Senior Social Development Specialist (Disability Inclusion)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966, with a mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. ADB aims to foster economic growth and cooperation in the region, providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to its member countries. The organization operates in 49 countries across Asia and the Pacific, with its headquarters located in Manila, Philippines. ADB employs over 3,000 staff members from various countries, working collaboratively to address the region's development challenges and support its member countries in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Social Development Specialist (Disability Inclusion) plays a crucial role within the Fragility and Engagement Division of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department at ADB. This position is designed for an experienced professional who will provide high-level support to the Director of the division on all matters related to ADB's Disability Inclusion (DI) agenda. The specialist will serve as the institutional focal point for DI, ensuring that ADB's strategic focus on resilience and empowerment is effectively integrated into its operations. The role involves leading the implementation of ADB's DI operational approach, supporting project teams in incorporating DI considerations into various projects, and developing knowledge products and services related to DI. The specialist will also be responsible for mentoring junior staff and engaging with both internal and external stakeholders to promote ADB's DI initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Social Development Specialist (Disability Inclusion) include:

• Providing institutional leadership and guidance for ADB's Disability Inclusion agenda, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Leading and coordinating the implementation of ADB's DI operational approach across various projects and programs.
• Supporting project teams in integrating DI considerations into sovereign and non-sovereign projects, optimizing DI outcomes in ADB operations.
• Developing knowledge products and services related to DI, and delivering capacity development and learning events.
• Conducting monitoring, validation, and reporting on DI-related operations and achievements.
• Providing technical, processing, and administrative support to staff as needed, including mentoring and supervision of junior team members.
• Engaging with internal stakeholders, including the board, and external partners to promote ADB's DI initiatives.
• Leading and coordinating additional duties as assigned in support of the division's crosscutting fragility and engagement mandate.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the position, candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences or a related specialized field. Alternatively, a university degree in related fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of work experience, including international experience in multiple countries. Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory, and experience in public-private partnerships and private sector operations is considered an asset. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to process loan and/or technical assistance projects, showcasing innovation and management of operational complexity, as well as the ability to administer social sector loan projects while delivering outputs on multiple complex assignments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences or a related specialized field. Candidates with a university degree in related fields and substantial relevant experience may also be considered. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in social development, disability inclusion, or related areas, equipping the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to ADB's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least 10 years of relevant work experience, which should include international experience across several countries. This experience should encompass a range of roles and responsibilities that demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex projects and engage with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in social development, particularly in the context of disability inclusion, and will be familiar with the operational complexities involved in delivering development projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess additional language skills, particularly in languages relevant to ADB's member countries, will be considered advantageous. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners across the Asia-Pacific region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years, conversion to a regular appointment, or termination at the end of the initial period based on ADB's needs and the staff member's performance. The role is open to both internal and external applicants, and ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), relocation assistance (if applicable), retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), life and other insurance plans, and opportunities for staff development.