Financial Sector 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 Asia-Pacific region. ADB employs a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The bank collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across the region.

Job Overview:
As a Financial Sector Specialist at ADB, you will play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies within the finance sector for developing member countries (DMCs). Your primary responsibilities will include identifying, developing, processing, implementing, and administering loans and technical assistance (TA) projects. You will be expected to provide technical support and knowledge to relevant stakeholders, ensuring that projects align with the development policies of the countries involved. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring the financial sector, engaging with key stakeholders, and proposing integrated solutions to meet the needs of DMCs. You will also be responsible for assessing finance development policies and ensuring they adhere to international best practices, while identifying priority areas for support in the finance sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the identification, design, processing, and administration of operations and TA projects by gathering inputs from regional stakeholders, organizing sector working group meetings, conducting background research, and drafting TA papers.
• Monitor the financial sector in Central West countries and interact with key stakeholders, including resident missions, to provide research inputs for structuring sector-specific investment programs.
• Process and administer loans, grants, and TAs focused on finance sector development, considering the impact on climate change and alignment with country development policies.
• Collaborate with other sector offices and departments within ADB to propose integrated solutions that address DMC needs, including joint projects with the Private Sector Financial Institutions Division.
• Introduce innovative solutions and best practices in the formulation and administration of loans and TAs, leading discussions on procurement issues and reviewing bidding documents.
• Coordinate with regional departments and safeguard offices to identify and implement loans and TAs for the finance sector.
• Continuously assess finance development policies and strategies to ensure responsiveness to DMC needs and alignment with international standards.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge sharing and project opportunities.
• Lead in-house studies and seminars, preparing reports or policy briefs on finance sector operations based on government requests. 1
• Ensure ongoing learning and development of junior team members.

Required Qualifications:

• A university degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field; a post-graduate degree is preferred.
• At least 6 years of relevant work experience in the finance sector, including banking, capital markets, and MSME access to finance.
• International experience as a project team leader or project economist in various countries or multilateral development agencies.
• Strong knowledge of the finance sector, particularly regarding MSME access to finance, banking, capital markets, digital finance, and sustainable finance.
• Proven ability to engage in policy dialogue with governments and financial sector regulators, with experience in multi-sectoral teams being desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• High energy, initiative, and flexibility to adapt to changing work requirements.
• Strong client relations skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a relevant field. A post-graduate degree or equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex financial systems and policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in the finance sector, which should include roles in banking, capital markets, and facilitating access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Candidates should have international experience, ideally working as a project team leader or project economist in various countries or within multilateral development agencies, demonstrating an ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and regulatory environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective engagement with stakeholders and the preparation of reports and policy briefs. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not specified as mandatory.

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 years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time and requires relocation to Manila, Philippines, with all reasonable relocation expenses covered. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.