Regional Cooperation Specialist (Trade and Investment)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a prominent 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 safeguard the environment. 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 regardless of their background, gender, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting ADB's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Job Overview:
The Regional Cooperation Specialist (Trade and Investment) plays a vital role within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, specifically in the Regional Cooperation and Integration and Trade Division. This position is integral to the design, implementation, and monitoring of regional cooperation initiatives that aim to enhance economic integration, facilitate trade, and promote regional public goods. The specialist will support the development of country partnership strategies, investment projects, and technical assistance programs that align with ADB's organizational strategies and regional priorities. The role requires a proactive approach to overseeing regional cooperation initiatives, providing technical inputs, and coordinating with various stakeholders to promote knowledge sharing and innovation. The specialist will be expected to identify and conceptualize RCI operation priorities, work collaboratively with sector and regional departments, and represent ADB in regional forums and working groups, thereby contributing to the organization's mission of alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Cooperation Specialist (Trade and Investment) include:

• Identifying, conceptualizing, and supporting the development of regional cooperation and integration (RCI) operation priorities, focusing on trade, finance, connectivity, and regional public goods.
• Collaborating with sector departments, regional departments, and other relevant teams to integrate RCI priorities into country programming, sector strategies, technical assistance (TAs), and investment projects.
• Providing expertise on RCI issues related to economic integration, trade facilitation, cross-border infrastructure, regional policy harmonization, and regional public goods.
• Developing and administering regional technical assistance (RETAs) on RCI initiatives.
• Creating RCI-relevant knowledge products to support operational priorities.
• Engaging with regional organizations, development partners, and government agencies to ensure complementarity of efforts.
• Representing ADB in regional forums and working groups to advocate for ADB's initiatives and policies.
• Analyzing emerging trends in regional integration, digital trade, financial cooperation, critical minerals, and regional public goods to inform ADB's strategies.
• Promoting innovative solutions and best practices to address regional development challenges. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned and reflected in the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the position of Regional Cooperation Specialist (Trade and Investment), candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in economics, international development, public policy, or a related field; a post-graduate degree or its equivalent is preferred.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including experience with multilateral development banks or similar organizations, and international experience working in multiple countries.
• At least 6 years of work experience specifically in regional cooperation, trade, and economic integration.
• Practical experience in project design and implementation for both sovereign and non-sovereign operations.
• Familiarity with technical assistance processing and implementation procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English, along with strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing multiple tasks, including coordinating schedules, documents, and project deliverables.
• A proven track record of collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. 1
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required, with years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor considered as experience outside of ADB.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a university degree in economics, international development, public policy, or a related field. A post-graduate degree or its equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in trade and investment within the context of regional cooperation.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant work experience, particularly in regional cooperation, trade, and economic integration. Candidates should have experience working with multilateral development banks or similar organizations, as well as international experience across multiple countries. Practical experience in project design and implementation for both sovereign and non-sovereign operations is essential, along with familiarity with technical assistance processing and implementation procedures. Additionally, candidates should have experience managing multiple tasks and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal, as it is the primary language of communication within ADB and in the context of international cooperation. While English proficiency is essential, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This position 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. ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment, and the role is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), which aims to enhance ADB's in-house expertise. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices as required. ADB offers competitive compensation 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.