Experts Pool: Senior Circular Economy Specialist (Plastic Wastes)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants need not apply. Applications received in response to previous posting will be considered together with applications received in response to this advertisement.

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 special fixed-term appointment for a period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (c.) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. It may be extended on exceptional basis for a further fixed period at the option of ADB. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

If the successful candidate is an ADB staff member holding a regular appointment, his/her regular appointment will be converted to a special fixed-term appointment. A special fixed-term appointment will automatically and without prior notice expire at the end of the term.

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 Environment Thematic Group within the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department provides leadership, innovation, and knowledge sharing for ADB’s sector and thematic work.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior Circular Economy Specialist (Plastic Wastes) will support ADB operations and sector and thematic groups to develop projects and supportive knowledge and capacity to reduce plastic waste and pollution. The incumbent will report to Chief of Environment Thematic Group and may supervise National and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert review, support and advisory work on innovative project design, specifically on alternative technologies, systems, business models, policies and financing for circular economy, recycling, waste management and other interventions to reduce plastic waste and pollution;
• Provide extensive inputs during project design and implementation, including recommendations on suitable actions to enhance resource efficiency and circularity, and specifically to reduce and substitute plastic usage; support greater reuse; redesign products and packaging to design out waste; increase waste collection; and increase recycling capacity and high-value recycling;
• Support ADB regional departments and the Private Sector Operations Department as a mission/project member in preparing urban environmental improvement, circular plastics economy, green business or supply chain, and/or solid waste management investments, and advise project team leaders and governments on practical opportunities to tackle marine plastic pollution;
• Support country programming and the preparation of ADB Country Partnership Strategies, including through support for engagement and policy dialogue with developing member country governments;
• Provide guidance on advancing policy and regulatory frameworks, building capacity, strengthening institutions, building business cases and designing pilot projects, and lead the preparation and implementation of technical assistance;
• Facilitate collaboration with sector and thematic groups, regional departments, resident missions and ADB supported sub-regional cooperation programs;
• Mobilize partnerships and financing for ADB technical assistance programs and projects in circular plastics economy and marine plastic pollution prevention;
• Guide the analysis and reporting on operational priorities indicators of ADB projects with components relevant to circular plastics economy;
• Strengthen ADB’s internal capacity to mainstream circular economy solutions by leading the design and preparation of capacity development activities, awareness-raising and knowledge products; and
• Lead the design and preparation of impactful knowledge products and services on key themes, such as ADB’s Healthy Oceans Technology and Innovation Forum, and Green Business Forum.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Civil/Mechanical/Process Engineering, or related field. Alternatively, a university degree in a relevant field combined with additional relevant professional experience can be considered;
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant international professional work experience including in Asia Pacific and with exposure to policy, process and implementation;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required;
• Able to undertake background research and analysis on difficult but well-defined tasks; collect and organize required data and information; apply appropriate computer skills in analyzing and developing the data; and prepare notes, papers, and sections of reports;
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the interactions between different ADB work areas and relevant workflows and their purposes;
• Possesses good analytical thinking with ability to make simple causal links, pro-and-con lists, and analyses to reach a decision; and set priorities for tasks in order of importance;
• Able to coordinate and work effectively with staff within own work location and can work collaboratively with teams;
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS5.

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.