Senior 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 collaborates 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 applications from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Urban Development Specialist at ADB, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban development in the Asia-Pacific region. Your primary responsibilities will include preparing, processing, and implementing policies and strategies related to the water and urban sector. You will engage with Subregional governments in policy dialogues within ADB's Pacific Development Member Countries, ensuring that ADB's activities align with sector policies and reforms. This position requires a strategic mindset, as you will be responsible for providing technical inputs for loans, grants, and technical assistance projects, while also overseeing junior team members. Your work will directly impact the development and implementation of projects that address critical issues such as water supply, sanitation, and urban planning, contributing to sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In your role, you will lead and contribute to the processing and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance specific to the water and urban development sector. You will ensure that these initiatives align with the development policies of the countries involved and assess their impacts on private sector participation and sector restructuring. Additionally, you will support the development and design of new lending projects, focusing on areas such as water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, and urban planning. Collaboration with other sector offices and departments within ADB will be essential to propose integrated solutions that meet the needs of developing member countries (DMCs). You will also oversee the implementation of ADB-funded projects in the Pacific, assess sector policies against international best practices, and identify priority areas for support. Your responsibilities will include ensuring quality and compliance of lending products, facilitating coordination with development partners, and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you will need a Master's Degree or equivalent in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or economics. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. You should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban development sector, including project preparation and administration. Experience in urban development and/or water sector project implementation is essential, along with international experience working in various countries. You should possess strong team leadership skills and the ability to manage professionals and technical projects effectively. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory, and familiarity with ADB's Competency Framework for TI2 is beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or economics. Candidates with a university degree and significant specialized experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and water management, as well as for effectively contributing to the strategic goals of ADB.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban development sector. This experience should encompass project preparation, administration, and implementation, with a strong emphasis on integrating financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements into project design and execution. Field-based experience is desirable, as it provides practical insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Additionally, experience in preparing investment projects and analyzing development policies is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is critical for engaging with stakeholders and contributing to policy dialogues. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse communities and stakeholders in the Pacific region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years or conversion to a regular appointment, depending on ADB's needs and the candidate's performance. The role is full-time and may require relocation to the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, or another resident mission office after the initial assignment. 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 opportunities for staff development.