Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 68 member countries, with 49 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. ADB's mission is to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. The bank operates in various sectors, including agriculture, food, nature, and rural development, and is committed to implementing its Strategy 2030 to enhance its impact in the region. ADB employs a diverse workforce and encourages equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, or abilities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist position is a pivotal role within the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SG-AFNR) at ADB. The specialist will be responsible for leading the formulation and implementation of policies, strategies, and programs related to natural resources management and biodiversity conservation in developing member countries (DMCs). This role involves overseeing the development and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance projects, ensuring they align with ADB's strategic agenda and international best practices. The specialist will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and development partners, to facilitate policy dialogue and promote effective solutions in the AFNR sector. The position requires a strong focus on project management, development effectiveness, and the integration of innovative approaches to address the challenges of natural resource management and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist include leading assessments of AFNR sector policies and strategies, preparing and implementing studies to identify investment opportunities, and developing regional and DMC-specific loans, grants, and technical assistance projects. The specialist will conduct policy dialogues with senior government officials, represent ADB in various forums, and facilitate partnerships with external organizations. Additionally, the role involves generating knowledge solutions, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the ongoing development of team members. The specialist will also be responsible for overseeing project implementation, conducting reviews to ensure effective outcomes, and performing other duties as assigned in alignment with the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Environment, or related fields. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least five years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in areas such as natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture is required. Candidates should have international work experience across multiple countries, with at least two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years. Experience in project preparation, processing, and administration in the specified technical areas is essential, along with strong coordination skills with external partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or equivalent in fields such as Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Environment, or other related disciplines. A university degree with significant specialized experience may also be acceptable, demonstrating the candidate's expertise in the relevant areas of natural resources and agriculture.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of relevant professional experience, particularly in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture. Candidates should have a proven track record of working internationally and engaging with various stakeholders in the development sector. Experience in preparing and managing projects, including loans, grants, and technical assistance, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal for an initial period of three years. It is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework, which aims to enhance in-house expertise. The role may require short-term assignments in other departments as needed. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical benefits, life insurance, retirement plans, and expatriate benefits for international staff. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women.