Principal Investment Specialist

Principal Investment Specialist Description

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 Investment Specialist is assigned in the Agribusiness Investment Team (AIT) under the Office of the Director General (OPSD) within the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Advisor, OPSD and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Investment Specialist, you will lead the identification, screening, due diligence, structuring, obtaining of approvals, negotiation, implementation and closing of successful direct debt financing and equity investments in food and agribusiness companies and technical assistance programs across ADB's developing member countries (DMCs).

You will:

a. Transaction Origination and Processing

• Lead in the identification, development, and processing of transactions (as project team leader) to be considered for ADB private sector direct agribusiness investment;
• Lead and nurture active relationships with food and agribusiness companies;
• Lead and undertake comprehensive financial assessment and due diligence on market, commercial, technical, environmental, social, corporate governance, and integrity issues related to the proposed transactions;
• Lead, structure, and negotiate the proposed financial assistance, ensuring risk management is applied, and design relevant technical assistance programs;
• Lead and present the transaction rationale and make recommendation on the proposed transaction terms to ADB's Management and Board;
• Ensure a prompt financial closing of the transaction, with legal documentation reflecting the decisions of ADB's Management and Board; and
• Ensure compliance with internal guidelines, policies, and procedures, as well as with market best practices.

b. Strategy and Planning

• Participate in regional and country teams with focus on private sector development and operations and for identifying investment opportunities; and
• Lead work with other departments on project related and strategy policy matters, including through collaboration with the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector Office.

c. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in and contribute substantially to relevant learning events and other activities for advocacy, and knowledge sharing; and
• Share knowledge of emerging best practices in the agribusiness sector.

d. Staff Supervision

• Take the role of project team leader and coordinate the work of project team members, including international staff, national staff, and consultants;
• Take the role of mission leader and oversee the work of mission members;
• Manage the performance of reporting staff and consultants, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance; and
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff and consultants.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in business administration or finance or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in corporate and project lending, investment banking, or private equity leading direct cross-border debt or equity transactions, with exposure to the food and agribusiness sector in Asia.
• Excellent financial modeling, equity valuation, corporate and project finance, and other core banking and investment skills.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for the ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff grade TI3.

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)
• Relocation (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.

#LI-Onsite

Primary Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila Department: Private Sector Operations Department Division: Office of the Director General, PSOD Staff Category: Technical International (HQ Position Level: TI Job Posting: 28-Oct-2025, 2:24:29 AM Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External : 12-Nov-2025, 3:59:00 PM

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