Investment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a prominent multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region. With 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, ADB collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships. The organization is committed to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and provided equal opportunities in an inclusive work environment. ADB encourages diversity and actively seeks to hire individuals from various backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on gender equality, welcoming applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Investment Specialist position is a critical role within the Trade and Supply Chain Division (TSCD) of the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) at ADB. The primary focus of this role is to support the growth of the supply chain finance business while addressing global supply chain challenges such as sustainability, resilience, digitalization, and financial inclusion. The Investment Specialist will be responsible for expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and will play a key role in originating and managing relationships with local partner banks. This position requires a proactive approach to drive transaction volumes, ensure high standards of client service, and maintain robust risk assessment and monitoring. The role also involves supporting the implementation of technical assistance and selected developmental initiatives, making it essential for candidates to possess strong business development skills and a deep understanding of trade and supply chain finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investment Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Sales and Origination: Leading the marketing, origination, structuring, and negotiation of supply chain finance (SCF) transactions and agreements. Developing a pipeline of SCF opportunities across priority markets and preparing presentations for industry conferences and client engagements.
• Credit Assessment and Risk Monitoring: Collaborating with ADB's Risk Management Office throughout the transaction lifecycle, managing the credit assessment process, reviewing financial statements, conducting analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, and drafting credit applications.
• Transaction Execution: Leading negotiations with financial institutions and corporates, coordinating with risk distribution desks, and working with ADB's legal department to structure and negotiate legal agreements.
• External Liaison: Communicating with prospective and existing clients, leading relationships with financial institutions, and developing ongoing relationships with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) and government counterparts.
• Research and Product Development: Conducting research on market risks, pricing trends, and supply chain finance structures, and contributing to the development of new products and solutions.
• Knowledge and Thought Leadership: Leading and contributing to training, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives, and developing thought leadership materials on supply chain finance.
• Staff Supervision: Leading and supervising reporting staff, setting clear expectations, and promoting their professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Investment Specialist position must possess a university degree in business, finance, accounting, marketing, or a related field, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent. They should have at least 6 years of work experience with financial institutions across multiple countries, demonstrating expertise in trade and supply chain finance, including structuring and execution. Significant international experience, particularly in emerging and developing markets, is essential. Candidates must also have experience in financial analysis, credit assessment, and due diligence of corporates, including large corporates and SMEs. A proven capability in business development, marketing, and negotiations is required, along with a results-oriented, proactive, and self-motivated attitude. Willingness to travel extensively is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Investment Specialist position includes a university degree in business, finance, accounting, marketing, or a related field. A post-graduate degree or its equivalent is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex financial concepts and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant work experience with financial institutions, showcasing a strong understanding of trade and supply chain finance. Candidates should have significant international experience, particularly in emerging and developing markets, and must demonstrate a solid track record in financial analysis, credit assessment, and due diligence processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This 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 crucial to ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), which aims to enhance in-house expertise. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices as required. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.