Director General

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This is a senior staff fixed-term appointment for a period of 3 years. This vacancy is open to internal and external applicants.

If the selected candidate is an external hire, the appointment may be extended for a period of up to 3 years per extension, or not renewed. In case of extension, staff may continue in the position for another term of up to 3 years, or be reassigned to any suitable position in ADB.

The same terms and conditions also apply to a selected internal candidate. In addition, if the staff selected has a regular appointment, staff will retain the regular appointment and his/her selection will be considered an assignment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. If the staff selected has a fixed term appointment, his/her appointment will cease, and he/she will be given a new fixed term appointment for an initial term of 3 years.

Fixed-term appointments or assignments are subject to Section 3 of Administrative Order (AO) 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment) and Section 8 of AO 2.03 (Selection, Talent and Position Management) and its Appendices.

Whether the selected candidate is internal or external, and regardless of the type of appointment, any extension of staff beyond age 60 shall be subject to such terms and conditions determined by ADB, including, where relevant, those provided in Section 10 of AO 2.05 (Termination Policy) and its Appendices.

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.

The position is assigned in the Office of the Director General within the Procurement, Portfolio and Financial Management Department (PPFD). PPFD responsibilities include project related financial management, consultant recruitment, Executing Agency procurement reviews, project implementation, portfolio management and project performance management. PPFD teams are also responsible for implementation of a number of initiatives related to changes in business processes to improve ADB’s performance with respect to consultant recruitment, procurement reviews, project implementation, portfolio management, and project performance management.

Job Purpose

The Director General will lead the planning, implementation and supervision of the department’s vision, goals, strategies and work plan in support of overall ADB goals and the priorities of Strategy 2030. Advise and assist ADB’s operational departments on project preparation, performance, and implementation. Oversee the modernization of ADB’s procurement, consulting services and financial management policies and procedures, including through effective rollout and implementation of ADB’s new procurement framework approved by its Board in April 2017. Oversee improvement measures to reduce overall procurement decision time, improve quality of procurement outcomes, and to strengthen procurement delivery systems. Supervise the provision of a range of capacity building and training activities in the areas of project preparation, performance, procurement, financial due diligence and financial management, consulting services, and business opportunities. Anticipate the Departmental resource requirements and the efficient allocation of budget and resources. Manage a range of strategic project performance, procurement and financial management issues with long term implications for the direction and performance of ADB.

The incumbent will report to Vice-President (Administration and Corporate Management) and will supervise International, National, and Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Establishes and promotes PPFD’s vision, goals, strategy and key result areas (KRAs) in support of ADB’s objectives and in compliance with ADB policies.
• Oversees the planning, implementation and supervision of PPFD’s work programs as well as monitor the quality of outputs, achievement of long-term goals and annual objectives for the Department.
• Provides leadership in professional and operational matters, keeps abreast of developments in the professional fields, and takes the lead in introducing new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues.
• Oversees the effective coordination and cooperation with other ADB departments/offices and internal stakeholders.
• Provides senior management with full and regular updates on operational issues as well as timely and accurate projections of future operational activities.

Portfolio and Project Management

• Oversees the preparation of key performance indicators for countries, sectors, and projects and the provision of information on the performance of ADB’s portfolio to the Management and Board of Directors.
• Provides leadership in the coordination of project administration work, and in identifying and resolving procedural and institutional problems being experienced with implementation of ADB projects.
• Oversees high quality portfolio analytics to guide and improve Bank-wide project and portfolio management.
• Oversees the review of project administration practices and procedures, preparation of guidelines, project administration instructions and other operational documents.
• Oversees the monitoring of service delivery targets for ADB and developing member countries (DMCs) for key project preparation and administration activities.

Procurement and Consulting Services

• Oversees the provision of advisory services on procurement and consulting services in ADB-financed operations.
• Provides leadership in the development and improvement of procurement and consulting services policies and procedures.
• Manages the provision of procurement and consulting services support to operations departments and executing agencies during project preparation and implementation.
• Oversees the review of procurement and consulting services activities of ADB borrowers to ensure compliance with guidelines and recommended procedures.
• Ensures the full and effective coordination with other multilateral development banks on the harmonization of procurement and consulting services policies and procedures.

Financial Management

• Provides leadership in provision of financial management and related policy advice to operational departments and Management.
• Provides leadership in provision of technical advice to operational departments on country/sector financial management system assessments, including areas for capacity development and appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Provides vision and leadership in promoting financial sustainability in ADB-supported operations, including through advising developing member countries and operational departments on the most optimal ways of structuring financing for projects.
• Oversees the review and update of ADB’s project related financial analysis and management policies, administrative instructions, guidelines and reports.

Capacity Building

• Coordinates ADB’s training activities for a variety of participants in the areas of project design and management, procurement (including consulting services) and dissemination of ADB business opportunities.

Staff Supervision

• Create and lead multi-disciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of their work.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in one or more development-related disciplines or related fields. University degree in one or more development-related disciplines or related fields, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in programming, various sectors, project processing and administration
• Superior management and leadership qualities
• Proven ability to effectively liaise and communicate with Management, Board of Directors, staff, and external counterparts
• Sound planning, managerial and administrative skills together with superior interpersonal and negotiating skills, and demonstrated performance in creating, motivating and leading diverse teams of highly qualified professionals
• Thorough knowledge of multilateral development bank’s operational policies and procedures including budgeting and human resources management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• International experience working in development in several countries
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS10

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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.