Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist (Nature Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank that was established in 196

• Its mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the region. The organization focuses on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, working collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges. ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. The bank is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their background, gender, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist (Nature Finance) position is a pivotal role within the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office at ADB. The specialist will be responsible for leading the formulation and articulation of policies, strategies, and innovative financing approaches aimed at scaling up nature-positive investments across environmental and agrifood systems. This role involves serving as a catalyst for integrating biodiversity, pollution control, circular economy, climate-smart agriculture, and natural capital financing into ADB's operations. The specialist will also oversee junior team members and collaborate closely with colleagues from various departments, ensuring a cohesive approach to environmental finance and agrifood system transformation. The position requires a proactive individual who can engage in policy dialogue with governments, the private sector, and development partners to mainstream nature finance and promote alignment of fiscal policies with positive environmental outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist include:

• Policy & Strategy Development: Formulating and articulating strategies for environmental finance and agrifood system transformation, leading policy dialogues with governments and partners, and supporting the alignment of fiscal policies with environmental outcomes.
• Innovative Financing & Project Development: Originating and supporting innovative loan, grant, and technical assistance projects in AFNR sub-sectors, designing financing instruments such as sustainability-linked loans and blended finance, and developing strategies for forest conservation and climate-smart agriculture.
• Knowledge & Capacity Building: Advancing ADB's knowledge agenda on environmental finance through case studies and training, mentoring staff, and managing cross-departmental working groups.
• Partnerships & External Engagement: Coordinating with multilateral institutions and NGOs to expand partnerships, representing ADB in international conferences, and collaborating on ecosystem valuation and market development.
• Others: Supervising reporting staff, ensuring their ongoing learning and development, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist position must possess a Master's degree in Environmental Economics, Finance, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Economics, or related fields. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant international experience in environmental finance or related sectors, with expertise in innovative financing mechanisms. A strong track record in project origination, processing, and administration is essential, along with excellent communication skills and familiarity with the operations of multilateral financial institutions. Proven leadership and stakeholder relationship management skills are also required, along with two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Economics, Finance, Natural Resource Management, or Agricultural Economics. Candidates with a university degree and significant specialized experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on advanced knowledge and skills in environmental finance and related areas, which are critical for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant international experience in environmental finance, agriculture, food, nature, or related sectors. Candidates should have substantial field experience and a strong background in innovative financing mechanisms. Additionally, two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is mandatory, with experience as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor considered as experience outside of ADB.

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 in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The role is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework, aimed at enhancing in-house expertise. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices as required. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.