Principal Social Sector Specialist

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 Principal Social Sector Specialist is assigned in the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SD3-HSD) within Sectors Department 3 (SD3). SD3 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in the region and with ADB's clients. The SD3, which is comprised of three sector offices, delivers or supports sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RDs) and resident missions (RMs) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB's technical leadership externally and internally.

SD3-HSD leads policy dialogue, initiatives, and solutions in the human and social development sectors (education, health, and social protection). SD3-HSD is responsible for (i) conceptualizing, processing, and administering lending, grant, and technical assistance (TA) operations; (ii) developing and delivering knowledge services and products to DMCs; and (iii) leading technical work on sector diagnostics and road maps, and contributing to business development efforts. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Senior Director, SD3-HSD, or one of the Directors, SD3-HSD, and oversee junior team members.

Your Role
As a Principal Social Sector Specialist, you will lead and oversee the formulation and articulation of policies and strategies in the human and social development sectors in the DMCs. You will lead in identifying, developing, processing, and administering lending and non-lending projects. You will also lead knowledge services and products and ensure that lending and non-lending programs and projects provide the most impactful solutions to the DMCs.

You Will

• Lead and oversee the preparation, processing, and administration of subregional and DMC-specific loan, grant, and TAs in the human and social development sectors, with due attention to country's development policies, and the projects' impacts on climate change.
• Lead policy dialogues with government officials, development partners and private sector stakeholders around human development and other associated development issues on strengthening climate resilience, growth opportunities for skills for the green economy, boost private sector development, and optimize digital technologies.
• Work closely with RDs, RMs, and other ADB teams and departments in identifying, developing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs programs and projects.
• Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated and multi-sector solutions in response to DMC needs.
• Continuously assess and update SD3-HSD sector strategies, and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to international best practices, and technological advances, and responsiveness to development needs of DMCs.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and blended finance opportunities.
• Lead in generating and disseminating knowledge solutions from ADB operations, international best practices and country or region specific cross-learning in the human and social development sectors.
• Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in staff's workplan.

You Will Need

• Master's degree or equivalent in economics, other social sciences, international development, or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in human and social development sectors, and in preparation and administration of projects, and experience in integration of financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements and issues in project design and execution.
• Must have managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for complex projects.
• Significant expertise within a specific area in human and social development in Asia and the Pacific. Breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI3.

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 (if applicable)
• Relocation (if applicable)

Additional Information
This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

About Us
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 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 69 members .

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here .

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

Primary Location:
Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department:
Sectors Department 3

Staff Category:
Technical International (HQ)

Position Level:
TI3

Job Posting:
09-Sep-2025, 6:21:18 AM

23-Sep-2025, 9:59:00 PM