Planning and Policy Specialist

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.

The position is assigned in the Nonsovereign Operations Unit (SPNS) within the Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department (SPD). SPD provides ADB with strategic planning perspectives and direction, ensures policy and operations coordination, supports allocation and monitoring of the use of operational resources, manages the implementation of development results and effectiveness, and maintains institutional relations with the international development community. SPNS covers strategic planning and policy coordination, with particular leadership in areas that support and impact nonsovereign operations (NSOs).

Job Purpose

The Senior Planning and Policy Specialist leads and supports in developing the appropriate policies, procedures, and strategic approaches to scaling up private sector operations (PSOs), enabling and implementing the PSD Shift, mainstreaming PPPs, and mobilizing and enabling private finance in support of the broader financing for development agenda.

Responsibilities

• Supports strategy development including providing strong written and analytical contributions and inputs, and intellectual insights and perspectives for the preparation and application of ADB's corporate strategies relating to PSOs and PPPs, including those relating to subsovereigns.
• Leads and supports the development and/or updating of guidance notes and relevant materials to support/guide project teams and management with respect to the ex-ante development impact framework for ADB PSOs.
• Develops and supports the development of policies, financial products and offerings, and directional documents that promote greater synergies within ADB and among other MDBs, that leverage resources, catalyze and mobilize private finance, and that contribute to the implementation of PSOs and PPPs in ADB's client countries.
• Undertake reviews and assessments of investment proposals in support of SPD's participation in the Blended Finance Committee and the Investment Committee.
• Supports improvement/enhancement to relevant areas of NSO-, PPP- or PSOD-relevant reporting, indicators and results, as well as relevant topics such as impact investment.
• Supports the development, review, and reform of business processes relating to PSOs and PPPs, including the PSD Shift, in collaboration with concerned departments, and disseminates required training for such procedures.
• Supports policy dialogue on PSOs, PPPs and related policies and explores ways to increase innovative financing modalities, in particular for the sake of the PSD Shift.
• Supports, as applicable, the facilitation of internal and external consultations on new strategies and policies.
• Supports ADB's strategic relationships with other institutions, including other MDBs and the G20, G7, development partners, and private sector entities to effectively support ADB's strategic objectives related to PSOs and PPPs.
• Prepares briefing notes, speeches and other documentation as required to support management in regional and global platforms relating to areas of responsibility.
• Responds to internal staff queries and external requests for information on ADB's corporate strategies and policies and business processes related to PSOs and PPPs.
• Undertakes initiatives assigned to SPD including participation in various committees, working groups and task forces assigned to the department.
• Shares knowledge and disseminates relevant information, findings, and lessons to increase awareness in ADB about strategic initiatives and business operations.

Qualifications Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master's degree in economics, finance, business, public administration or other relevant fields; or University degree in related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, of which at least 5 years includes private sector project and/or structured finance transactions, ideally with experience in structuring, executing, and syndicating loans and issuing political risk and credit guarantees.
• Experience in infrastructure provision and development, financing, and credit enhancement strategies and instruments.
• Experience in infrastructure PPPs and financial sector transactions is desirable.
• Experience in working with impact investment measurement is desirable.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Proven ability to work independently and to operate effectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to conceptualize and formulate policy and planning documents and present them cogently and effectively.
• Ability to collaborate with all ADB departments to effectively develop a coherent ADB-wide approach to various strategic positions.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.
• Ability to perform under pressure and set priorities among multiple assigned tasks.

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.