Job Purpose:

Formulate and articulate policies and strategies on the urban sector development in developing member countries (DMCs). Engage in dialogue with the governments concerning urban development issues including urban planning, urban and municipal management, urban environmental management, and private sector participation in provision of municipal services. Lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing and administering loans, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) for the urban sector in DMCs.

Expected Outcomes

1. Strategy and planning

• Support the development of urban sector policy and strategies for urban development in DMCs in consultation and coordination with relevant government agencies and Resident Missions (RMs).
• Undertake review of urban development policy, related legal and regulatory framework and assess the progress towards achieving sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in the DMCs.
• Undertake policy dialogue with governments and other donor organizations on urban development thematic areas, promote efficient use of resources and encourage participatory approaches to development planning, financing and sustainability.
• Participate in country teams and provide inputs around urban development issues for Country Partnership Strategy and Country Operations Business Plans.
• 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 urban development policy commitments to the management of projects.

2. Project Management

• Lead in the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects in the urban sector possibly with moderate to high levels of risk and complexity.
• Liaise with and coordinate with development agencies on program loans and investment projects.
• Ensure key technical, economic, financial, institutional and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.

3. Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and maintain a suitable network in the area of urban development to keep abreast of the latest developments and issues.
• Substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building around urban development issues.

4. Staff Supervision

• Take the role of mission leader and supervise the work of mission members and ensure the overall high quality of outputs and reports.
• 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 post-graduate degree in Infrastructure/Project Finance, Urban Finance, Urban Planning or related disciplines.

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 urban development and urban environmental improvement, urban sector development issues, or related area and in project administration and relevant experience in design of multisector projects, practical knowledge and experience in integration of financial, economic, social, institutional and safeguard requirements and issues in project design.
• 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 Urban Development Specialist:
  • Administrative Staff
  • National Staff
• Women are encouraged to apply.