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).

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 Transport Division (CWTC) 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. CWTC helps build transport infrastructure and provides technical assistance (TA) to support transport sector development in the Central and West Asia region. The Division also develops strategic regional plans for transport and trade facilitation infrastructure and policy directions.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Unit Head, Project Administration will oversee the periodic review of the status and progress of loans, technical assistance (TA) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS). The position will also oversee the identification and execution of corrective actions to address implementation problems and improve portfolio performance to contribute to ADB’s goal of reducing poverty; systematically build capacity of division staff in project administration capacity by identifying needs and developing and conducting training and mentoring; and enhance the country programming efforts and continuously improve project readiness and administration practices. . The Incumbent will report to Director, CWTC and will supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Provides inputs on project implementation and portfolio related matters to CWTC, Portfolio, Results, Safeguards and Gender Unit (CWOD-PSG) and ADB strategic documents and plans, as required.
• Systematically build the division’s capacity in project administration and portfolio management by training and mentoring, and other appropriate means.
• Oversees the preparation and updating of portfolio projections, plans, and annual targets, e.g., contract awards, loan disbursements, Project Completion Report (PCR)/TA Completion Report (TCR) delivery and monitor achievements against targets.
• Provide leadership to the quarterly and annual Country Portfolio Review Missions and support the Director for high-level portfolio review meetings.
• Oversee and monitor implementation of transport sector portfolio of ongoing loans, grants, and TAs, including the progress of implementation and achievement of intended outputs/goals/development objectives, and status of compliance with covenants.
• Provide guidance and functional oversight on project management, including project readiness, procurement, and Procurement Review System (PRS), consultant selection, and compliance with ADB policies.
• Review and endorse Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs) of review missions, outgoing communications, and documents related to project administration and portfolio management, and ensure the quality and consistency with Project Administration Instructions (PAIs), Operations Manuals (OM) and other relevant guidelines, instructions and policies.
• Provide advice on ADB policies, guidelines, practices on project administration with internal and external stakeholders. Provide advice/guidance to project processing teams regarding project design and implementation matters.
• Maintain the sector’s collective experience and knowledge gained through portfolio management and networks and knowledge fora
• Supervise the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance; Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.
• Performs quality assurance for project by ensuring project documents are adhered to rules, guidelines,
• Performs other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent’s workplan.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in economics, social science, engineering, finance, law, project management, or other related fields. University degree in economics, engineering, finance, law, project management, or other related fields, and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 12 years of relevant professional work experience, with excellent supervisory skills.
• Experience in the procurement and administration of large work and goods contracts; and with applicable accreditation for procurement and consulting service (for internal applicants, with Procurement Accreditation Skills Scheme (PASS) accreditation)
• Proven leadership qualities.
• An attitude of striving for results (meeting deadlines, solving problems, delivery of key results areas) and helping others achieve results.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and strong interpersonal skills
International experience working in the development sector/institutions 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.