Economist

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.

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 to the Public Management, Financial Sector and Trade Division (SAPF) within the South Asia Department (SARD). The division is the focal for sector operations in finance and public sector management, supported by good governance practices and standards. In addition to the sector operations, SAPF will take a lead in intersectoral collaborative initiatives within SARD by helping develop capabilities in SARD to develop new and innovative financing sources. The division is also responsible for preparing and developing strategic operational studies across sectors and themes in line with the country partnership strategy (CPS) and government’s visions.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Economist will help in identifying, designing, contributing to processing and administration of loans (both program and project loans), technical assistance (TA), and non-lending products and services (NLPS) in cross-cutting thematic areas. He/she will (i) identify and initiate strategic studies focusing on complex multi-sector programs that lead to downstream investments; (2) create high quality operationally knowledge products on the relevant issues that support ADB’s evolving programs in South Asia; And (3) work within general policies, principles, and goals, working directly with clients. The incumbent will report to the Director of SAPF and may supervise national and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and initiates upstream strategic studies in areas of micro, small and medium enterprises, infrastructure planning, logistics and related areas;
• Supports the management in developing policy framework and strategies to support economy-wide planning exercises in South Asian countries;
• Liaises with the government to understand and recommend appropriate reform measures in infrastructure sectors, industrial policy, labor market, social sectors and digitalization;
• Writes technical papers and conduct economic, thematic and sector work related to (i) social sectors; and (ii) macroeconomics;
• Participates in country teams and provide sector inputs for CPS;
• Designs, processes, and administers loan and TA;
• Provides advice to executing agencies on project preparation;
• Liaises and coordinates with development partners on TAs and program loans in the relevant areas;
• Leads the division’s economic, financial and poverty analysis of cross-cutting issues;
• Creates high quality knowledge products on multi-sectoral issues relevant to DMCs; and
• Regularly interacts with the executing agencies, other departments and offices in headquarters for smooth implementation of projects.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in economics¬¬¬¬ or other relevant fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered;
• At least 8 years of professional experience in the above field, preferably in a reputed research institution or in a multilateral agency;
• Possesses strong quantitative skills and evidence of good quality operationally research;
• Experience in processing and implementation of investment projects and programs in the region;
• Evidence of independent research and publications in macro and development economics;
• Proven application of expertise within a specific area of a multi-lateral development bank’s operations (economic, sector or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area;
• Ability to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community;
• When required, able to act as a mission leader / team lead, with oversight from the Director or a more senior team leader;
• International experience working in several countries; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 3-4

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.