Project Officer (Agriculture and Natural Resources)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established in 1966 and is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is composed of 69 member countries, with 49 of them from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also focusing on eradicating extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 203

• The organization promotes equal opportunities and encourages diversity in its workforce, actively seeking to create an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer (Agriculture and Natural Resources) will play a crucial role in the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SD2-AFNR) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2) of ADB. This position is pivotal in processing and administering loans, grants, and technical assistance (TAs) related to agriculture and natural resources. The officer will be responsible for capacity building, project administration, and portfolio management, while also liaising with government and development partners to address sector-related issues such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate-smart agriculture, and nutrition. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring effective implementation of projects and alignment with ADB's strategic agenda in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: administering loans and grants in the AFNR sector, leading the processing of new loans and TAs, undertaking work planning and project delivery, monitoring project progress through field missions, preparing forecasts of contract awards and disbursements, identifying and addressing project issues, advising government agencies on ADB guidelines, collaborating with other sector offices, preparing completion reports, supporting project reviews, participating in donor coordination, maintaining knowledge of government investment plans, assisting in the formulation of the Country Partnership Strategy, and contributing to sector work by conducting research and preparing knowledge products. The officer will also coordinate cross-sectoral collaboration and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, or related fields, with advanced training preferred. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation in the AFNR sector is required. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of project cycle stages, familiarity with government administrative systems, and best practices in procurement and disbursement processes are essential. The candidate should demonstrate strong teamwork capabilities, excellent relationship management skills, and effective communication abilities, particularly in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related field. Advanced training or qualifications in agriculture, agricultural economics, or agricultural engineering is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation specifically within the agriculture and natural resources sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects through various stages of the project cycle, demonstrating their ability to handle complex project requirements and deliver results effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills being essential for the role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the region or the stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local staff appointment, open only to nationals and residents of Pakistan. It is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. Selected applicants will undergo a one-year probationary period. The role offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical benefits, life insurance, staff development opportunities, and a retirement plan. ADB is committed to diversity and encourages women to apply.