Director

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Close relatives¹ of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.

¹Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle

Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion must have served at their position for at least one year and must have normally served at their personal level for at least two years immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date. Applicants for lateral transfer must have served at their position and personal level for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (reference A.O. 2.03, paragraphs 5.8 and 5.9).

This is a senior staff fixed-term appointment for a period of 3 years. This vacancy is open to internal and external applicants.

If the selected candidate is an external hire, the appointment may be extended for a period of up to 3 years per extension, or not renewed. In case of extension, staff may continue in the position for another term of up to 3 years, or be reassigned to any suitable position in ADB.

The same terms and conditions also apply to a selected internal candidate. In addition, if the staff selected has a regular appointment, staff will retain the regular appointment and his/her selection will be considered an assignment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. If the staff selected has a fixed term appointment, his/her appointment will cease, and he/she will be given a new fixed term appointment for an initial term of 3 years.

Fixed-term appointments or assignments are subject to Section 3 of Administrative Order (AO) 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment) and Section 8 of AO 2.03 (Selection, Talent and Position Management) and its Appendices.

Whether the selected candidate is internal or external, and regardless of the type of appointment, any extension of staff beyond age 60 shall be subject to such terms and conditions determined by ADB, including, where relevant, those provided in Section 10 of AO 2.05 (Termination Policy) and its Appendices.

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned in the Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division (CWRC) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). CWRD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Central and West Asia region. CWRC serves as the secretariat for the Central Asia Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program and drives regional cooperation programs in the region in various sectors and areas, including in economic and financial stability areas as part of the CAREC 2030 strategy. CWRC also works with sector divisions and resident missions in preparing country partnership strategies (CPS) and country operations business plans (COBP), monitoring economic developments and outlook in the region, and managing knowledge products and services for CWRC covering ten countries (AFG, ARM, AZE, GEO, KAZ, KGZ, PAK, TAJ, TKM, UZB).

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Director, CWRC will lead the planning, implementation and supervision of the division’s vision, goals, strategies, and work plan in support of overall ADB goals. Oversee the quality of work and ensure the achievement of objectives of the division. Lead and support external and internal relations, coordination, and consultation initiatives for the department. Manage and help develop the divisional team. Lead and provide guidance on day-to-day operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. Work with problems and issues that may involve high risk. Work within a broad concept and framework to define own scope of objectives and activities, applying a high level of autonomy in selecting appropriate methods and approaches. The incumbent reports to Director General, CWRD and supervises International staff, National and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities
• Establish and cascade the division’s strategic vision, define goals and objectives, and prepare business plans to deliver on this strategy across countries covered by department in areas where ADB has a comparative advantage and in areas where the countries have a need to support work in key result areas (KRAs) under Strategy 2030 in support of ADB’s goals, departmental goals and in compliance with ADB policies.
• Lead and identify key priority areas of the division including in regional cooperation program as well as CAREC program.
• Lead and actively pursue Central Asia Regional Cooperation program (CAREC) activities in energy, transport and trade facilitation and participate in coordinating committee, senior official and ministerial meetings.
• Lead the planning, implementation and supervision of work plans as well as monitor the quality of output and the achievement of long-term goals and annual objectives for the division.
• Provide leadership in professional and operational matters, taking the lead in contributing new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues.
• Oversee the quality of support for Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and updates preparation and the effective functioning of related committees and networks.
• Coordinate with Country Directors (CDs) for implementation of operational strategies.
• Oversee the design and processing of loan/technical assistance (TA) projects to ensure quality, innovation, results orientation, and compliance with ADB’s policies covering governance, resettlement, anti-corruption and other safeguards.
• Lead, monitor, follow up on and undertake projects involving high levels of risk, loan/TA approvals, engagement of consultants, procurement, and disbursements.
• Lead the administration of loan and TA projects including fielding and participation in mission to monitor progress, ensure quality of the assigned loans/TA’s, and undertake corrective actions as necessary to maintain quality.
• Support Country Portfolio Review Missions (CPRMs) to review country specific project administration issues.
• Lead, identify and anticipate opportunities and problems in sectors and themes and provide advice and information for policy discussions.
• Lead and manage the conduct of sector/thematic studies and ensure proper dissemination of impactful knowledge products.
• Provide support for relationship management, consultation and coordination with government, development partners, civil society, and private sector groups in developing member countries (DMCs) in area of responsibility.
• Provide support for relationship management and coordination with the Board, Senior Management, and other departments.
• Under One ADB Approach, in coordination with Advisor, CWOD, represent ADB from both sovereign and non-sovereign operation, including coordination with the Office of Public-Private Partnership, Private Sector Operations Department and with advisory, knowledge and operations support departments for knowledge management and outposting coordination/ arrangement.
• Provide advice and recommendations to the Director General of significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in area of responsibility.
• Lead and facilitate effective division coordination and cooperation with other ADB departments and internal stakeholders.
• Manage budget and resource allocation for the division.
• Create and lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of their work.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree, in engineering finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree in engineering finance, economics, business administration and related fields and at least 10 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 15 years relevant professional experience in the sector, project processing and
administration.
• Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivities and maturity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Proven application of expertise in at least one of the following areas as: regional cooperation, capital markets development, financial stability, financial inclusion, digital and innovative finance. Experience in more than one of these areas is an advantage.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS7/8.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.