Principal 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 environment. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that respects diversity and encourages equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
As a Principal Urban Development Specialist at ADB, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban development in India. This position is strategically located within the Water and Urban Development Sector Office, and you will be assigned to the India Resident Mission for an initial period of three years. Your primary responsibility will be to lead the formulation and articulation of policies and strategies related to the water and urban sector, engaging with government entities in policy dialogues and supporting sector policies and reforms. You will oversee the processing and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance projects, ensuring alignment with the country's development policies and the impacts of these projects on private sector participation and sector restructuring. Your role will also involve collaborating with various sector offices within ADB to propose integrated solutions that address the needs of the India Resident Mission, while ensuring that all projects adhere to international best practices and technological advancements. You will be expected to contribute to the country partnership strategy process and identify priority areas for urban development, ensuring effective coordination between headquarters and the India Resident Mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties as a Principal Urban Development Specialist will include leading the processing and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance projects in the water and urban development sector. You will be responsible for developing and designing new lending projects and programs, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, sustainable tourism, urban and regional planning, municipal finance, and climate resilience. You will assess sector policies and strategies to ensure they meet international standards and respond to the development needs of India. Additionally, you will oversee the quality and compliance of lending and non-lending products, facilitate effective liaison with development partners, and lead the dissemination of knowledge products and workshops. You will also supervise junior team members, ensuring their ongoing development and performance management, while performing other duties as assigned.

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 with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. You must have at least 12 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban sector, including municipal service improvement and project administration. International experience working in multiple countries is essential, along with broad experience in preparing investment projects and analyzing development policies. You should possess demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing teams and projects, as well as significant expertise in ADB's operations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or equivalent 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 substantial specialized experience may also be considered, highlighting the importance of practical knowledge and experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban sector, with a strong focus on municipal service improvement and project preparation. Candidates should have practical knowledge and experience in integrating financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements into project design and execution. International experience across various countries is highly valued, as is a broad understanding of investment project preparation and development policy analysis.

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

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 other ADB offices after the initial period. 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.