Overview

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.

The position is assigned in the Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office (SG-PSMG) within the Sectors Group (SG). SG aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB’s strategic agenda in the region and with ADB’s clients. The SG, which is comprised of seven sector offices, supports the delivery of sovereign, non-sovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RD) and resident missions (RM) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB’s technical leadership externally and internally.

SG-PSMG leads policy development and dialogue, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance processing and administration in the public management, public finance, trade and governance sectors.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Principal Public Management Specialist will lead the formulation and articulation of public sector policy and strategies and public management issues, engaging ADB’s member countries’ governments in policy dialogue, conducting ADB’s activities to support sector policy and reforms. The incumbent will lead in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, Technical Assistance (TA) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) and engage with developing member countries (DMCs) governments and other stakeholders on public sector management issues to support fiscal consolidation, inclusive growth, reforms and initiatives, with the objective of ensuring economic soundness and consistency with sector policies and strategies. The incumbent will report to Senior Director, SG-PSMG and may supervise National and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the strategic and operational development of the PSMG sector covering all major aspects related to project identification, preparation, appraisal, and documentation on public sector management, including but not limited to domestic resource mobilization and debt management, public expenditure management, social security and pension reforms, domestic savings, state-owned enterprises management, digitalization of systems and processes, economic diversification, fiscal decentralization, climate change, public investment management, and generation of private resources for investment opportunities in consultation with relevant government agencies, and resident missions (RMs).
• Lead dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders to improve public sector management and enhance government capacity while managing debt and creating more opportunities for private sector investment. In this regard, take the role of mission leader and supervise the work of mission members.
• Contribute in country teams and provide or peer review inputs for Country Partnership Strategies (CPSs), Indicative Country Pipeline and Monitoring (ICPMs), and updates. Participate in interdepartmental working groups on public sector management issues.
• Lead in the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects aimed at the policy reforms, institutional strengthening, risk management, and support of local government finance and efficient delivery of services and solutions to clients.
• Coordinate with RMs for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of sector policy commitments to the management of projects.
• Support sector colleagues in the design and delivery of policy-based programs and other projects. Serve as key focal point for coordination with other sectors, divisions, or departments concerning the public management related areas, including peer reviews.
• Coordinate with other development partners and international agencies for operational synergies to improve assessments and development impact.
• Lead in monitoring, periodic review and progress reporting of project and program implementation, compliance with covenants, and the achievement of development impact.
• Lead in the review of portfolio performance by sector/country and preparation of initiatives to promote project quality and improve portfolio performance. Lead in providing guidance and advice in identification and implementation of actions items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
• Effectively handle closure of projects and completion processes and reports, and conduct consultations with governments on results and lessons learned.
• Develop and maintain suitable network of country counterparts, stakeholders, and information sources to keep abreast of the latest developments and issues. Substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building around public sector management issues.
• Lead and conduct economic, thematic and sector work related to policy, legal, regulatory and institutional framework for public sector management to facilitate sustainable economic development, inclusive growth, green PFM, and poverty reduction. Facilitate effective evaluation processes for PSMG work.
• Promote innovation and more effective ways for addressing key development constraints in ADB DMCs, including use of modern technology, cross-country learnings and best practices, and knowledge solutions, including conduct internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building in the area of public sector management.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, supervise the performance of reporting teams and staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.
• Coach and mentor teams and individuals to optimize outcomes in developing policy-based loans, projects and technical assistance leading to well-supported, timely, and successful implementation.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in Economics, Finance, Public Policy or other related fields; University degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy or other related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in public sector management at the national and sub-national level, preferably in a reputed research institution or in a multilateral agency.
• Able to steer ideas and projects to improve linkages between public sector management and poverty reduction.
• Demonstrate flexibility and aptitude to learn new and emerging issues/topics within the public sector and financial sector.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 6.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.