Principal Partnerships Specialist

Principal Partnerships Specialist

Asian Development Bank

August 16, 2026August 29, 2026ManilaPhilippines
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a prominent multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. With 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, ADB plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. 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.

Job Overview:
The Principal Partnerships Specialist position is situated within the Strategic Partnerships Division (SPSP) of the Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships Department (SPD) at ADB. This role is pivotal in managing ADB's strategic partnerships with non-regional member shareholders and other relevant partners. The successful candidate will lead the development of ADB's partnership strategy and policy, engage with key partners, and ensure alignment with ADB's operational departments and senior management. The role requires excellent drafting skills, a deep understanding of the political context in various capitals, and experience with global development issues. The Principal Partnerships Specialist will work independently within a framework of broad policies and principles, contributing significantly to ADB's strategic engagement and operational processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Partnerships Specialist will be responsible for a variety of key tasks, including: leading the development and updating of strategies and policies related to ADB's financing and non-financing partnerships; establishing networks across ADB and developing relationships with capitals or ministries of shareholders; communicating with sovereign and other concessional partners to understand their priorities and concerns; engaging with global forums such as G20 and G7; serving as the main liaison for ADB's Chief Partnership Officer (CPO) to ensure coordination between SPSP's work and CPO's agenda; preparing for high-level consultations with shareholders; mapping and understanding the political economy in shareholder countries; developing intelligence-based products to support senior management; preparing briefing materials for senior management; contributing to ADB's Work Program and Budget Planning Process; marketing ADB's strategies and operational plans; identifying prospective partners for financing partnerships; and managing junior team members while monitoring their performance and development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in international development, public/government relations, economics, 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 12 years of experience in strategic relationship management and public or government relations at a senior level. A strong understanding of the international development institutional architecture and major global development issues is essential, along with experience working in an international development institution. Candidates should also have experience writing briefing materials for high-level officials and participating in high-level meetings, as well as experience implementing development programs in the Asia and Pacific region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as international development, public/government relations, or economics. In cases where candidates hold a university degree, they must also have at least 5 years of specialized experience that is pertinent to the role. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development and the strategic partnerships that ADB engages in.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of experience in strategic relationship management and public or government relations at a senior level. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within international development institutions and should be familiar with the intricacies of global development issues. Experience in writing briefing materials for high-level officials and participating in significant meetings is also essential, as is a background in implementing development programs specifically in the Asia and Pacific region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is crucial for effective communication, drafting briefing materials, and engaging with high-level stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse partners and stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is a fixed-term position with the option to renew until August 13, 2028, or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The renewal of the appointment will depend on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and the staff member's performance. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to the NRD, but this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.
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