Senior Operations Officer

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. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the region. It operates in multiple countries, providing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to address complex challenges and improve lives. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Operations Officer at ADB, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Regional Director of the Pacific Subregional Office (SPSO) in managing ADB-financed operations and technical assistance for the Pacific Country Offices (PCOs). Your responsibilities will include providing technical expertise in project management, overseeing daily operations, ensuring quality assurance, and managing the portfolio effectively. You will engage with development partners, facilitate capacity development, and capture knowledge related to project management. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing solutions, as well as strong communication skills to interact with various stakeholders, including government ministries and executing agencies. You will also be involved in monitoring contract awards and disbursement performance, ensuring alignment with ADB policies and procedures, and contributing to the capacity building of executing agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Regional Director and Country Operations Head (COH) in managing operations efficiently and effectively in a PCO under SPSO, including portfolio monitoring and quality assurance.
• Provide technical and operational inputs for strategic policy dialogue with governments, development partners, and other stakeholders on project management and implementation effectiveness.
• Consult and collaborate with development partners to ensure alignment of project design with country priorities.
• Review and assess project readiness, including technical designs, cost estimates, and financing plans.
• Monitor contract award and disbursement performance at the country level, identifying causes of shortfalls and coordinating remedial actions.
• Provide technical advice on ADB policies related to procurement, disbursement, safeguards, and project monitoring.
• Prepare project and TA completion reports and support project review missions.
• Capture and share knowledge on project management issues through participation in meetings and workshops.
• Contribute to capacity building of executing agencies in project planning and compliance with ADB requirements. 1
• Ensure appropriate public visibility of ADB-financed projects and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities. 1
• Oversee the work of staff, consultants, and contractors, ensuring quality and timeliness of outputs. 1
• Perform other tasks as assigned in your work plan.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, planning, or a related discipline. A master's degree or equivalent in a related field, or certification in project management, is preferred. You should have at least 8 years of relevant project management experience, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects, with a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory role. A sound understanding of ADB's procedures and practices related to technical assistance and loan/grant project processing is desirable. You should also have experience managing multiple workstreams, drafting reports, and communicating effectively in English, as well as engaging stakeholders in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, planning, or related disciplines. A master's degree or equivalent in a related field is preferred, along with certification in project management or a similar area. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and infrastructure development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant project management experience, particularly in supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. This experience should include a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory capacity, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively. Experience across multiple infrastructure sectors is preferred, as it indicates a broader understanding of the challenges and solutions in project management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for interacting with stakeholders and drafting reports. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with local communities and stakeholders in the Pacific region.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is classified as a local staff position, specifically for nationals and permanent residents of Samoa and Tonga. The 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. ADB may choose to renew the appointment based on the organization's needs and the staff member's performance. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities. ADB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants and encourages women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.