Urban Development Specialist

Job Purpose:

Support formulation of policy, strategies and programs to implement the Urban Operational Plan (UOP) across the regions of the ADB, focusing on integrated urban planning and urban infrastructure project development, in close coordination with Operational Departments (ODs). Conduct sector work related to sustainable urban development, urban planning and urban project structuring. Develop and coordinate pilot and demonstration urban projects in close coordination with ODs. Support the development, design, implementation, processing, negotiation and administration of regional technical assistance projects in line with the UOP. Contribute to ADB staff engagement in knowledge activities and develop appropriate partnerships to further the effectiveness of such activities as secretariat to Urban Community of Practice (CoP). Work with broad policies and objectives, working directly with clients, with supervision for critical tasks.

Expected Outcomes

- Support and provide key inputs to, ODs' urban sector teams across the complete operational cycle, prioritizing key infrastructure service projects, from economic and sector work, strategy/road map preparation, and integrated urban plan development to project preparation and implementation.
- Provide inputs to divisional and departmental urban programs and technical assistance, and contribute to knowledge sharing on urban thematic issues through networks, sectoral committees, and external partnerships.
- Provide analytical inputs, incorporating lessons learned and best practice from other regions and countries, to address urban sector issues within a country, particularly in relation to design of urban strategies and integrated planning.
- Assist in the engagement with government, the private sector and other stakeholders in our client countries to identify opportunities for investments in urban infrastructure, strengthening urban institutions, and promoting public-private partnerships, in line with sector strategies and road maps and monitor developments in the urban sector.
- Engage with, and represent the ADB to, a broad range of donors and private sector to promote the implementation of the UOP.
- Assist Director, RSID, and chair of the Urban CoP in overseeing the quality of the output of the CoP and RSID consultants in accordance with ADB policies, guidelines and best practices, representing the Department as alternate in the Urban CoP as needed.
- Assist in CoP's promotion of urban development within the bank and externally through its newsletter, publications, media products, and related documentation.
- Assist Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) in providing inputs related to Bank-wide urban sector operations and participate in managing partnerships and initiatives under Urban Financing Partnership Facility.
- Participate in and contribute to relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
- 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 Infrastructure/Project Finance, Urban Economics, Urban Planning, Environment, relevant Engineering or related fields. University degree in Infrastructure/Project Finance, Urban Economics, Urban Planning, Environment, relevant Engineering or 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 eight (8) years of relevant professional experience, including a proven track record in preparing urban integrated plans and urban infrastructure projects, particularly urban environmental, climate change, wastewater, and river clean-up projects, working with urban and water development agencies, and the development and implementation of urban development and wastewater strategies and capacity building activities in the sector.
- International experience working in development in several countries, preferably with exposure to both Asian and advanced economies.
- Strong analytical capabilities with demonstrated ability to contribute to ADB's knowledge management activities, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and an ability to represent ADB at an international level in the urban planning and urban infrastructure development.
- Record of delivering innovative, strategic and high value-added solutions in the sector.
- Proven team leadership and management qualities and demonstrated multidisciplinary skills.

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Regularly shares knowledge on new international best practice trends in comparator situations
• Proactively applies relevant international best practices to own work
• Convinces others to adopt international best practice by explaining the situational relevance and benefits

Client Orientation

• Helps colleagues work effectively with clients in different contexts and from diverse backgrounds and country situations
• Adapts own approach and style when interacting with clients, as opposed to requiring them to adapt
• Draws upon international best practice in exploring solutions with clients
• Confirms the clients’ understanding and agreement before progressing

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Draws on own and others’ multi-country experience to identify viable courses of action when conducting analyses
• Helps internal and external clients achieve quality results beyond presenting problems and precedent
• Highlights possible solutions for project issues based on relevant multi-country and/or multi-client experience
• Regularly contributes insights and experiences to colleagues in the Division to help them achieve quality results
• Overcomes unexpected difficulties and challenges to produce desired outcomes

Working Together

• Maintains collaborative relationships within the Department
• Works effectively with diverse colleagues in own and other Divisions and Departments
• Flexibly alters positions and adjusts previously stated points of view to support the group consensus
• Follows through on team priorities in the absence of a team leader

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Checks the audience’s level of understanding and awareness of required follow up actions
• Consistently seeks and addresses feedback on own performance
• Creates knowledge products endorsed for wider distribution based on lessons and multi-country experience
• Independently amends and clarifies messages and documents

Innovation and Change

• Actively supports work improvement and/or organizational change by work and deed
• Develops and adopts change plans to support Division initiatives on which one works
• Considers current and future client needs in proposing ideas
• Vocalizes early support for change
• Recommends inputs to new policies, systems and processes in immediate work area

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

• Supervisor: Director, RSID
• The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
  • Administrative Staff
  • National Staff

Women are encouraged to apply.

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants need not apply. Applications received in response to previous posting will be considered together with applications received in response to this advertisement.