Digital Development Specialist

Job Description - Digital Development Specialist (Data Infrastructure) (250170)

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Digital Development Specialist (Data Infrastructure) is assigned to the Digital Sector Office (DIG) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). SD2 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in the region. DIG leads digital transformation efforts in DMCs by providing strategic operational support, enhancing knowledge, facilitating talent development, and carrying out specific digital transformation-related activities. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Director, Digital Sector Office, and will oversee Technical Local staff.

Your Role

As a Digital Development Specialist (Data Infrastructure), you will support incentivizing the deployment and implementation of affordable, accessible, green and high-quality digital and data infrastructure and connectivity to support digital transformation. You will identify, develop, and implement digital and data infrastructure technical assistance (TA), sovereign and non-sovereign projects, and policy-based loans in a variety of sectors and themes.

You will:

a. Project Development and Processing

• Provide inputs in the preparation of a pipeline of digital and data infrastructure for development projects through outreach with DMCs, in coordination with country teams.
• Undertake the necessary country diagnostic studies and analysis related to digital and data infrastructure in support of country programming exercises.
• Support the internal project approval process, closely coordinating with country teams, Sectors Group, procurement, legal, and other teams as well as management and the Board.
• Support operational departments for processing and implementation of digital projects, specifically digital and data infrastructure projects.
• Undertake the implementation of digital and data infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with required guidelines, policies and procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Support DMC governments in designing and implementing digital and data infrastructure loan programs and capacity development efforts through leading dedicated TAs.

b. External Liaison and Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships related to digital and data infrastructure with global, regional, and local thought leaders.
• Develop knowledge products and conduct various knowledge sharing activities related to digital and data infrastructure and provide necessary capacity development support for ADB operational staff.
• Participate in and contribute substantially to relevant learning events and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building where digital and data infrastructure is part of the agenda.
• Maintain and share knowledge of emerging best practices across the range of key themes and sectors with an emphasis on emerging digital technologies.

c. Strategy, Policy and Project Evaluation

• Develop ADB digital development strategies aligned with Strategy 2030 and lead implementation of the strategies bringing digital and data infrastructure as a key lever for sustainable digital transformation.
• Provide strategic inputs and comments on projects, policy, and other papers related to digital and data infrastructure projects across a range of key themes and sectors.
• Draft, review, and provide comments on project, policy, and other papers related to digital and data infrastructure issues in various themes and sectors.
• Participate in country teams for planning and programming purposes, particularly with respect to digital and data infrastructure components in operations and sector priorities.

d. Staff Supervision

• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

e. Others

• Provide inputs to reports, briefing materials, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate, support, and/or handle ad hoc assignments as assigned.

You will need:

• A University degree relevant to digital/information technologies, preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in the digital development sector, including international experience working in several countries.
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
• Knowledge of digital technologies covering digital and data infrastructure, including national broadband networks, data centers, spatial data infrastructure, data exchange and data platforms, and interoperability, cloud computing, as well as digital public infrastructure, digital government solutions, cybersecurity and data protection, emerging technologies, digital skills development, and digital policy and regulatory reforms.
• Experience in digital transformation and related business process re-engineering and change management.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• 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 (for international staff)

Additional Information

This position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022–2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful candidates may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other groups or departments when required. This fixed-term appointment for three years is renewable under Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 on "Recruitment and Appointment".

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. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may be renewed for a period of up to three years, or not renewed. There is no limit on the number of renewals. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 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.

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