Principal Country Specialist

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.

¹ Close 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 in India Residence Mission (INRM) within the South Asia Department (SARD). INRM assists in the project implementation of the loans and technical assistance (TA) projects and supports the ADB HQ in processing new loans in India. This position would support the economics team of INRM in tasks related to knowledge management and skills development.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Principal Country Specialist will lead country programming, preparation of country partnership strategy (CPS), country operations business plan (COBP) and conduct operational policy dialogues with central and state agencies to continue and enhance strong development partnership between ADB and Government of India. The position is to support the Country Director (CD), INRM in carrying out a wide range of operational tasks, including coordination with sector teams and the project management unit to contribute to building a sustainable project pipeline. The incumbent will report to CD, INRM and may supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads country programming, including preparation of CPS and organization of various annual country programs-related exercises such as the country programming mission (CPM), pipeline review meetings, tripartite portfolio review mission (TPRM), and contribute substantially to the formulation and annual update of the CPS for the DMC.
• Works closely with the newly established Project Development Unit to create a sustainable portfolio of cross-cutting and innovative projects.
• Leads timely inputs (to INRM management) on strategic studies and analyses on investment project planning and recommend strategies on business development, such as studies on economic corridors.
• Leads and identify key operational and countrywide issues to be addressed in ADB’s policy dialogue.
• Oversees the process of lending and nonlending operations by monitoring/ supporting/ facilitating the sector divisions for the timely delivery of the annual country program outputs.
• Leads and supports sector divisions and participate substantially in the design, processing and administration of both delegated and non-delegated loan and TA projects while providing advice and guidance to executing and government agencies in resolving project/program implementation problems in coordination with sector divisions.
• Coordinates and works closely with the economics unit to monitor key economics and political developments.
• Leads, coordinates and participates in donor activities such as consultative meetings, information sharing with aid agencies and others and explore opportunities for co-financing and/or coordinated support to the government’s strategic priorities in areas of common development partner interest.
• Acts as a focal point for regional/sub regional cooperation matters for India in its operation and dialogue with headquarters (HQ) and other participating countries to facilitate development, delivery, and implementation of regional cooperation and integration (RCI) Operation Plan and knowledge management/networking activities.
• Interacts with all participating governments and those of other RCI groupings and South Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC), BIMSTEC etc., to facilitate policy and operational coordination between India and participating/counterpart countries.
• Participates and provides inputs to operationally relevant knowledge initiatives and contribute to and participate in relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.
• Works closely with the newly established project development unit to create a sustainable portfolio of cross-cutting and innovative project to foster multi-sectoral approach and ensure best practice and replication strategy is incorporated at design stage.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in economics, regional development, international relations, agriculture; or alternatively, university degree in relevant fields combined with specialized professional experience relevant to the position;
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience; preferably in development plan and policy formulation, implementation and coordination, regional cooperation programs and agriculture;
• Multidisciplinary technical skills and the ability to lead and manage a team of qualified staff;
• Broad experience and understanding of business processes related to the country strategy program, loan processing, portfolio management and non-lending products and services;
• Strong leadership, diplomatic and negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including ability to write effectively, particularly technical papers and studies.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS6.

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.