IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Close relatives1 of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.
1Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle
The position is assigned in the Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji (SPSO). SPSO was established in 2004 and is responsible for country programming, processing, and implementation of projects for Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. SPSO also provides oversight for the administrative, financial, and country operations in the five pacific country offices in the South Pacific.
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.
To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.
Job Purpose
The Country Specialist will (i) lead a team based in SPSO as well as the five Pacific Country Offices (PCOs) under SPSO (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu), (ii) lead and coordinate ADB’s efforts to scale up engagement in the PCOs and Niue, (iii) coordinate, and oversee processing and implementation of ADB policy-based financing operations in SPSO countries (iv) coordinate knowledge management, policy dialogue and relationship management with SPSO countries, under the broad guidance of the Regional Director and PARD’s Regional Management Team (RMT); (v) support regional cooperation initiatives and ADB’s engagement with key Pacific regional organizations (vi) oversee economic analysis, sector diagnostic work, and thematic assessments (such as environment, governance, poverty assessment, and private sector); support the Regional Director to strengthen coordination between ADB’s sovereign and non-sovereign operations and identify private sector investment opportunities (and (vii) provide regular updates on important operational issues to the Pacific Department’s RMT. The incumbent reports to the Regional Director, SPSO and supervises national and administrative staff.
Responsibilities
Coordinate ADB’s partnership with Fiji and ensure that ADB remains a preferred development partner for the country. Prepare Indicative Country Partnership Monitoring (ICPM) reports, CPS reviews and completion reports. Ensure ADB is able to strengthen its engagement in other SPSO countries, consistent with the priorities outlines in ADB’s Pacific Approach. Coordinate programming discussions and annual ICPMs/country programming. Ensure ADB operations align with SPSO’s countries’ development plans and ADB’s medium and long-term strategic frameworks. Maintain strong working relationships with country clients and stakeholders, as well as development partners and private sector representatives. Coordinate and oversee processing and implementation of ADB policy-based financing operations in SPSO countries, where feasible using joint policy matrices developed cooperatively with development partners. Support effective design, processing and administration of relevant technical assistance activities. Coordinate policy dialogue and relationship management with SPSO countries under the guidance of the Regional Director and PARD’s RMT, including close engagement with senior Government counterparts and other stakeholders, and in close cooperation with development partners. Effective and efficient coordination of the PARD’s knowledge work in SPSO countries. Quality analyses of CPS-related diagnostic assessment. Oversee ADF country performance assessment and implementation of the Sustainable Development Financing Policy (SDFP) for relevant SPSO countries. Coordinate with other development partners and other stakeholders including private sector to identify partnership opportunities. Maintain strong relationship with senior government officials and development partners. Support the mobilization of co-financing from bilateral partners as well as multilateral climate financing mechanisms. Ensure regional cohesion across individual country programs and mobilization of ADF thematic pool financing. Coordinate ADB engagement with key Pacific regional organizations, such as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and ensure strong relationships with regional bodies. Strengthen SPSO knowledge outputs and contribute to relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building. Supervise the work of the Economics and Programming Unit team members based in both the SPSO office in Fiji as well as in the PCOs under SPSO. Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. Encourage continuous learning and development of staff in the unit.Relevant Experience & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field. Chartered Accountant is an advantage. Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields. A university degree in a relevant area and at least 5 years ADB work experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in development planning and policy formulation, implementation and project administration or related areas. Excellent oral and verbal communication skills in English; International experience working in development in several countries. Strong negotiation and relationship management skills. Capacity to management and provide guidance to team members. Knowledge of the Pacific developing member counties would be an advantage. Experience/Expertise in public sector reform, public financial management, private sector development would be an advantage. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 4General 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.
This vacancy is archived.