Principal Operations Specialist

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 Operations Coordination Unit (SAOC) under the Office of the Director General (SAOD) 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. SAOC provides overall support to the SARD management in terms of programming, portfolio management, results monitoring, and implementation of ADB’s long-term strategic framework to create economic and development impact in the region.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Principal Operations Specialist will manage SARD’s communications and knowledge initiatives and associated knowledge products, capacity building initiatives, and stakeholder engagement targeting SARD developing member countries (DMCs). The position will actively support SAOD’s core functions of strategic programming, country partnership strategy (CPS) oversight, project and TA quality at entry, and portfolio management. The position will also work closely with senior SARD management to identify strategic directions and priorities and manage the planning and implementation of knowledge and communications activities to position ADB as the go-to development partner of choice in the region. The position will report to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination Unit, SAOC, and will supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Promotes the corporate Knowledge Management systems within SARD and ensures requirements are fulfilled for: knowledge identification, storage, sharing via corporate tools (e.g. SharePoint, Case studies, Lessons Learned Seminars). • Provides visibility over and support strategic planning of regional knowledge activities related to TAs, policy dialogue, capacity development. • Supports and lead from a technical KM perspective knowledge sharing events, like seminars, conferences, workshops, capacity development programs. • Guides and leads knowledge capturing activities that are important for ADB’s internal KM system (lessons learned, case studies) and for business development (showcasing in form of briefs, project stories, multi-media material). • Coordinates with regional economist and regional corporation and integration specialists the strategic focus of SARD’s knowledge program and coordinate with solutions group. • Coordinates the knowledge activities of the regional work program across sector and themes. • Provides advice to knowledge requests from RMs and HQ and broker and match relevant teams and products. • In coordination with relevant ADB departments and RMs, leads RM communications officers on the preparation of annual country communications plans and contextualized message houses; packages knowledge produced by RMs and sector teams, and manages SARD internal communications. • Advises RMs’ capacity development programs for executing and implementing agencies. • Manages the processing and administration of regional technical assistance supporting innovative and demand-driven knowledge initiatives. • Supervises assigned staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, law, economics, business administration, communications, or related fields. Alternatively, university degree in related fields combined with at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. • At least 12 years of relevant professional experience including international work experience. • Significant experience in managing teams and supporting stakeholder engagement. • Strong familiarity with development issues in South Asia. • Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, capacity to take initiative with sound judgment, and decision-making capacity. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. • 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.