Economic Advisor (Strategic Knowledge Initiatives)

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).

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e. from AS to NS, or from NS to IS) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new level, they will return to the level occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.

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 Office of the Chief Economist and Director General (EROD) within the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD), which supports the Bank’s mission through providing macroeconomic forecasts, producing statistical databases, undertaking country diagnostic studies and other analytical work, and fostering regional cooperation and integration.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Economic Advisor (Strategic Knowledge Initiatives) will focus on leading strategic research projects that support ADB’s broader development agenda as outlined in Strategy 2030. The initial focus of the work will be topics related to public finance, notably on domestic resource mobilization and debt sustainability. He/she will also advise on the department’s medium-term research agenda and provide management and operations support. The incumbent will report to Chief Economist and Director General and will supervise International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead strategic research projects. The initial focus of the strategic research initiatives are related to public finance, particularly domestic resource mobilization and debt sustainability.
• Participate in other research projects as requested by the Chief Economist and Director General.
• Support the Chief Economist and Director General in monitoring the quality and relevance of ERCD’s research outputs.
• Advise on ERCD’s medium-term research agenda, particularly in terms of new theories and techniques for promoting economic and social development.
• Lead the production of ERCD’s journal publication the Asian Development Review, as the Managing Editor.

• Provide inputs to the planning, coordination, execution, quality control of ERCD’s policy research.
• Lead organization of ERCD’s key research and knowledge events in coordination with relevant departments and other knowledge partners.
• Provide support for relationship management and coordination with Senior Management and external clients.

• Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Post-graduate degree (preferably Doctorate level) in economics, finance, or related field.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience with an excellent track record of economic research and publications in internationally referred journals.
• Solid background in macroeconomic and strong engagement in the global research network.
• Established reputation in international academic circles and ability to project the role of ADB as a regional leader in development.
• Sound planning, management, and administrative skills together with superior interpersonal negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated performance in creating, motivating, and leading diverse teams of highly qualified professionals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• International experience working on several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 7.

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.