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 is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of them from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. ADB operates in various sectors, including agriculture, food, nature, and rural development, and aims to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while eradicating extreme poverty. ADB's Strategy 2030 outlines its vision for the future, focusing on enhancing its operational effectiveness and expanding its reach to meet the needs of its developing member countries.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer position is situated within the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SD2-AFNR) of the Sectors Department 2 (SD2) at ADB. This role is crucial for supporting the portfolio performance of the South Asia region, particularly in the Agriculture Value Chain and Nutrition Team. The Associate Project Officer will be responsible for providing comprehensive support and coordination for various operational, analytical, and knowledge-related tasks to ensure the effective functioning of the team. This includes technical assistance in project processing and administration, contract management, and portfolio management. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring project progress, preparing performance reports, and engaging with stakeholders to address project implementation issues. The Associate Project Officer will work both independently and collaboratively, contributing to the overall success of ADB's initiatives in the AFNR sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include:

• Supporting the processing, implementation, and administration of investment projects and technical assistance (TA) projects, focusing on the AFNR sector.
• 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, reviewing procurement documents, and drafting memos for changes in scope and implementation arrangements.
• Conducting review missions with government counterparts and contributing to the analysis and review of mission reports.
• Engaging in dialogue with government officials and key stakeholders in the AFNR sector.
• Maintaining effective liaison with government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate the formulation, processing, administration, and monitoring of ADB-financed AFNR loans, grants, and TAs.
• Organizing and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the AFNR sector. 1
• Contributing to sector assessments and providing advice on project procurement and sector policies. 1
• Mentoring and supporting junior Technical Local staff. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned in the workplan.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Project Officer position include:

• A Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or related fields; advanced training is preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in operations within the AFNR sector.
• Operational experience with South Asia projects is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct research, collect and organize data, and draft documents.
• Familiarity with various stages of the project cycle, including project planning, feasibility analysis, detailed design, project implementation, construction supervision, and contract management.
• Sound knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures.
• Familiarity with best practices in procurement and disbursement processes.
• Strong capacity for teamwork and collaboration with colleagues.
• Excellent relationship management skills and client orientation. 1
• Effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism. 1
• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Associate Project Officer position must possess a Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or related fields. Advanced training or additional qualifications in relevant areas will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in operations within the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development sector. Experience with South Asia projects is preferred, as it will provide valuable insights into the specific challenges and opportunities within the region. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the project cycle and have operational experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective interaction with stakeholders and the preparation of reports and documentation. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is open to both internal and external applicants and is subject to a one-year probationary period. The position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life insurance, staff development opportunities, retirement plans, and housing and education allowances for eligible staff. ADB is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality in the workplace.