Urban Development 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 is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. ADB works collaboratively 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 planet. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Urban Development Specialist position is situated within the Water and Urban Development Sector Office at ADB's Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. This role is pivotal in shaping policies and strategies related to water and urban development in developing member countries (DMCs). The specialist will enhance the quality of policy dialogue and operations while delivering knowledge solutions by collaborating closely with DMC clients. The responsibilities include processing and administering loans, grants, and technical assistance projects, ensuring alignment with the countries' development policies and addressing climate change impacts. The specialist will also develop new lending projects in various urban sectors, propose integrated solutions, and introduce innovative practices in project design and administration. The role requires continuous assessment of sector policies and strategies to ensure alignment with international best practices and responsiveness to the development needs of DMCs. Additionally, the specialist will mentor junior staff and support their integration into the team, ensuring ongoing learning and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Development Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: processing and administering loans, grants, and technical assistance in urban sector development; developing new lending projects and programs in areas such as water supply, wastewater management, sanitation, drainage, solid waste management, affordable housing, and urban planning; collaborating with other ADB departments to propose integrated solutions; identifying innovative solutions and best practices; leading discussions on procurement issues; coordinating with various departments to implement projects; assessing development policies and strategies; identifying priority areas for support; developing strategic partnerships for knowledge sharing; responding to external inquiries; generating knowledge solutions from ADB operations; leading in-house studies and seminars; and mentoring junior staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, economics, or related fields, preferably at the postgraduate level. They should have at least 6 years of relevant professional experience in water and urban development, including project preparation and administration. Strong technical skills and practical experience in engaging in policy dialogue, preparing knowledge solutions, and developing capacity in DMCs are essential. International experience in multiple countries and broad experience in investment project preparation and development policy analysis are also required. Candidates should have significant expertise in specific areas of ADB's operations or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge in one area. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory, and two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or economics. A postgraduate degree or equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in urban development and management.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant professional experience in the fields of water and urban development, municipal service improvement, and project administration. Candidates should have practical knowledge and experience in integrating financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements into project design and execution. Additionally, international experience working in various countries is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to engage in policy dialogue and prepare knowledge solutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as candidates must be able to express ideas clearly in both spoken and written formats. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions or countries where ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The decision to renew will depend on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. The role is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), aimed at enhancing in-house expertise. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.