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 Kyrgyz Republic Resident Mission 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.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Unit Head, Project Administration will oversee in the planning and conduct of periodic reviews of the status and progress of loans, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS); identify implementation problems and oversee the execution of corrective actions to address issues to improve the overall performance of ADB’s portfolio in the Kyrgyz Republic (e.g., contract awards, disbursements, project completion reports, etc.) and monitor achievements. The incumbent is expected to utilize his/her prior regional experience (preferably in Central Asia) and knowledge gained through project and portfolio management to identify development problems and potential solutions, enhance the relevance of ADB’s country program, support project and TA processing, and promote continuous improvement in project administration. The incumbent will also promote cooperation and development coordination with stakeholders within and outside of ADB and with other development partners, in project preparation and implementation. The incumbent will report to the Country Director, Kyrgyz Republic Resident Mission (KYRM) and will supervise National and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual portfolio management plans (i.e. contract awards, disbursements, project completion reports/TA completion report pipeline, etc.) for Kyrgyz Republic and monitor their achievements.
• Lead in the monitoring, periodic review and progress reporting of project and program implementation, compliance with covenants, achievements of management targets and desired development impact.
• In close coordination with the relevant sector divisions, and Project Administration in CWRD, identify and support implementation of initiatives to promote project quality and improve portfolio performance.
• Conduct periodic quarterly and country portfolio reviews, and report on portfolio performance with a close follow-up on agreed corrective actions, if any.
• Ensure timely submission by project executing agencies of required progress reports, financial and audit reports, procurement, and consultants’ recruitment documentation.
• Lead administration of delegated projects, with timely and accurate review of and advice on procurement, contract management, implementation arrangements, and disbursements to stakeholders. Provide support, as necessary, for the projects administered by HQ.
• Ensure compliance of all ADB financed projects and TAs with ADB procedures, guidelines, and other requirements.
• Provide guidance and functional oversight related to project administration among reporting staff and ensure timely implementation of required measures to address project implementation problems.
• Participate in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) meetings for information exchange and donor coordination.
• Undertake country portfolio review and support country programming during country operations business plan preparation and country partnership strategy preparation, in coordination with KYRM staff and Kyrgyz Republic country team members in HQ.
• Provide detailed information and analyses to support the design and implementation of country strategy and programs, focused on portfolio review, update and projections.
• Support country programming and the preparation of country operations business plans and country partnership strategies, in coordination with KYRM staff and country team members in HQ.
• Support project identification and preparation as a member or leader of project teams.
• Support Country Director, KYRM on selected KYRM administration matters.
• Lead in the collaboration and interactions with the client, partners, and media.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, economics, or related fields. University in engineering, economics or related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience working in development across key sectors of ADB operations, effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders; experience in Kyrgyz Republic or Central Asia is preferred. International experience working in several countries.
• Proficiency in multilateral development bank guidelines on procurement and recruitment of consultants as well as disbursements operations.
• Experience in the procurement and administration of large works and goods contracts; and with applicable accreditation for procurement and consulting service (for internal applicants, with Procurement Accreditation Skills Scheme (PASS) accreditation)
• Helps internal and external clients achieve quality results.
• Regularly contributes with insights and experiences to KYRM colleagues to help them achieve quality results, actively supports work on organizational change improvement.
• Creates knowledge products endorsed for wider distribution based on lessons and multi-country experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in Russian language is a plus.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 5 and 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.