Senior Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the region, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering prosperity across Asia. ADB collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives and build quality infrastructure. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background, gender, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Evaluation Specialist at ADB, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and rigor of evaluations conducted within the organization. Your primary responsibility will be to lead the application of advanced analytics and data science methodologies to improve the evaluation process. This includes utilizing applied analytics, integrated data, and analytical tools to strengthen evaluations, validations, and portfolio analysis. You will be expected to support institutional learning by generating lessons from evaluations and ensuring that evaluation evidence is effectively utilized across ADB. Your work will involve using advanced data analysis techniques, econometric methods, and artificial intelligence tools to address complex evaluation questions, thereby contributing to the overall mission of ADB to foster sustainable development in the region. You will also oversee junior team members, providing guidance and support in their activities, and collaborate closely with various stakeholders to enhance data quality and strengthen evaluation analytics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading the application of advanced data analysis and analytics in evaluations; supporting the scoping, inception, and analysis phases of evaluations; designing and operating reusable data generation and analytics assets; overseeing the extraction and analysis of structured and unstructured data; designing and implementing causal inference and Natural Language Processing workflows; maintaining analytical models and datasets; turning complex data into clear insights and visualizations for senior management; providing technical leadership on data science and advanced analytics; promoting good practices in data use and analytics; contributing to the modernization of evaluation practices; and performing other tasks as assigned in the work plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Evaluation Specialist position must possess a PhD or Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including experience in evaluation, analytics, research, or data-driven work within a development bank, international organization, or similar institution, with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role. International experience working in multiple countries is also required. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or R, SQL, and data visualization or BI tools is essential, along with demonstrated experience in statistical modeling and causal inference using complex datasets. Knowledge of best practices in data protection and ethical use of data science and AI is necessary, as well as excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD or Master's degree in relevant fields such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or a related area. Candidates with a university degree and significant specialized experience may also be considered, highlighting the importance of both formal education and practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, which should include a strong background in evaluation, analytics, research, or data-driven work. Candidates should also have at least 5 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating their ability to lead and manage teams effectively. International experience working in various countries is a significant asset, as it reflects the global nature of ADB's operations and the need for a diverse perspective in evaluation work.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within ADB. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they relate to the regions where ADB operates, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is a fixed-term position 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 fixed period based on ADB's needs and the candidate's performance. The position is full-time and based at ADB's headquarters in Manila, Philippines, with relocation required. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans. ADB is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.