Principal Evaluation 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 candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, particularly women. ADB aims to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the region, making it a vital player in the international development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Principal Evaluation Specialist position is situated within the Evaluation Knowledge Management Unit (EKMU) of the Independent Evaluation Department (IED) at ADB. This role is pivotal in contributing to evidence-informed decision-making and institutional learning within ADB. The specialist will provide strategic and technical leadership on evaluation methodologies, ensuring that evaluations are credible, useful, and aligned with international standards. The position requires a strong focus on both quantitative and qualitative methodological design, quality assurance, and innovation in evaluation practices. The Principal Evaluation Specialist will also be responsible for drafting guidelines and methodological standards, supporting the rollout of these outputs, and fostering partnerships with independent evaluation offices to enhance ADB's methodological innovation. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including operational departments and senior management, to ensure that evaluations are relevant and actionable, translating complex findings into accessible insights for decision-makers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Evaluation Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Providing expert methodological advice on the design and implementation of evaluations using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Leading quality assurance reviews of evaluation designs, data collection instruments, and evaluation reports, offering constructive feedback throughout the evaluation lifecycle.
• Applying internationally recognized evaluation frameworks and standards, promoting best practices across ADB evaluations.
• Developing and updating methodological guidance notes, toolkits, templates, and technical briefs to support high-quality evaluation practices.
• Designing and delivering training, workshops, and coaching to enhance staff capacity in evaluation methods.
• Promoting methodological innovation by introducing emerging approaches and tools, blending traditional methods with innovative techniques.
• Engaging with partners to ensure evaluations are credible and actionable, identifying areas for further methodological guidance.
• Supporting evaluation teams in translating complex findings into clear insights for non-technical audiences.
• Performing other tasks as assigned or outlined in the work plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent in social sciences, statistics, economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field, with a preference for a PhD. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of international experience in designing and conducting evaluations in international development or public policy contexts is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation approaches, along with strong analytical and statistical skills. Proficiency in relevant software such as R, Stata, SPSS, Python, NVivo, and MaxQDA is essential, as is experience with econometric methods and complex datasets. Proven experience in developing methodological guidance and quality assurance processes is also necessary, along with the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, statistics, economics, public policy, or development studies. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of international experience, with substantial professional experience in designing and conducting evaluations in various countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in international development contexts and demonstrate expertise in evaluation methodologies.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within ADB and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working across diverse regions in Asia.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. The position is full-time and requires relocation to Manila, with all reasonable relocation expenses covered. 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.