JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Reference Number: 250691

Position Level: M1

Department: Office of the Ombudsperson

Division: Office of the Ombudsperson

Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Date Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Closing Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference 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 the Ombudsperson is in the Office of the Ombudsperson (OOMP). You will be based in our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the ADB President and will oversee local staff.

The Ombudsperson will be appointed for a term not exceeding three (3) years, which may be renewable once (subject to any changes to ADB’s Administrative Order relating to the Ombudsperson). After serving as an Ombudsperson, the individual will be ineligible for employment or engagement in ADB in any capacity.

Guided by ADB’s administrative order relating to the Ombudsperson (which may be updated from time to time), the Ombudsperson has a mandate to consider staff-related issues and to seek to resolve such issues informally. In exercising their duties, the Ombudsperson will act independently of Management, and any department or office of ADB. The Ombudsperson will advocate for fair process and fair solution, but will not serve as an advocate for any party in a dispute. The ombuds function is an informal grievance procedure for staff members whereby an independent Ombudsperson will, through informal means, act as an impartial source of assistance in the resolution of staff complaints in the work place.

The Ombudsperson will, in the exercise of their judgment, advise ADB staff of their options, and of the different avenues open to them. The Ombudsperson will facilitate conflict resolution, using conciliation, informal mediation or any other appropriate means for the primary objective of settling conflicts between parties. The Ombudsperson will not have decision-making powers, but will make suggestions and recommendations, as appropriate, on actions needed to settle conflicts in an impartial and fair manner, taking into account the rights and obligations between ADB and the staff member concerned.

The Ombudsperson has direct access to the ADB President for the performance of their duties. The Ombudsperson will also have access to the Vice Presidents, and all other staff, who are expected to cooperate with the Ombudsperson and to provide all information relevant and necessary for the exercise of the Ombudsperson’s functions.

While remaining independent from other ADB offices, the Ombudsperson should collaborate with other offices and take opportunities to understand the core functions of ADB.

The ADB Office of the Ombudsperson adheres to the International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Your Role

As the Ombudsperson, you will provide a confidential and informal resource for all staff members to assist in the resolution of a broad range of workplace concerns. You may also give advise and make recommendations for the improvement of the overall working environment in ADB.

You will:

• assist ADB staff in the resolution of their workplace concerns;
• be neutral and will, in the exercise of your judgment, advise staff of their options, and of the different formal and informal avenues available to resolve concerns. You will facilitate conflict resolution, using conciliation, information mediation of any other appropriate means for the primary objective to settling conflicts between parties. You will not have decision-making powers regarding the outcome of situations, but may make suggestions and recommendations, as appropriate, and highlight gaps in policies or procedures that may hinder fairness and equity, taking into account the rights and obligations of ADB and the staff member concerned.
• provide confidential advise to staff who believe they may be experiencing harassment and where possible, pursue an informal solution or if appropriate, refer cases to other ADB offices to be addressed accordingly to Bank’s internal justice system mechanism.
• provide the President with an annual report that will be made available to all staff and ADB Board of Directors. The report will include an overview of your activities and comments on ADB’s policies, procedures, and practices that have come to your attention and also include the advice and recommendations made for the improvement of the overall working environment in ADB and views given by you in response to consultation by ADB on policy issues.

Further, you will be responsible for:

• formulating, implementing, managing, and monitoring the plans, goals, budget, and programs of the Ombuds Office.
• maintaining a data collection, analysis, and reporting process that protect confidentiality, and making regular reports based on anonymous aggregate data.
• developing and executing a communication plan, including outreach activities and opportunities for interaction in ADB Headquarters and field offices, to promote awareness and understanding of the ombuds function and the standards of practice, role, and responsibilities in collaboration with other members of the joint working group, Professional Conduct Coordination Committee to ensure consistent messaging and aligned training and promotional activities between relevant ADB offices.
• monitoring of the Ombuds Office’s practices and the manner of service delivery, to ensure that the Ombudsperson remains confidential, independent, impartial, informal, and consistent.
• maintaining a network of working associations with relevant conflict resolution-related resources within ADB.
• staying current in emerging best practices in the ombuds field, including active participation in organizations such as the International Ombudsman Association and the Mediators and Ombudsmen of the United Nations and Related International Organizations, among others.
• managing the performance of the Ombuds Office and staff providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• providing coaching and mentoring to staff and ensuring their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, preferably in social sciences, law or related fields; or a University degree in social sciences, law or related fields and at least 10 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 15 years of successful professional experience in multicultural and international work environment – including a minimum of 7 years as an Ombudsperson.
• A thorough understanding of the nature of conflict, the causes of conflict, and methods for conflict resolution.
• Experience teaching seminars in conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to design processes for and facilitate group meetings.
• Experience dealing with discrimination and/or harassment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiation and mediation skills.
• Ability to identify and highlight systemic issues to management.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and inspire trust, and recognized integrity and judgment.
• Respect and compassion for individuals.
• Respect for the mission and goals of the ADB.
• Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and sensitivity to cross-cultural factors in communications and interpersonal relations.
• Ability to listen patiently and empathetically without forming hasty judgments and to deal with multiple open-ended and pending issues.
• Not be risk-averse and have the willingness to challenge even the highest levels of the organization to foster fair and just employment practices.
• Desire and ability to serve in an exclusively advisory position with no formal authority and minimal need for public acknowledgement.
• International experience working in several countries and in different cultural contexts.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Managerial level 1.

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.

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.

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements