Natural Resources and Agriculture Economist – IS 4  

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact 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 Natural Resources and Agriculture Economist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SG-AFNR) within the Sectors Group (SG). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Director, Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development and may oversee National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Your Role

As a Natural Resources and Agriculture Economist, you will assess and recommend operation strategies for agriculture, food, nature, and rural development in East and Southeast Asia and Pacific countries, engage developing member country (DMC) governments in policy dialogues and reforms, and conduct ADB operations to support climate-smart agri-food system transformation, and enhance climate resilience and adaptation. You will lead and/or support in identifying and developing loans, grants, technical assistances (TAs), and knowledge products, and provide technical support and backstopping to other staff. You will also administer loan, grant and TA projects, and non-lending products and services. This role will also contribute to the analyses and formulation of policies, strategies, and technical guidelines for the AFNR sector of DMCs.

You will:

● Lead and/or support the development of national, subregional and regional sustainable development and management of AFNR sector in DMCs in consultation with relevant government agencies, ADB RMs, and development partners.
● Lead and/or support the analyses of country economics and AFNR policies in selected DMCs and contributes to the AFNR sector assessment and business development including policy-based loans.
● Lead and/or support in the development, processing, and administration of loan, grant and TA projects, and ensure key technical, economic, financial, and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects, including project economic and financial analyses and cost estimates.
● Lead and conduct economic and sector work in AFNR in the context of inclusive, gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable economic growth.
● Identify and promote evidence-based policymaking and results-oriented investments towards sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in DMCs.
● Contributes to regional cooperation and integration for sustainable agriculture and food security.
● Liaise with development agencies and partners on collaborative sector, policy, and knowledge works and co-financing.
● Take the role of mentor to develop capabilities/potential of reporting staff.
● Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance; and ensures the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.
● Perform other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent’s workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

● Master’s Degree, or equivalent in economics, agriculture economics, development economics, or relevant fields. Alternatively, university degree in related fields combined with at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
● At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture and rural development. International experience working as a project team leader or project economist in several countries, with varying cultural values and norms. Experience in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Pacific countries is an advantage.
● Good knowledge of agriculture development issues, including agriculture diversification, commercialization, trade, and public private partnership, agriculture services cost recovery, climate-food-nature nexus, sector policy reforms, and capacity building and institutional strengthening.
● Skillful in synthesizing technical, institutional, economic, social, and safeguard outputs into a coherent project design.
● Skills and experience in overseeing implementation of agriculture and rural development projects, and ensuring technical, procurement, disbursement, and contract administration issues are resolved timely during loan and TA implementation.
● Experience with multi-sectoral teams is particularly desirable.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
● High level of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements.
● Good external client relations skills.
● Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff level IS4.

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB’s standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

● Paid leave (including parental)
● Medical and health benefits
● Life and other insurance plans
● Staff development
● Retirement plan
● Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
● Expatriate benefits (for international staff)

Additional Information

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew for an initial period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. After the initial fixed period, ADB has the option to renew the appointment for up to three years or allow it to expire. This decision is based on ADB’s overall interest in retaining the skills and experience of the staff for medium-term work program within the respective group, department, or office, while considering the availability of funding sources.

Workforce Rebalancing Positions:
This position has been created as part of the Workforce Rebalancing Framework, which is a multiyear initiative (2022-2027) aimed at increasing in-house expertise in key operational areas that was previously sourced from consultants through ADB’s technical assistance. The goal is to strengthen in-house expertise to enhance the quality of ADB’s policy dialogue, operations, and knowledge solutions delivery by collaborating closely with DMC clients. Expected candidates are seasoned experts with strong field experience who can lead policy dialogue and project work with emphasis on providing knowledge solutions.

At the end of the initial period, ADB, as its discretion may: (a) renew a fixed term appointment or assignment, (b) not renew a fixed term.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 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 its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB seeks 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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