Senior Country Economist

Important Information

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew for an initial period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. After the initial fixed period, ADB has the option to renew the appointment for up to three years or allow it to expire. This decision is based on ADB’s overall interest in retaining the skills and experience of the staff for medium-term work program within the respective group, department, or office, while considering the availability of funding sources.

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 Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM) 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, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. BRM is responsible for coordinating all ADB’s country operations in Bangladesh. BRM leads the country partnership strategy (CPS), programming discussions, and policy dialogue with the government, and leads or coordinates sector operations.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior Country Economist co-leads the preparation and supports the implementation of the CPS in line with the country’s development plans and ADB’s medium and long-term strategic frameworks (Strategy 2030). The Senior Country Economist also leads country diagnostic work and supports economic-based sector analysis work in BRM. Under the guidance of the Country Director, the incumbent will lead and support the preparation and management of knowledge products and contribute substantively to analytical work on operationally relevant issues related to climate change, private sector development, governance and public financial management work, and regional cooperation and integration.

The incumbent will report to the Country Director, BRM and will also have a secondary reporting line to the Regional Lead Economist for South Asia, Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI) for economic analysis of country partnership strategies; country economic monitoring and preparation of Asian Development Outlook (ADO) country chapters; and economics-related analytical work. The incumbent will supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities • As the country leader for the CPS, coordinates and leads the preparation and support the implementation of the CPS with any adjustments recommended and introduced in response to the country’s development priorities and conditions, in accordance with principles of results-based management and in close coordination with development partners. • Serves as the focal point in ADB on economic matters, identifying key issues to be addressed in ADB’s policy dialogue, regularly apprising management on the country’s economy and policy issues, and preparing briefing papers for use by management. • Leads and supports the preparation of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and the preparation of updates and other economic reports as required. • Leads in the preparation of the Country Knowledge Plan and serves as a core member of the Country Management Team (CMT). As a member of the CMT, supports the preparation of upstream knowledge to support annual programming cycle and provide strategic economic perspective in pipeline development. • Leads, conducts, reviews, and ensures the quality of economic, sector and thematic work as substantive inputs into economic and programming related studies. Leads ADB’s overall knowledge program for Bangladesh, from programming, conceptualization, execution, and dissemination in coordination with related departments or offices. • Establishes networks and communicates effectively with key national and international development stakeholders, including private sector, media, academic and research institutions, NGOs, and civil society to facilitate ADB’s operations and dialogues. • Leads the Bangladesh country economics team, coordinating between Headquarters and BRM staff to ensure consistency of approach, integration of policy commitments, and knowledge sharing. • Provides inputs to ADB-wide economic analysis documents and publications, including ADO and its update chapters. • Reviews and strengthens analysis and presentation of economic related documents to ensure quality of operations and publications. • Assists in analytical and operational works under SARD’s regional cooperation and integration initiatives and economic corridors development. • Leads in the processing and administration of technical assistance (TA) projects assigned. • Provides substantive assistance to review and comment on loan (including the country assessment matrix) and TA draft concept papers and draft report and recommendation of the President ensuring consistency with CPS approach, product quality, and local sensitivities. • Establishes and maintains cordial and effective relations with senior government officials and serves as the communication link between Bangladesh and ADB in resolving policy and programming issues. • Assists in donor coordination, advances donor harmonization agenda, and seeks cofinancing opportunities for ADB operations. • Establishes and maintains effective relations with other stakeholders such as academia, private sector, and civil society. • As mentor and lead for the team, supervises the work of reporting staff members in the areas of knowledge management and analytical work on themes and issues related to climate change, private sector development, governance and public financial management work, and regional cooperation and integration. • Supervise the performance of reporting staff providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Experience & Requirements• Master's degree, or equivalent, in economics (Ph.D. preferred) with expertise in one or more of the following fields: economic development, macroeconomics, public finance, international economics; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered • At least 10 years work experience in development planning and policy formulation and operations. • International experience working in several countries. • Sound conceptual and practical understanding of macroeconomics and international trade and inter-sector linkages in large developing economies. • Strong analytical and technical capability in development policy studies, and country and sector economic analysis. • Broad-based exposure to country programming and project development business processes. • Substantial experience in knowledge management and external communication. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. • For other competencies, relevant to the position, please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 5.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to AB, is appointed for an initial term of three years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. 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. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

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