Chief Economist and Director General

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). The ERCD, led by the Bank’s Chief Economist and Director General, is supporting the Bank’s mission through providing macroeconomic forecasts and research, producing statistical databases and studies, undertaking country diagnostic studies and other analytical work on different sectors and themes, and fostering regional cooperation and integration.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

In line with Strategy 2030 of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Chief Economist and Director General will lead the planning, implementation and supervision of Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD)’s vision, strategy and work plan in support of Asian Development Bank (ADB) goals; actively promote research on economic development issues of short, medium, and long term relevance to the Asia-Pacific region including areas of strategic concern to ADB; oversee and actively participate in the dissemination of ADB’s major publications prepared by ERCD; ensure attainment of ERCD’s achievement of objectives and the delivery of high quality output in a timely manner; oversee the development of strategies and approaches to promote regional cooperation and integration in Asia and the Pacific; act as the chief spokesperson of ADB on development issues of critical importance to the region; keep ADB’s Board and Senior Management informed of emerging policy developments and challenges; anticipate ERCD’s resource requirements and ensure the efficient allocation of budget and resources; and manage a range of long term issues of strategic importance and with long term implications for the direction and performance of ADB. The incumbent will report to the Vice President, Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development (VPKM) and will supervise International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Establish and promote ERCD’s vision, goals, development strategies and key result areas (KRAs) in support of ADB’s objectives and in compliance with ADB policies.
• Provide leadership in professional and operational matters, taking the lead in introducing new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and supervision of ERCD’s work programs as well as monitor the quality of outputs, achievement of long-term goals and annual objectives for the department.
• Oversee the effective coordination and cooperation with other ADB departments/offices and internal stakeholders.
• Reconcile and manage conflicting priorities and expectations to achieve ADB‘s strategic objectives.
• Use high level negotiating and political skills to work effectively with a large range of stakeholders.

Research and Operations Management

• • Lead the planning, coordination and execution of the development research activities of ADB, including collaborative research with other institutions within and outside of ADBs DMCs.
  • Ensure the management and delivery of high quality and highly visible ERCD/ADB flagships and other major publications and topical, innovative knowledge products, including regional economic integration, monetary and financial, trade and investment integration, Key Indicators. Asia Development Outlook, Asian Economic Integration Report, and Asian Bond Monitor etc.
  • Oversee the provision of analytical support and macroeconomic basis to regional operations and other departments to augment and compliment partnerships.
  • Oversee the development of appropriate methodologies for the conduct and monitoring of economic analysis for country partnership strategies, investment projects and programs.
  • Oversee the periodic review on a continuing basis for the economic analysis of projects, prospective impact evaluation, and other economic research and development support work being carried out in ADB to complement its operations and lending programs.
  • Oversee statistical capacity building in selected DMCs and the collection and analysis of statistical data, including big data, to maintain a database and provide related support services.
  • Ensure the development and enhancement of Asian Bonds Online and Asia Recovery Information Center (ARIC) websites among others as required,
  • Anticipate requirements for and efficiently manage the budget, resource allocation and utilization for the department.
  • Lead the development of ADB Economist Forum as a forum to strengthen Bank’s research capacity, raise the quality and profile of research, align research with the needs of developing members and promote knowledge across ADB.

Strategy and Planning

• Monitor economic policies and financial architecture issues from a regional and sub-regional perspective.
• Identify and analyze issues and problems brought about by globalization to help developing member countries (DMCs) respond to emerging economic challenges.

Regional Economic Integration work

• Manage departmental work to provide ADB’s support to regional organizations and initiatives on regional cooperation such as (i) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); (ii) ASEAN + 3; (iii) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); (iv) Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Program; South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); and Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC); and others as may be further decided by ADB.
• Oversee the provision of technical assistance and identification of topical and innovative research proposals for regional organizations to strengthen their institutional and policy-making capacities for regional and global integration and addressing cross boundary issues such as regional public goods and climate change etc.
• Assist DMCs in promoting trade and investment integration with the global and regional economies through appropriate free trade and/ or economic partnership agreements.
• Lead in providing support to Management on economic cooperation and integration activities.
• Develop Asia Development Review Journal to be accredited as an international reputable journal

Internal Relations

• Provide support for relationship management and coordination with the Board, Senior Management and other departments.
• Regularly inform Senior Management of significant policy developments and challenges, and provide timely recommendations accordingly.

Staff Supervision

• Create and lead multi-disciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of its 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

• Doctorate degree, or equivalent, in Economics, Finance, Public/Business Administration or related fields. Master’s degree in Economics combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Doctorate degree.
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
• At least 15 years of relevant experience with an excellent track record of economic research and publications in internationally refereed journals
• 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 high qualified professionals
• Thorough knowledge of multilateral development bank’s organizational policies and procedures including budgeting and human resource management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• International experience working in development in several countries
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 10.

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.