Principal Private Sector Development Specialist – TI3

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 Principal Private Sector Development Specialist is assigned to the Office of the Director General (SAOD) within the South Asia Department (SARD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Regional Head, Private Sector Development of the South Asia Department and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Private Sector Development (PSD) Specialist, you will lead SARD’s efforts to accelerate private sector development including public-private partnerships (PPP) through all modalities of ADB assistance including sovereign financing, non-sovereign financing and advisory operations. You will be involved in (i) the development of country partnership strategies and project pipeline with PSD components for sovereign operations, (ii) the conceptualization, screening and identification of opportunities for supporting private sector led growth and private sector participation (including public-private partnerships) in ADB’s assistance program, (iii) the support to ADB’s PSD operations including PSD-related capacity building, creating enabling environment for the private sector, project preparation and transaction advisory services, and non-sovereign financing, (iv) the upstream works of creating long-term value and bankable projects for ADB’s advisory and non-sovereign operations including providing private sector feedback for policy reforms supported by ADB’s sovereign operations, (v) the support to ADB’s knowledge services from the perspective of investment climate, private sector development, and public-private partnerships, and (vi) the development and management of relationship with existing and potential clients in the public and private sector.

You will:

a. Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of PSD-related strategies in South Asia with relevant partners.
• Lead PSD-related inputs to Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), including the development of private sector assessment and PSD roadmap, and annual regional work programs.
• Contribute to the development of ADB’s strategies and policies to support private sector development with other departments.

b. Business Development

• Identify private sector development (PSD) needs, facilitating ADB’s support through sovereign, non-sovereign, and transaction advisory service operations.
• Conduct policy dialogue with governments, development partners, the private sector, and other partners to address challenges and scale up PSD and PPPs.
• Develop capacity-building initiatives and policy, regulatory, or institutional reforms to create an enabling environment for PSD and PPP activities.
• Lead, originate, and support project preparation support and transaction advisory services ensuring efficient marketing, negotiation and due diligence for market development and PPP-related projects.
• Identify and source new investment opportunities, leveraging networks to build a high-quality investment pipeline.
• Lead the development of new approach for private sector financing or programmatic approach to promote private sector financing.
• Identify and foster collaboration opportunities across public and private sectors, development partners, and ADB’s different financing operations.

c. Investment and Operation

• Review and evaluate proposals for sovereign, non-sovereign and advisory operations identifying and strengthening PSD components in sovereign operations and promoting integrated approach and ensuring consistency across different modalities.
• Assist Sectors Group, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP), and other relevant departments or offices in project processing and implementation.
• Co-lead or contribute in ADB’s PSD operations including capacity building, project preparation and transaction advisory services, and sovereign and non-sovereign financing.
• Lead processing and administration of technical assistance to support PSD activities.
• Lead coordination with SG, PSOD and OMDP, with a focus on PSD including non-sovereign and advisory operations, and the development of systems and tools for overall pipeline and portfolio management.

d. External Relations and Coordination

• Build relationships with relevant government agencies, development partners, civil society, and other important partners in the public sector.
• Network and work with entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and other important partners in the private sector, and build relationships with major commercial lenders, institutional investors, insurers, and the multilateral and bilateral agencies.

e. Knowledge Services

• Lead or support ADB’s knowledge services on PSD, PPPs, investment climate, and market trends to address private sector investment challenges.
• Track and share best practices from regional and global markets.
• Prepare or review policy, knowledge, and project papers on PSD, PPPs, and related ADB operations.
• Organize and contribute to knowledge-sharing events.

f. Staff Supervision and Team Building

• Lead the establishment of a task team on private sector development and take the role of task team leader.
• Develop and implement a capacity development program.
• Oversee staff performance, providing clear direction, regular feedback, and learning and development support.

Qualifications

You will need

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, business administration, finance, accounting, public policy or other related areas or University degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years’ experience in PSD and PPP project/program development, infrastructure transaction advisory, or commercial finance, working with governments, investors, banks, and international organizations.
• Experience managing new teams, including setting-up and capacity development processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and strong interpersonal skills
• Diversified international experience working in the development institutions or private sector operating in developing countries (e.g., development finance institutions, development agencies, commercial banks, investment funds, advisory firms, and/or corporate) in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 3.

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)

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 69 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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