Lead Project Officer

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference in 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 Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure) is assigned to the Philippine Country Office (PHCO) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. You will report to the Country Director, PHCO or designated international staff and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure), you will support the Country Operations Head in PHCO, and sector groups in processing and implementation of key infrastructure operations initiatives of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), Country Programming Mission (CPM), and Country Portfolio Review Mission (CPRM), and in ADB SERD. You will also support sector groups and mission leaders on aspects of processing and implementing infrastructure loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in the Philippines and participate in dialogue with the government on identifying and enacting ways to accelerate processing and implementation in the context of ADB and Government of Philippines implementation and procurement systems.

You Will

• Support PHCO and sector groups in the identification, processing, and implementation of all projects, particularly high-profile flagship projects, providing detailed, hands‑on advice to mission leaders on all government steps and agencies involved in relation to ADB processing and implementation.
• Co‑lead the processing and implementation of flagship project loans and technical assistance grant projects with responsibilities for managing internal processing, facilitating with government for its approvals through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, and Monetary Board among others, and leading due diligence of implementing agencies financial management and procurement capacities.
• Be a team member for administering flagship ADB‑supported projects in the Philippines, with support for planning and advising on processing steps in ADB and Government, and procurement and assessment support for pre‑project start‑up to ensure capacity strengthening of government implementing agencies.
• Co‑lead and support the preparation of technical assistance and loan projects in close collaboration and coordination with SERD sector divisions and undertake TA projects and studies related to the Philippines as assigned.
• Participate in portfolio reviews, and periodic reporting on the performance of the portfolio in general, as well as coordinate results monitoring and reporting for operations in the Philippines.
• Support the monitoring and analysis of economic, social, and political developments in the Philippines that impact ADB infrastructure operations implementation.
• Lead assessments of oversight agencies directly involved with ADB's program and projects, particularly in project processing, procurement, and project implementation systems; and advise government, ADB, and SERD sector divisions on ways to accelerate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of systems.
• Assist relevant government agencies to strengthen capacities for operations implementation, including advising on capacity development training as needed.
• Establish and maintain strong coordination and communication with key counterparts in the Government, in particular, the oversight agencies (e.g., Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, and Department of Budget and Management), and major line agencies implementing flagship projects (e.g., Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transport).
• Liaise with multilateral and bilateral aid agencies for improvement of project portfolio management and other project administration matters and lead the coordination and exchange of information on project implementation with multilateral and bilateral official development partners, private sector associations, and civil society.

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Development Economics, Management, Engineering or relevant fields. Bachelor's degree in related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation, and at least 7 years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
• Ability to quickly grasp (i) ADB's p