Senior Project Officer (Energy)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established to promote economic and social development in Asia. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB has been operational since 1966 and currently comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to achieve its goals, particularly under its Strategy 2030, which aims for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. ADB is dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty and enhancing the quality of life for people in the region, and it actively encourages qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply for its positions, particularly women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer (Energy) position is a critical role within the Energy Sector Division (SD1-ENE) of the Asian Development Bank, specifically assigned to the Kazakhstan Resident Mission (KARM). This role involves providing technical expertise and operational support for energy sector projects and technical assistance initiatives. The Senior Project Officer will oversee the administration of both delegated and non-delegated energy sector projects, ensuring effective monitoring and performance evaluation of ADB's Kazakhstan portfolio. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying new project opportunities, engaging with development partners, and representing ADB in relevant meetings. The Senior Project Officer will also conduct sector research, prepare assessments, and contribute to sector studies that support national strategies and development effectiveness. This role demands substantial experience and the ability to undertake a variety of assignments, demonstrating leadership and mentorship to junior team members while contributing to the overall objectives of ADB in the energy sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer (Energy) will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: conducting sector research and updating sector information; preparing technical, financial, and institutional assessments; contributing to sector studies; processing loans and leading technical assistance projects; administering delegated energy projects, including consultant recruitment and procurement reviews; monitoring project performance and maintaining accurate portfolio data; preparing performance reports; providing technical guidance for project processing; organizing missions and participating in important meetings; engaging with government ministries and executing agencies; producing project documents such as Project Completion Reports and procurement documents; mentoring junior team members; and performing other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor. This role requires a high level of collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and private sector entities, to ensure the successful implementation of energy sector projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Project Officer (Energy) position must possess a Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, public policy, engineering, or related disciplines, complemented by a Master's degree or equivalent. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector, including project processing and implementation, is required, along with at least 4 years of supervisory experience. Candidates should have work experience in energy utility companies and a sound knowledge of energy-related issues, demonstrating expertise in specific areas or across multiple domains. Familiarity with government institutions and state-owned enterprises in the energy sector is essential, as is experience engaging government counterparts in relevant dialogues. Additionally, candidates must have two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years, and proficiency in both oral and written communication skills in English, Russian, and Kazakh is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Project Officer (Energy) position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, public policy, engineering, or related disciplines. A Master's degree or equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in energy sector projects and policies. This educational foundation is crucial for the analytical and technical tasks that the role demands, ensuring that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities associated with project administration and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector, with a strong emphasis on project processing and implementation. Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Experience working in energy utility companies is highly desirable, as it provides practical insights into the operational challenges and opportunities within the sector. Furthermore, candidates must have two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years, which can include roles in government, private sector, or other international organizations, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on energy issues.

Languages:
Proficiency in both oral and written communication skills in English is mandatory for the Senior Project Officer (Energy) position. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in Russian and Kazakh, as these languages are essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, government agencies, and partners in Kazakhstan. The ability to communicate in these languages will facilitate collaboration and engagement in the energy sector, enhancing the effectiveness of project implementation and stakeholder interactions.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027) of ADB, which aims to enhance in-house expertise. The role is intended for seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices as required. This position is classified as a local staff role, open only to nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan. It 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. After the initial fixed-term period, 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 suitability. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD, but this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.