Associate Project Officer

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 69 member countries, with 50 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 create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while working towards the eradication of extreme poverty. The bank operates in various sectors, including finance, human and social development, and public sector management, and has a significant presence in the region, with numerous projects aimed at improving the quality of life for its member countries.

Job Overview:
As an Associate Project Officer at ADB, you will play a crucial role in supporting the design, implementation, and administration of social protection and community-driven development (CDD) operations in the Philippines. This position is integral to the Human and Social Development Sector Office, where you will engage with government counterparts, development partners, and civil society to contribute to ADB's mission of inclusive and sustainable development. Your responsibilities will include co-leading and supporting various projects focused on social protection, cash transfer programs, economic inclusion, and community-driven initiatives. You will also be involved in monitoring project progress, preparing performance reports, and ensuring alignment with ADB policies and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives and enhance the impact of ADB's initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Project Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Co-leading and supporting the design, processing, implementation, and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance projects focused on social protection and community-driven development.
• Monitoring the progress of assigned projects and preparing project performance reports.
• Preparing annual forecasts of contract awards and disbursements, identifying factors responsible for shortfalls, and expediting achievements of target levels.
• Identifying issues related to project implementation and coordinating with executing agencies, implementing agencies, contractors, consultants, and project beneficiaries to address these issues.
• Preparing internal procurement papers and reviewing procurement documents, including draft technical designs and cost estimates.
• Conducting review missions with government counterparts and maintaining effective liaison with stakeholders to facilitate project formulation and monitoring.
• Engaging in sector dialogue with government officials and development partners to promote inclusive and adaptive social protection initiatives.
• Contributing to research, assessments, and knowledge work on social protection and community development issues.
• Mentoring junior colleagues and fostering a collaborative work environment. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Project Officer position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in economics, development, finance, business administration, public policy/administration, education, public health, or a related field. Advanced training in these areas is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of work experience in the human and social development sector or in development partner-financed project preparation and administration. Relevant experience outside ADB within the past 5 years is required, and experience as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor is considered outside experience. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of government policies, reforms, and programs in the human and social development sector, as well as familiarity with government procedures and institutions. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, development, finance, business administration, public policy/administration, education, or public health. Advanced training in these areas is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to ADB's mission and projects.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience in the human and social development sector or in development partner-financed project preparation and administration. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past 5 years. Experience as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor is considered as experience outside of ADB. Familiarity with government policies and procedures, particularly within the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of the local language is also essential to effectively engage with government agencies and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local staff role, open only to nationals and residents of the Philippines. It is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of three years, with the possibility of renewal. The appointment is not convertible to a regular position, and there is no limit on the number of renewals. This role is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022–2027), aimed at enhancing in-house expertise. Successful candidates may be required to undertake short-term assignments in other groups or departments as needed. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life insurance, staff development opportunities, and a retirement plan.