Job Purpose:

Lead, formulate and articulate social development, gender and protection policy and strategies engaging Developing Member Countries’ (DMCs) governments in policy dialogue, and conducting ADB’s activities to support social development and protection policy and reforms. Lead in identifying, developing, implementing and administering loans, Technical Assistance (TA) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) in the assigned sector. Undertake work in the area of social development and related fields to assist DMCs in reducing poverty and improving social inclusiveness and accountability. Work within general policies, principles and goals, working directly with clients.

Expected Outcomes

1. Strategy and planning

• Lead and support the development of sector policy and strategies, with proper consideration for their impact on social development in DMCs in consultation with relevant government agencies and Resident Missions (RMs).
• Lead and conduct dialogue with government officials of DMCs on social development.
• Lead or participate in country teams and provide substantial inputs around social development issues for Country Partnership Strategy (CPS).
• Lead and conduct economic, thematic and sector work in the context of sustainable economic development and poverty reduction.
• Coordinate with RMs for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of social development to the management of projects.

2. Project Management

• Incorporate social development dimensions in the preparation of loan, grant, and TA projects in DMCs.
• Administer selected loan, grant, and TA projects with significant social dimensions.
• Identify opportunities for ADB assistance projects aimed at operationalizing social development policies.
• Liaise with and coordinate with development agencies on program loans and investment projects.
• Provide operational support in incorporating key social development concerns into CPSs and projects/programs.
• Ensure key technical, economic, financial and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.

3. Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and maintain a suitable network in the area of social development to keep abreast of the latest developments and issues.
• Contribute substantially to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building on social development.

4. Staff Supervision

• Take the role of mission leader and supervise the work of mission members.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.

Educational Requirements:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Social Sciences/development studies or other related fields. University degree in applied Social Science, e.g., Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Development or Human Geography or other related fields combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements:

• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in social development or related areas and in project administration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• International experience working in development in several countries.

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Provides supervision to others in completing their technical tasks
• Called upon for advice and guidance based on expertise gained by working in different countries and organizations
• Contributes advanced knowledge and expertise to different parts of the Department

Client Orientation

• Proposes effective services and solutions to staff beyond presenting issues and past challenges
• Assists colleagues adapt to the cultural and business norms of diverse clients and country situations
• Gains respect for the breadth and depth of expertise demonstrated in effectively managing diverse clients and country situations
• Called upon to resolve client situations that may impact their long-term ADB relationship

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Resolves situations where client needs are not being met
• Shares past experiences from different projects, organizations, and countries to help achieve quality results
• Ensures that thorough analysis includes current and relevant factors from different countries and contexts
• Sought out for guidance and experience in overcoming the most challenging situations
• Draws on long-term relationships with stakeholders to help plan for and achieve results

Working Together

• Addresses team members not contributing to required standards
• Commits to delivering timely and high quality work to assist in the team’s success
• Develops and maintains good internal and external peer and senior level relationships
• Helps teams understand common features to build rapport and overcome challenges

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Provides stakeholders with the level and quality of information required to achieve outcomes
• Encourages others to seek long-term solutions to address feedback opposed to focusing on immediate concerns or reactions
• Uses breath of multi-country and multi-client knowledge to equip clients and staff for more effective outcomes
• Designs and implements project and program knowledge and services

Innovation and Change

• Consistently seeks more effective and practical ways for the Departmental delivery of services, products, and processes
• Proposes new ways to improve the quality and relevance of products and services
• Includes the core benefits and reasons for change when developing comprehensive change roll out plans
• Influences and persuades decision makers by presenting business cases supporting the proposed changes

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

• Supervisor: Director
• The following staff positions report to the Social Development Specialist:
  • Administrative Staff
  • National Staff
• Women are encouraged to apply.