Senior Water Resources Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 69 member countries, with 50 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. ADB's mission is to create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, aligning its operations with its Strategy 2030 framework. ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and employs a diverse workforce committed to its goals, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Water Resources Specialist position is a pivotal role within the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector Office at ADB. The specialist will be responsible for coordinating and communicating various projects and activities within the AFNR sector, focusing on the identification, development, implementation, and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in developing member countries (DMCs). The role requires a deep understanding of water resource management, including areas such as irrigation modernization, groundwater management, flood risk management, and integrated river basin management. The specialist will also engage in policy dialogue, lead initiatives, and represent ADB in discussions with stakeholders, ensuring that water resource policies align with environmental and organizational goals. The position demands a combination of technical expertise, strategic planning, and the ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve effective water resource management solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Water Resources Specialist will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including leading policy dialogue and engaging with stakeholders to develop water resource policies. The specialist will initiate and lead regional initiatives on water, contributing to strategic planning and knowledge sharing. Key duties include:

• Representing AFNR in meetings and consultations with stakeholders, including government counterparts and local partners.
• Contributing to country programming and project development by preparing analytical work in the water resources sector.
• Identifying necessary AFNR sector interventions for water resources management, including modernization of irrigation systems and flood risk management.
• Promoting ecosystem-based approaches that integrate gender equality and social inclusion.
• Developing, processing, and administering grant, loan, and TA projects, ensuring due diligence and delivery of development results.
• Leading missions and serving as the focal point in country management teams.
• Preparing project updates and coordinating with the Climate Team to develop innovative project designs.
• Supervising reporting staff and ensuring their ongoing learning and development.
• Collaborating with various departments at ADB to implement climate-resilient water resources projects. 1
• Organizing knowledge events to share best practices in water resource management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Water Resources Specialist position must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or Water Resources Management. Alternatively, a university degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the water resources sector, including international experience as a water engineer or water resources specialist. This experience should encompass multiple areas of expertise, such as irrigation modernization and flood risk management. A minimum of two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required, and international experience working in various countries, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or Water Resources Management. Candidates with a university degree and significant specialized experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on advanced knowledge and skills in water resources management and related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in the water resources sector, including international experience. Candidates should have a strong background in various areas of water resource management, including modernization of irrigation systems, flood risk management, and integrated water resources management. Experience working in multiple countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is crucial, as is familiarity with climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with strong skills in both spoken and written communication. The ability to express ideas clearly and effectively is essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered advantageous.

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. The role is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), aimed at enhancing in-house expertise. Successful candidates may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including housing and education allowances, medical benefits, retirement plans, and paid leave. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.