Senior Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB aims to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific region. With 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, ADB focuses on alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable development. 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 works collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges and improve the quality of life for people in the region.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Project Assistant at ADB, you will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of projects and technical assistance initiatives within the Cambodia Resident Mission. Your responsibilities will include providing operational support, coordinating project administration activities, and offering technical and logistical assistance to project teams. You will be expected to prepare project-related correspondence, manage logistics for meetings and travel, monitor project implementation performance, and ensure that all project databases are accurately maintained. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives. You will report directly to the Country Operations Head and will be integral to the success of ADB's mission in Cambodia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: preparing project-related correspondence for project team leaders, ensuring compliance with ADB's administrative instructions; providing logistical arrangements for internal and external meetings, project implementation missions, and travel; monitoring implementation performance against established targets and advising team leaders on discrepancies; maintaining and updating ADB's project and technical assistance databases, including eOps and SovOps; overseeing the operational aspects of assigned technical assistance, including consultant selection and recruitment, processing claims and contract variations, and monitoring budget and implementation progress; assisting in the preparation of the Project Administration Manual by gathering and consolidating relevant data; ensuring that project records are maintained for easy retrieval; providing guidance on work area procedures and formats; relieving other operations assistants during their absence; and performing any other responsibilities as assigned in your workplan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, social science, or a related field. Additionally, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in providing administrative and operational assistance is required. Candidates should have hands-on experience supporting multilateral technical assistance, loan, and grant projects, as well as experience conducting background research on complex tasks. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint) is essential, along with experience working with government officials and development partners. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the local language are mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as business administration, economics, or social science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and operational support within a multilateral development context.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include providing administrative and operational assistance in a similar role, particularly in the context of multilateral development projects. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management processes and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Additionally, proficiency in the local language is required to facilitate communication with local stakeholders and government officials. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to both internal and external applicants and is classified as a local staff position, meaning it is only available to nationals and permanent residents of Cambodia. The appointment is fixed-term with the possibility of renewal, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. ADB may choose to renew the appointment based on various factors, including the staff's performance and the organization's needs. The position is not convertible to a regular appointment. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities.