Senior Safeguards Officer (Social)

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's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the region, working collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges. ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Senior Safeguards Officer (Social) position is crucial for ensuring that both sovereign and non-sovereign projects comply with ADB's social safeguard requirements as outlined in the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) and the Environment and Social Framework (ESF) 202

• This role involves providing technical support to ensure compliance with various social requirements, including the Gender and Development Policy and the Social Protection Strategy. The officer will be responsible for conducting due diligence, analyzing project designs, and evaluating the implementation of projects throughout their lifecycle. The position requires collaboration with various departments to contribute to policy discussions and develop knowledge products that support ADB's borrowers and clients. The officer will also manage social safeguards requirements, lead safeguard review missions, and participate in country portfolio reviews to identify and address systemic issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Safeguards Officer (Social) will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting due diligence and comprehensive analysis of project designs and implementation to ensure compliance with ADB's social safeguard policies.
• Managing social safeguards requirements during project processing and implementation as part of the OneADB Team.
• Supporting project teams by assessing social impacts, conducting social due diligence, and preparing necessary documentation.
• Reviewing environmental and social impact assessments, resettlement plans, and other relevant documents to ensure compliance with social safeguards.
• Advising borrowers and clients on incorporating social safeguard dimensions into project designs and implementation.
• Leading safeguard review missions, documenting findings, and providing recommendations for compliance.
• Participating in country portfolio reviews and contributing to the development of knowledge products and services.
• Managing the safeguards team's database and liaising with staff to ensure accurate documentation of projects.
• Engaging in communities of practice and sharing information on social safeguards with stakeholders. 1
• Supporting the administration of technical assistance projects related to social development and safeguards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in social, community, or international development, gender and development, labor and social protection, or related fields. A Master's degree or equivalent is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of work experience in social development, gender and development, social protection, and social safeguards, with a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory role. Proficiency in social impact analysis, social assessments, and participatory development is essential, along with a strong understanding of social policies and methodologies for addressing social issues in projects. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage multiple workloads, set clear timelines, and work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as social, community, or international development, gender and development, labor and social protection, or related disciplines. A Master's degree or equivalent is highly desirable, as it indicates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in social safeguards and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in the fields of social development, gender and development, social protection, and social safeguards. Candidates should also have at least 4 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Experience in conducting social impact assessments and engaging with stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of the local language is also required, as it facilitates communication with local stakeholders and enhances the effectiveness of project implementation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local staff role, open only to nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan. It is a fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal for up to 3 years, or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The decision to renew will depend on various factors, including the staff's performance and the ongoing needs of ADB. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and opportunities for staff development.