Country Operations Head

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 Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM) within the South Asia Department (SARD). SARD is responsible for providing leadership, innovation, lending, project implementation and knowledge sharing for ADB’s sector and thematic work that covers operations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. SLRM is supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s development objective of accelerated sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Job Purpose

The Country Operations Head will assist the country director in the sound management of operations in the assigned resident mission. The incumbent will coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio monitoring and organize the provision of operations services to project teams.

The incumbent reports to the Country Director, SLRM with a matrix reporting to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination Unit of the South Asia Department. The position will supervise International, National and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

Country portfolio management and programming • Leads the country portfolio performance review. Responsible for management, monitoring, and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations (programming, pipeline, and portfolio management) at country level to achieve country Key Performance Indicators. Provides high-level guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. Actively takes part in operations and portfolio networks, facilitated by Regional Operations Coordination and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department. • Guides project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and leads portfolio, programming and pipeline related missions and activities with government. Oversees project related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders. Consults with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues, and coordinates the resolution of project-specific issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices. • Supports CD, SLRM in assuring that project/TA implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guides sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are effectively delivered to advance ADB’s regional and country priorities, meet DMC needs, and fit the local context. • Oversees the country programming including the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD)/ Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnership (OMDP) and the regional operations coordination office. Works closely with country management team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting and innovative projects that meet client needs and advance ADB’s priorities, e.g. climate change and Private Sector Development. • Maintains pipelines and oversees progress of lending and non-lending by monitoring, supporting, and facilitating the work of solutions departments for the timely delivery of the country program. Liaises with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Provides inputs into Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and CPS reviews from a programming, pipeline and portfolio management perspective. • Advises CD, SLRM and backstops the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by Staff Instructions and Project Administration Instructions. Liaises closely with Regional Operations Coordination Head on all matters of quality assurance. Work planning • Supports CD and the country management team in preparation of the Resident Mission’s work plan and alignment with regional department KPIs. • Serves as head of the secretariat to the country management team, supporting the country director to set standard operating procedures for its effective functioning. • Organizes and advises on the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender), to ensure adequate support to project teams delivering operations in the country. Capacity development • Organizes and provides operational capacity development to staff and external clients on sovereign operations management. • Manages the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. • Provides coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensures their on-going learning and development. • Undertakes other activities as designated by CD, SLRM and Regional Operations Coordination Head. Coordinates with Head Regional Operations Coordination and Head Regional Cooperation and Integration, Lead Economist and Head, Private Sector Development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master's Degree, in engineering, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. Alternatively, university degree in engineering, finance, economics, business administration and related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. • At least 12 years relevant professional experience in managing projects, portfolios and pipelines for development institutions. International experience working in development in several countries. • Experience in building capacity of staff in projects or processing of loans/technical assistance. Proven management and leadership qualities. • Demonstrated cultural sensitivities and maturity. • Technical experience in one or more key sectors of ADB operations preferred. • PASS accreditation or equivalent preferred (non-accredited applicants may be considered though will be required to complete accreditation within 1 year of appointment.) • 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 a term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. The actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, considering 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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on the qualifications of the selected candidate.