Social Sector 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

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 the Social Sector Division (CWSS) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). CWRD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Central and West Asia region. CWSS supports 10 diverse client countries in achieving inclusive growth through investing in human development and social protection.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Social Sector Specialist will identify, develop, implement and administer loans, technical assistances (TAs), and non-lending products and services in the areas of social sectors in line with Strategy 2030, and responding to countries’ strategic needs. The incumbent will collaborate with multiple sectors to find innovative solutions for promoting human development especially social sector programs and projects, undertake relevant sector and thematic studies, and participate in regional cooperation programs in Central and West Asia. The incumbent will report to Director, CWSS and will supervise National and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of policy and strategies for ADB-supported human development strategies such as innovations and best practices in the areas of human development service delivery financing, demand side interventions (e.g. conditional cash transfer), skills, development for high technology industries, public private partnerships, partnership with the private sector in consultation with relevant government agencies and Resident Missions (RMs).
• Lead and/or participate in missions responsible for the identification, preparation, appraisal and administration of programs and projects in education and/or other social sectors.
• Conduct dialogue with government officials of developing member countries (DMCs) and develop education and skills development and/or other social sector policies, strategies, roadmaps, and sector assessments for DMCs within CWRD.
• Coordinate with RMs for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of education and skills development policy commitments.
• Contribute substantially to the education and skills development and/or other social sector assessment, strategy and road map updates; as well as on the preparation of sector results framework.
• Contribute to the design and administration of regional cooperation activities, including conducting dialogue with national governments, regional organizations, bilateral donors, nongovernment organizations and other development partners.
• Liaise with development agencies and partners on collaborative work in the sector.
• Review relevant documents on social sectors and evaluate sector policies and projects; intra-regional and regional cooperation activities in social sectors including on the role of education and skills development in light of technology advancement in Central and West Asia and its likely impact on jobs and skills requirements.

• Advocate for the importance of investing in human development as integral part of inclusive economic development strategy with client countries and within ADB.
• Contribute to strengthen CWSS teamwork, through helping reporting staff develop capabilities and potential.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff with oversight from a more senior staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• A University degree in economics, public policy, social science, management, finance, engineering, or other related fields, with complementary work experience in human development related areas; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent

• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in social sector project design and administration
• Strong analytical skills with strong interest in human development and drive to help inclusive economic development of DMCs,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• International experience working in development in several countries, with substantial experience in the education and skills development sector in Asia and the Pacific.
• Experience or knowledge in use of IT for service delivery; innovative financing would be an advantage.
• Proven record of strong adaptability and flexibility to diverse clients and colleagues, and teamwork.
• Please refer to thelink for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff, Level 3 and Level 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.