Principal Social Sector Specialist

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) seeks a Principal Social Sector Specialist to support the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SD3-HSD) within Sectors Department 3 (SD3). The role focuses on policy formulation, strategy development, and delivering lending, grant, and technical assistance (TA) operations in the human and social development sectors (education, health, and social protection) for developing member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The position is based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, reporting to the Senior Director, SD3-HSD, or a Director within SD3-HSD, with responsibility for supervising junior team members.

Location: Manila, Philippines. Department: Sectors Department 3. Staff Category: Technical International (HQ). Position Level: TI3. Job Posting: 09-Sep-2025; 23-Sep-2025.

• Lead and oversee the preparation, processing, and administration of subregional and DMC-specific loan, grant, and TA in the human and social development sectors, considering country development policies and project impacts on climate change.
• Lead policy dialogues with government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders on strengthening climate resilience, skills for the green economy, private sector development, and the use of digital technologies.
• Collaborate with RDs, RMs, and other ADB teams to identify, develop, and administer loan, grant, and TA programs and projects.
• Work with other sector offices to propose integrated, multi-sector solutions in response to DMC needs.
• Continuously assess and update SD3-HSD sector strategies and programs to align with international best practices, technological advances, and development needs of DMCs.
• Develop and maintain strategic external partnerships for knowledge sharing and blended finance opportunities.
• Lead in generating and disseminating knowledge solutions from ADB operations and cross-learning across the region.
• Supervise, mentor, and support reporting staff and address performance and development needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in the staff workplan.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, social sciences, international development, or related fields; or a university degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in human and social development sectors, including project preparation and administration and integration of financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard considerations.
• Managerial experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for complex projects.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of human and social development in Asia and the Pacific, with breadth across multiple areas and depth in at least one area.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Refer to the ADB Competency Framework for TI3.

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits; salary based on ADB standards and comparator markets.
• Paid leave (including parental), medical and health benefits, life and other insurance plans, staff development, retirement plan, housing and education allowance (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), and relocation (if applicable).

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants. It is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with potential extension up to 2 years, conversion to a regular appointment, or ending on expiration, at ADB’s discretion based on staff skills, performance, and needs.

About Us: Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB aims to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific under Strategy 2030. ADB hires nationals of its 69 member countries and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.