Intern (IED/IETC)  

Internship at the Independent Evaluation Department (IED) / Thematic and Country Division (IETC)

1. Internship Topic
Formulation of the evaluation approach paper (EAP) with portfolio analysis and a review of the strategic approaches of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to upper middle-income countries (UMICs).

The Independent Evaluation Department’s (IED) work program includes an evaluation of ADB’s engagement in upper middle-income countries (UMICs) to be completed in 2026. ADB formulated its UMIC strategy in 2015. IED’s midterm evaluation of Strategy 2030 highlighted that most of ADB’s focus on country differences has been on FCAS and SIDS and that ADB’s
country classification does not sufficiently reflect the diversity of its members. Although ADB issued additional guidance in 2024 on how to apply a differentiated approach in country partnership strategies, its Strategy 2030 midterm review calls for a new engagement approach to UMICs that better appreciate their distinct characteristics and capitalizes on partnership
opportunities. The evaluation will assess ADB’s past engagement in UMICs and benchmark ADB’s strategic approach to UMICs to formulate recommendations for ADB to provide tailored support to its UMIC clients in line with its development agenda.

2. Summary of Job Description
The intern will support the formulation of the evaluation approach paper (EAP) with portfolio analysis and a review of the strategic approaches of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to UMICs. For this purpose, the intern will:
• Compile and review documents outlining the strategic approaches of MDBs to UMICs;
• Based on the desk review, identify key contextual and programmatic aspects that shape MDB engagement in UMICs and its success;
• Compile a dataset that includes contextual, programmatic, and performance data from ADB and publicly available data sources;
• Analyse data to identify factors/conditions and sets of conditions that support the successful engagement of ADB and other multilateral development banks in UMICs;
• Participate in the formulation of the methodological aspect of the evaluation approach, with a particular focus on its case study design;
• Participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Other tasks, as needed for the expected outcome, and agreed upon with the supervisor

3. Period of Assignment
Duration:11 weeks
Timing: June 2025 onwards

4. Location
ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines

5. Expected Outcomes
The primary outcome of the internship will be an assignment brief (5-10 pages) that summarizes the purpose, methodological approach, key findings, and recommendations for the evaluation approach. The assignment brief is intended to serve as an annex to the EAP. The intern will also prepare a slide deck to present key aspects of the assignment brief to relevant ADB counterparts within IED and beyond. Intermediate outcomes such as the list of documents and data sourced, contextual and programmatic aspects identified, and analysis results will be inputs to regular discussions with the supervisor to provide feedback and guidance.

Qualifications

6. Education Requirements
Currently enrolled in a Master’s- or PhD-level program in Social Sciences or Economics at a school in one of ADB’s member countries with academic knowledge of and a keen interest in international development cooperation.

7. Relevant Experience and Other Requirements
In addition, the intern should bring:
• Strong analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods; experience in qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and case study designs will be viewed favorably;
• Ability to work independently towards agreed goals;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; and
• Ability to adapt quickly to new work and living environments.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

“Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the “Apply” button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization’s application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.”