Unit Head, Project Administration

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).

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 Viet Nam Resident Mission (VRM) within the Southeast Asia Regional Department (SERD). SERD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Southeast Asian region. VRM is responsible for country partnership and strategy, policy dialogue and client relationship, business development, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance (TA) processing and administration in Viet Nam.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Unit Head, Project Administration will oversee the improvement and monitor the status and progress of the overall portfolio performance, including loans, grants and Technical Assistance (TAs) projects in Viet Nam. The position will also lead the identification and execution of corrective actions to address implementation problems and improve project and portfolio performance to contribute to ADB’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth agenda and the objectives of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS). The Unit Head also helps coordinate ADB’s lending and non-lending operations with government and other development partners. The incumbent will report to Country Director, VRM and will supervise a team of several National and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the implementation of projects and programs in the ADB Viet Nam country portfolio, including output progress, contract awards and disbursement, and safeguards and financial management compliance, and the achievement of desired development impacts.
• Leads country portfolio review missions (CPRM), in coordination with sector division project administration units (PAUs) and project teams, engaging in high-level discussions with senior government officials, including preparation and finalization of memorandum of understanding or aide-memoire.
• Oversees project review missions and identify the causes project/program performance shortfalls and advise project teams to create appropriate time-bound action plans to address implementation problems.
• Leads and provide guidance and high-level advice to project teams and government executing and implementing agencies for the identification and implementation of action items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
• Monitors loan/grant/TA signing and completion, to ensure timely effectivity and financial closure.
• Prepares and provides quality assurance for project completion reports and TA completion reports.
• Ensures the quality and consistency of reports and providing information and in-depth analyses for country programming and for the review and improvement of project administration policies and VRM portfolio management practices.
• Provides functional oversight to project officers at VRM to ensure proper staffing, timely implementation and performance reporting of loan and TA projects.
• Oversees the quality of project/program/TA implementation, with focus on at-risk projects/programs.
• Oversees knowledge creation and dissemination to improve local capacity for project administration.
• Participates in and contribute to internal and external training, conferences and
• Provides strategic leadership, coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree or equivalent, in economics, finance, engineering, or relevant fields. University degree in economics, finance, engineering combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in project processing and administration in different sectors, including infrastructure, at senior levels (e.g. leading projects)
• Demonstrated experience in liaison with government officials, non-government agencies, technical specialists, and staff from development partners.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Ability to take initiative, make decisions and work independently.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of ADB’s operations (procurement, sector or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area
• Credible expert in field of expertise with recognized ability to lead projects and to share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community.
• Strong client focus and high level of commitment to results.
• Ability to perform effectively as a mission leader or team lead, exercising supervision, coordination, and planning responsibilities over multi-disciplinary team/unit.
• Ability to mentor team members, providing guidance and advice on project or technical-related matters.
• Ability to coach team members to develop their capabilities/potential.
• Has potential for higher managerial responsibilities (for incumbents being considered for the Managerial career path) – able to think like a Director and demonstrate a high level of maturity.
• Ability to lead the project administration unit, and act as an effective OIC of the office when required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 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.