Principal Investment 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 from the region, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering prosperity in 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 environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Principal Investment Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the origination, development, due diligence, approval, and implementation of private sector digital infrastructure financing projects across various developing member countries (DMCs) in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Central and West Asia, and the Pacific regions. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of digital infrastructure, including traditional ICT infrastructure, digital economy services, and the application of digital technologies to transform key sectors. The specialist will be responsible for structuring and executing sustainable digital infrastructure transactions, contributing to project pipelines, and developing digital infrastructure country strategies to enhance digital transformation across the regions. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including commercial lenders, developers, investors, and governments, to foster relationships and maximize potential for commercial co-financing.

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

• Project Development and Processing: Lead the origination of private sector infrastructure finance projects, conduct due diligence, financial modeling, and risk analysis, and manage the internal approval processes. Ensure compliance with guidelines and policies during project implementation and serve as a nominee director on the board of ADB's investee companies.
• External Liaison: Identify and nurture key client relationships, facilitate partnerships with commercial lenders and financial partners, and assess transactions for potential co-financing opportunities.
• Policy and Project Evaluation: Provide input on projects and policies related to private sector operations and development.
• Knowledge Sharing: Lead the development of learning approaches for ICT, digitalization, and AI, and maintain knowledge sharing within and outside ADB.
• Strategy and Planning: Develop ADB's ICT, Digitalization, and AI strategy for 2026-2030, participate in country teams for planning, and contribute to policy development.
• Staff Supervision: Provide leadership and support to reporting staff, ensuring their ongoing development and performance monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in business administration, finance, or related fields, or a university degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of work experience in finance or banking is required, with a focus on private sector digital infrastructure. Candidates should have hands-on experience in originating loans, managing due diligence, financial modeling, and negotiating finance documentation. Specific experience in emerging market financing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, along with the ability to effectively communicate with management and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in business administration, finance, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with a university degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position will also be considered. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong foundation in finance and investment, particularly in the context of digital infrastructure.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant work experience in finance or banking, specifically covering private sector digital infrastructure projects. Candidates should have experience in project finance and corporate finance, with a proven track record in originating loans, guarantees, and equity transactions. Experience in emerging market financing and investments, particularly in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Central and West Asia, and the Pacific, is highly desirable. International experience working in developing countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively with management and stakeholders is crucial. While English is the primary language required for this position, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an advantage.

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 years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, and relocation is required, 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. ADB is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.