Senior/Principal Portfolio Management 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.

¹Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle

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 Portfolio, Results and Quality Unit (PAOD-PRQ) in the Office of the Director General within the Pacific Department (PARD). PAOD-PRQ is responsible for (i) monitoring the departmental portfolio and reporting results delivered, and support implementation, (ii) providing capacity development programs, procurement, contract management and project management guidance/support, and financial management and safeguards support during processing and implementation of projects/programs, and (iii) providing oversight to maintain the quality of assistance processed, or administered conforming with ADB’s policies and procedures through quality review of relevant documents for operations in the Pacific developing member countries (Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu).

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior/Principal Portfolio Management Specialist will manage the project administration unit for PARD with primary responsibility for portfolio management and project administration support. Lead the planning and conduct of periodic review of the status and progress of loans/grants, Technical Assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS), oversee the identification of implementation problems and execution of corrective actions to address these and improve portfolio performance in general. Utilize the department’s collective experience and knowledge gained through portfolio management for the continuous improvement of project administration practices. The incumbent will report to Advisor and Head, PAOD-PRQ and will supervise national and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor annual portfolio management plans (i.e. contract awards, disbursements, project performance rating, project completion, etc.) for the department in consultation with the sector divisions (SD) and Resident Missions (RM’s).
• Undertake troubleshooting on project implementation and management issues of concern to PARD management, as and when assigned.
• Support Country Portfolio Review Missions in the areas of project implementation arrangements, project management and contract administration. Oversee the provision of HQ inputs to country programming activities in terms of portfolio, updates and assessment.
• Coordinate with RMs for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and policy commitments to the management of projects.
• Propose improvements including regulatory recommendations, institutional and capacity development measures, modifications to contract provisions, and for effective project management, contract administration, and implementation quality.
• Support in developing relationships with donors, development agencies, regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector, to promote cooperation, partnerships, and official co-financing where appropriate.
• Provide technical guidance and advice on high risk and complex procurement cases in accordance with ADB procurement policies/procedures, support development of risk mitigation plans, to address identified risks, and in dealing with key co-financing partners.
• Lead in the review of department portfolio performance and preparation of initiatives to promote project quality and improve project implementation/portfolio performance.
• Review of complex contract administration issues (such as contract variations, contract terminations, grievances/complaints, and contract disputes), and provide technical guidance and advice.
• Advice and disseminate on best international project management and contract administration and implementation practices, suitably to the Pacific region and country context. Provide guidance on implementation of action items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
• Review and monitor status of advance actions to achieve total project readiness and procurement readiness. Provide input, advice, and peer reviews on project implementation arrangements, procurement, and contract packaging during project processing.
• Undertake processing/implementation of TAs related to capacity development for project management, procurement, contract management and related areas.
• Oversee and ensure high quality of inputs and data in MIS for project management, portfolio performance, procurement and disbursement, and related areas.
• Provide advice on ADB policies, guidelines, practices on project administration with internal and external stakeholders, maintain and disseminate the department’s collective experience and knowledge gained through portfolio management.
• Support PARD management in ADB interdepartmental orientations, outreach and training on policy and procedural matters, including providing support for informal board seminars.
• Coordinate setting up and compiling a database on best practices, cases/issues and solutions/approaches adopted, and develop training materials and case studies based on practical experience gained from review of project management, procurement, and contract administration experiences under ADB projects.
• Lead capacity development programs using TAs in coordination with Sector/RMs to enhance DMCs capacities both institutional and project level, and support implementing Pacific approach strategies, and monitor.
• 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

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in economics, engineering, business administration or other related fields. University Degree or equivalent in economics, engineering, business administration or related fields, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• At least 10 years of relevant and significant professional experience in project implementation/administration and management, MDB’s procurement approaches and contract management, and portfolio management, or related areas.
• For internal applicants – Procurement Accreditation Skills Scheme accreditation preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required
• International experience working in several countries
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS5-6.

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.