integration of gender equality into ADB's strategic focus areas, particularly private sector development and digital transformation, as outlined in ADB's Strategy 203

• The specialist will be responsible for designing transformative gender equality initiatives, developing partnerships to enhance impact, and supporting results management and reporting on gender equality. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying emerging gender equality issues and leveraging innovative solutions to expand ADB's support for gender equality initiatives in developing member countries (DMCs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Social Development Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting the Director in advancing ADB's commitments on gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly in private sector development and digital transformation.
• Providing upstream support to relevant ADB departments to integrate innovative gender equality designs into projects and country partnership strategies.
• Overseeing ADB's corporate reporting on gender equality and contributing to the development of strategic documents to operationalize ADB's gender equality mandate.
• Leading the development and implementation of technical assistance projects that introduce innovative gender equality approaches.
• Acting as a focal point for sectors and thematic teams, coordinating with counterparts in other divisions.
• Building partnerships with external organizations to expand ADB's networks on gender equality.
• Engaging in external policy discussions and representing ADB at knowledge events.
• Developing gender knowledge products and delivering capacity development initiatives.
• Providing management support to the Director, including preparing management briefings and mentoring junior staff. 1
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in international development, economics, public policy, or related fields with a focus on gender equality and development. Alternatively, a university degree in relevant fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 12 years of work experience in gender and development, with a preference for experience in programming on gender equality and women's empowerment in ADB's developing member countries. Demonstrated expertise in leading innovative approaches to gender equality and providing capacity development to clients and partners is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record in managing budgets and teams, as well as experience in donor relations and partnership development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as international development, economics, public policy, or other related disciplines, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and development. A university degree in relevant fields, combined with significant specialized experience, may also be acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience in gender and development, ideally with a focus on programming related to gender equality and women's empowerment in developing member countries of ADB. Experience working across both private and public sector operations is highly desirable, along with international experience in various countries, particularly with multilateral development banks or international development organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. A publication track record on gender equality-related topics is desirable. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years or conversion to a regular appointment based on ADB's needs and the candidate's performance. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and life insurance plans. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.