Director

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 Director is assigned to the Office of the Principal Director (DCOD) within the Department of Communications and Knowledge Management (DOCK). 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 Principal Director, DOCK, and will oversee assigned international and local staff

DOCK is undergoing an internal reorganization. Effective 9 Nov 2025, the position will be assigned to the Planning Division (DCPD).

Your Role

As Director, you will be responsible for providing overall leadership for the division; leading ADB's strategy and approach for communications and knowledge management; planning the DOCK-led outputs including product strategy, resourcing, and work planning; overseeing client interactions including the capture, prioritization, and planning of client's communications and knowledge management needs; establishing an insights-driven approach to communications and knowledge management; leading crisis communications and reputation management to uphold and protect ADB's reputation; building communications and knowledge management capacity and providing knowledge advisory services to ADB; overseeing resident mission communications and knowledge management needs; building and maintaining relationships with international media and delivering knowledge management-related services to internal clients.

You will:

• Prioritize and plan DOCK-led and client-led outputs, including product strategy, resourcing, and pipeline planning.
• Provide overall leadership, guidance for ADB in (i) media and external relations; and (ii) communications and knowledge management, including for resident missions and representative offices.
• Oversee inter-division coordination and serve as initial client interface.
• Ensures the timely monitoring and reporting of developments that would shape ADB's crisis communications and reputation management.
• Establish best practices and create corporate readiness measures in handling crisis communications.
• Oversee and implement DOCK's Issues Management Framework and serve as leader on DOCK's issues management response team structure.
• Equip and guide clients on how to leverage knowledge and ADB's expertise to provide incremental, innovative value across their operations.
• Provide client support services.
• Provide communication expertise and support to effectively achieve knowledge management and communication goals and engage both internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee the collection of performance analytics data on DOCK's communications channels to monitor, measure and analyze the impact and effectiveness of ADB communication initiatives.
• Continuously refine and improve communication strategies to external and internal audience based on data insights and feedback.
• Manage team and individual performance by providing clear direction, monitoring, and feedback.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals to ensure ongoing learning and development.
• Supervise and monitor the outputs of consultants and service providers supporting planning activities, including planning budget and vendor relationships
• Oversee day-to-day unit operations, including effective management of financial and staff resources.
• Serve as functional managers to RM Communications Officers.
• Support other ADB initiatives as directed by PD, DOCK.

Qualifications
You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent, in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, International Development or relevant fields; or, University degree in related fields and at least 10 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including at international level and demonstrated understanding of development issues, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region
• International experience working in several countries
• Superior writing and editing skills required.
• Excellent oral communications skills and team orientation required.
• Experience in preparing and implementing strategic communications plans in a large organization desired.
• Ability to mentor more junior team members desired.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for M1

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 a managerial position, initially for a period of 3 years or up to Staff's Normal Retirement Date (NRD) whichever comes earlier, in accordance with Administrative Order No Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional fixed term period of up to 3 years or allow it to expire. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including, but not limited to, ADB's medium- to long-term plans for the organizational unit, the relevance of the staff's skills to those plans, and the staff's managerial and behavioral competencies. Notwithstanding the length of the initial or any subsequently renewed FT-M, the expiration date of any fixed-term appointment will not exceed the Staff's NRD. There is no limit on the number of renewals up to Staff's NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

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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