Senior Planning and Policy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB was founded in 1966 and has grown to include 69 member countries, with 50 of those from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development, focusing on creating a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. The organization combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to achieve its goals, particularly under its Strategy 2030 framework. ADB is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background, and actively promoting gender equality by encouraging women to apply.

Job Overview:
The Senior Planning and Policy Specialist position is a critical role within the Operations Planning and Coordination Division (SPOP) of the Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department (SPD) at ADB. This position is responsible for leading the preparation of key materials for various high-level meetings, including the mid-year Operations Review Meetings (ORMs) and the annual Informal Board Session. The Specialist will also contribute to the preparation of operational resource parameters and the Work Program and Budget Framework (WPBF). This role requires a strategic mindset, as the Specialist will coordinate with other international financial institutions (IFIs) and monitor policy changes that affect resource allocation. The position demands a high level of independence in selecting work methods while adhering to broad organizational policies and goals. The Specialist will also support departments in developing Regional Work Plans and will be involved in creditworthiness assessments and the review of operational documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Planning and Policy Specialist include:

• Leading the preparation of materials for the mid-year Operations Review Meetings (ORMs) and the annual Informal Board Session, ensuring comprehensive reporting on past performance and future outlook.
• Contributing to the preparation of operational resource parameters and the President's Planning Directions (PD).
• Assisting in the development of the Work Program and Budget Framework (WPBF).
• Supporting departments in the creation of Regional Work Plans with a focus on operations planning.
• Monitoring the bunching of Board approvals and ensuring timely reporting to management.
• Supporting the allocation, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of resources, including funding and resource mobilization.
• Conducting creditworthiness assessments and reviewing operations documents such as Country Partnership Strategies (CPSs), concept papers, financial reports, and Report and Recommendation of the President (RRP).
• Participating in analytical and diagnostic work across various policy and strategy areas relevant to SPD's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Planning and Policy Specialist position must possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree in a relevant field combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, which includes macroeconomic analysis and sovereign debt analysis. International experience working in multiple countries is essential, along with a proven track record of leading diverse teams or units. Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Grade 2 (TI2) for further guidance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, accounting, or public administration. In cases where candidates hold a university degree in a related field, 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 complex financial and policy-related tasks that the Senior Planning and Policy Specialist will undertake.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in areas such as macroeconomic analysis and sovereign debt analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in international finance and policy, with experience working in various countries to understand the diverse economic landscapes and challenges faced in the Asia-Pacific region. This level of experience is necessary to effectively lead teams and contribute to high-level strategic discussions and decisions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. This is essential for preparing reports, leading discussions, and collaborating with international stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered advantageous but is not 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 additional years at ADB's discretion. The decision to extend will be based on the organization's future needs for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, as well as the staff member's satisfactory performance. The role is full-time and based at ADB's headquarters in Manila, Philippines. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.