Senior Investment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank founded in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 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 planet. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Investment Specialist position is situated within the Agribusiness Investment Team (AIT) under the Office of the Director General in the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) at ADB. This role is pivotal in leading the identification, screening, due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of direct debt financing and equity investments in food and agribusiness companies across ADB's developing member countries, particularly focusing on Southeast Asia. The specialist will be responsible for fostering relationships with agribusiness companies and financiers, conducting comprehensive financial assessments, and ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and best market practices. The position requires a proactive approach to transaction origination and processing, strategy development, knowledge sharing, and staff supervision, making it a critical role in advancing ADB's mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Investment Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Transaction Origination and Processing: Leading the identification and development of debt or equity transactions with significant developmental impact and robust financial profiles. This includes nurturing relationships with food and agribusiness companies and financiers, conducting comprehensive financial assessments, and ensuring compliance with internal guidelines.
• Strategy and Planning: Developing policies and strategies for ADB's developmental goals in the private sector, particularly in agribusiness, and participating in country teams for planning and programming purposes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to learning events and drafting project and policy papers related to private sector development.
• Staff Supervision: Leading missions, supervising team members, and ensuring their ongoing learning and development. The role requires a strong focus on risk management, compliance, and effective communication with ADB's Management and Board.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in business administration or finance, or a university degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of work experience, including 5 years in corporate and project lending, investment banking, or private equity, is required. Candidates should have a strong background in leading direct cross-border debt or equity transactions, particularly in the food and agribusiness sector in Asia, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Excellent financial modeling, equity valuation, corporate finance, and investment skills are essential, along with international experience in development across multiple countries. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, and proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Senior Investment Specialist position include a Master's degree or equivalent in business administration or finance. Alternatively, candidates with a university degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of investment transactions and the financial landscape of the agribusiness sector.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of 5 years in relevant professional roles such as corporate and project lending, investment banking, or private equity. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading direct cross-border debt or equity transactions, particularly within the food and agribusiness sector in Asia, ideally with experience in Southeast Asia. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of investment processes and to effectively manage relationships with stakeholders in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within ADB. Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication and relationship-building within the Southeast Asian agribusiness sector.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is a fixed-term position for an initial period of 3 years. There is potential for 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 full-time and requires relocation to Manila, with all reasonable relocation expenses covered. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.