Principal Operations Specialist

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 Operations Specialist is assigned to the Operations Coordination Unit (SEOC) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). 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 Regional Head, Operations Coordination (RHOC), SERD, and will oversee assigned international and local staff.

Your Role

As a Principal Operations Specialist, you will oversee the department's overall portfolio management; lead the preparation of and monitor the achievement towards annual portfolio management plans and goals; guide sector/country portfolio reviews; and lead portfolio related knowledge sharing activities.

You will:

• Lead the development and monitoring of SERD's annual portfolio management plans—including targets for contract awards, disbursements, and completion reports—and ensure alignment with corporate performance indicators.
• Provide leadership and oversight in managing the SERD Portfolio Network, comprising Country Operations Head and sector Project Administration Unit (PAU) Heads, to address portfolio-related issues and develop solutions within the department.
• Coordinate with Country Operations Heads and sector PAU Heads to track progress against portfolio targets, and guide sector/country portfolio reviews to implement plans that enhance project quality and performance.
• Prepare comprehensive integrated portfolio reports, management briefs, summaries to support strategic decision-making, and provide high-quality and departmental inputs for the Annual Portfolio Performance Report (APPR); portfolio-related sections of the Work Program and Budget Framework (WPBF); and evaluation reports from different departments within ADB, providing insights on portfolio management issues and institutional performance.
• Oversee SERD's integrated portfolio performance database, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with ADB policies.
• Ensure well-crafted project administration documents, including completion reports and memoranda and provide strategic guidance to staff on implementation matters.
• Evaluate project readiness of pipeline projects against established criteria and provide quality inputs to project administration manuals to ensure implementation and completion.
• Contribute to country partnership strategy formulation by integrating lessons from portfolio implementation and provide quality advice on ADB policies to all partners.
• Lead knowledge-sharing programs across SERD to communicate innovative and best practices in portfolio management and represent the department in ADB-wide working groups on portfolio management or project implementation, including SovOps.
• Manage SEOC's technical assistance on portfolio management and project implementation.
• Mentor and coach to team members, providing guidance on project or technical-related matters to develop their capabilities and potential.
• Undertake other activities as designated by the RHOC, SERD, as reflected in your workplan.

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields. University degree in Economics, or other relevant 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 and project management, organizational development, and policy formulation at senior levels.
• Expertise within a specific area of ADB's operations (economic, sector or thematic), or scope across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area, including International experience working in development in several countries.
• Excellent proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 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)
• Retirement plan (if applicable)
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

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, 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.

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