Markets Development Advisory Specialist

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 focuses on fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, addressing complex challenges through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships. ADB aims to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the region, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women, and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Markets Development Advisory Specialist position is a critical role within the Advisory Division 2 of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership at ADB. The specialist will be stationed at the Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji, for an initial period of three years, with potential relocation to the headquarters in Manila or another resident mission office thereafter. The primary functions of this role include developing and delivering bankable projects and transactions for private sector development (PSD), enhancing the enabling environment for PSD in ADB's developing member countries (DMCs), and formulating and implementing policies and strategies to support the operations of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership. The specialist will also engage in stakeholder coordination, knowledge management activities, and support the origination, processing, and implementation of transaction advisory services (TAS) mandates. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying emerging opportunities and innovative solutions for PSD, including climate financing programs and nature-based solutions, while working across multiple countries in the Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Markets Development Advisory Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: implementing the vision, goals, and work plan of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership; contributing to the development of the private sector development shift following ADB's organizational review; identifying, structuring, and delivering bankable transactions for PSD through TAS mandates and technical assistance; marketing, negotiating, and conducting due diligence on PPP and PSD-related projects in DMCs; supporting upstream market development activities such as policy reform, institutional strengthening, and capacity building; managing the internal processes for TAS mandates and market development activities; selecting and managing consultants for project teams; promoting cooperation with other institutions; conducting market research to identify constraints and solutions for PSD; contributing to knowledge management activities and maintaining a database for knowledge sharing; preparing country partnership strategies and private sector diagnostics; coordinating with regional and sector departments to ensure mutual benefits; and managing team performance through clear direction and constructive feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Markets Development Advisory Specialist position must possess a university degree or equivalent in business administration, economics, finance, or other relevant fields, preferably at the post-graduate level. Additionally, candidates should have at least six years of relevant professional experience in developing infrastructure projects, including PPP transactions and climate financing. Hands-on experience in structuring project finance transactions and providing advisory services across multiple sectors and countries is essential. In-depth knowledge of PPP and financial market products, along with due diligence experience in implementing infrastructure or climate projects, is required. Candidates should also have a strong network within financial communities, including export credit agencies and investment/commercial banks, and demonstrate high proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or equivalent in fields such as business administration, economics, finance, or other relevant disciplines. A post-graduate degree is preferred, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in markets development and advisory roles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, specifically in developing infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships and climate financing. Candidates should have hands-on experience in structuring project finance transactions and providing advisory services across various sectors and countries. International experience working in multiple countries is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments and cultural contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and spoken forms. This is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is crucial to ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), which aims to enhance in-house expertise. The role is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew for an initial period of up to three years, or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. After the initial period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment based on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD, but this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.