Senior Energy 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 Senior Energy Specialist (Hydropower) is assigned to the Energy Sector Office (SD-ENE) within the Sectors Department 1 (SD1). SD1 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in the region and with ADB's clients. SD1, which is comprised of the Energy and Transport Sector Offices, delivers or supports sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RD) and resident missions (RM) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB's technical leadership externally and internally.

SD-ENE leads ADB's energy sector operations. The office manages policy development, oversight of strategy implementation, knowledge management, budget management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance (TA) processing and administration in the energy sector in the five regions: Central and West Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. SD-ENE is also responsible for implementing ADB corporate initiatives in the emerging areas, energy transition, and Energy Transition Mechanism programs, in select countries.

You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will initially report to the designated Director, SD-ENE, responsible for the East, Central and West Asia regions and will oversee junior staff.

The selected candidate will be appointed with the title, "Senior Energy Specialist".

Your Role
As Senior Energy Specialist (Hydropower), your primary role will be in preparation and implementation of hydropower projects in ADB's Developing Member Countries (DMCs). You will lead technical reviews and due diligence to ensure the projects are technically feasible and economically viable and environmentally sustainable. You will formulate and articulate energy sector policy and strategies, engaging DMC governments in policy dialogue, and conducting ADB's activities to support sector policy and reforms, with responsibility to identify opportunities in hydropower and other renewable energy, in line with ADB's 2021 Energy Policy. You will lead the development, processing and implementation of investment and technical assistance (TAs) projects and non-lending products and services (NLPS) that contribute to ADB's goal of reducing poverty. You will oversee and ensure the quality of project development, implementation, administration and overall results for loans, TA projects, and non-lending products and services in the energy sector. You will build effective partnerships with other departments to deliver value-added services to the DMCs.

You Will

• Lead the review of technical documents including pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, design and specifications, environmental and social impact assessments, and power system plans.
• Lead the development and design of new lending projects and programs in hydropower and other renewable energy. Guide the technical due diligence to ensure projects are technically feasible and economically viable.
• Lead the ADB supervision of hydropower projects during construction, ensuring continuous engagement of expert panels and reviewing reports.
• Lead the preparation, processing, and administration of sub-regional and DMC specific loan, grant, and TAs in the energy sector with due attention to country's development policies and projects' impacts on climate change.
• Lead the development of policy and strategies in the hydropower and renewable energy sector for sustainable and low carbon development in the DMCs, in consultation with relevant government agencies and resident missions in the region. Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to DMC needs.
• Engage in analytical work, knowledge management, and coordination with various stakeholders to promote the best practices in hydropower development.
• Provide guidance, advice, and comment on energy sector issues in the initiation, development, processing and administration of loans, grants, and TAs. Propose appropriate contract modalities and lead discussions on procurement issues including review of bidding documents, bid evaluation reports, and consultant recruitment.
• Guide and lead the team's other energy specialists in their work with governments to identify investment opportunities in hydropower and other clean energy including through the utilization of special funds.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries.
• Contribute to internal and external training and conferences on hydropower and clean energy related activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge sharing.
• Create and lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure the quality of its work.
• Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SD-ENE and SD1 in effective ways.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in staff's workplan.

You Will Need

• Master's degree or equivalent in hydropower-related engineering or a core competency such as hydromechanical/electromechanical engineering, water engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or project management.; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in hydropower energy, preferably exposure to other renewable energy generation in both the public and private sectors.
• Experience in environmental and social aspects of large infrastructure development.
• Experience in generation planning in hydro or other renewables.
• Experience in design, construction and management of hydropower projects in a leadership position both in developed and developing countries.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical components of hydropower projects and their grid connections.
• Knowledge of energy sector reform issues in developing countries.
• Ability to perform effectively as a mission leader or team lead, exercising supervision, coordination, and planning responsibilities over multi-disciplinary team/unit.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.

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 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, 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 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 1

Division:
Energy Sector Office

Staff Category:
Technical International (HQ)

Position Level:
TI2

Job Posting:
11-Sep-2025, 10:26:45 AM

25-Sep-2025, 11:59:00 PM