Principal Human Resource Specialist

Reference Number

250660

Position Level

TI3

Department

Budget, People, and Management Systems Department

Division

Office of the Director General, BPMSD

Location

Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Date Posted

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Closing Date

Wednesday, August 20, :59 p.m Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

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 Principal Human Resource Specialist (Legal) is assigned to the Office of the Director General (BPOD) within the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Designated Managerial Staff and will oversee Junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Human Resource Specialist (Legal), you will provide (i) advice to Director General, BPMSD and other managerial staff on policy initiatives undertaken by the department including identifying and addressing the legal considerations; (ii) effective management of staff cases including staff grievances, continuous review and revisions of administrative orders; (iii) advice focus on risk prevention, on the design, implementation, and interpretation of human resources policies, such as Compensation & Benefits, Staff Retirement Plan (SRP); (iv) advice on HR matters raised by ADB Management. The role will be involved in close coordination and cooperation with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Anti-Corruption and Integrity (OAI), and the Office of the Secretary (SEC).

You will:

• Provide continuing advice to Director General, BPMSD and other managerial staff on important policy initiatives being undertaken by the department including identifying and addressing legal considerations in consultation with OGC. Policy initiatives may include performance management, recruitment, types of appointment, review of remuneration and benefits, and medical benefits plan changes. When appropriate, promptly shares views and identifies legal considerations at an early stage of the discussions across the various BPMSD divisions.
• Provide management and supervision of integrity violation cases and other misconduct cases received from OAI for disciplinary measures.
• Provide support and guidance to divisions of BPMSD, in particular the HR divisions on performance management policy; and individual cases of unsatisfactory performance or other causes leading to staff separation. Coordinate with and support relevant units by drafting and reviewing required documentation to achieve the desired HR objectives while effectively managing the legal risks.
• Handle compulsory conciliation matters initiated by staff. Support the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on the grievance process, including administrative review and appeal, and for cases handled by the Administrative Tribunal.
• Ensure close coordination and cooperation with staff from BPMSD, OAI, and OGC. Effectively manages complicated disciplinary, integrity and performance-related cases, including mutually agreed separation cases.
• Advise BPMSD Management on human resources issues raised by former or current staff in order to mitigate potential legal risks.
• Draft and review various HR guidelines, as well as Administrative Orders (AOs) and related administrative instructions and guidelines, including (a) management of the AO review process; and (b) briefing of Management offices as appropriate.
• Prepare the Notes Verbale on privileges and immunities to be conferred to ADB staff who are assigned to ADB's field offices (FOs) and liaise with Board members to ensure that the Notes Verbale are sent to the appropriate governmental authorities.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, ensuring appropriate learning opportunities, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in Law or relevant fields, or Human Resources. University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience. Legal or employment relations or HR experience on public international employment with an international organization, preferred
• Experience working on international employment relations.
• Ability to work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence and to promote a strong culture of honesty, trust and openness
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Must be able to effectively communicate and present on complex topics on legal and human resources policies issues
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff grade 3.

Benefits

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

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

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 our Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB wants 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. #USA #AUS #KOR #JPN #GBR #SGP

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