Human and Social Development Division at the Asian Development Bank, South Asia Department
Job Purpose:
Lead and coordinate technical support to identify, develop, implement and administer loans, technical assistance (TA) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) related to the social sectors with a focus on gender issues in South Asia. Work within within general policies, principles and goals, working directly with clients.
Expected Outcomes:
Strategy and Planning
Provide advice on social development issues in relation to ADB’s strategic development objectives.
Coordinate and monitor the division’s social development operations with emphasis on gender and development (GAD).
Project Processing
- Lead the development and processing of loan and TA projects which require policy, institutional and operational reforms and mainstreaming of gender issues by using innovative approaches and advancing reforms in social sector projects.
- Liaise with and coordinate with development partners on development of TA and investment projects.
- Ensure key technical, economic, financial, environmental, social, and other cross-cutting issues are incorporated in project designs.
- Lead the implementation and administration of loans and TAs on social development issues, covering both sectoral (i.e., developmental impact) and project management (i.e., physical progress) aspects.
- As part of the project task teams, incorporate social dimensions and mainstream gender concerns into relevant Human and Social Development Division (SAHS) investment projects and programs through preparation of project-specific gender action plans or gender provisions, consultation and participation plans and other measures.
- Contribute to the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects in the social sector possibly with moderate to high levels of risk and complexity.
- Liaise with and coordinate with development agencies on program loans and investments in the social sectors as well as substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building around social sector issues.
- Oversee the provision of technical advisory support to teams undertaking projects that address or have the potential to address the ADB’s gender and development objectives.
- Guide, supervise and provide technical support to gender specialists in Resident Missions.
- Coordinate South Asia Department (SARD)-wide knowledge management initiatives with respect to social development and GAD.
- Support ADB-wide training and capacity development initiatives with respect to socialdevelopment and GAD.
- Participate in ADB-wide knowledge networks on social dimensions and GAD.
- Attend conferences and meetings on social development in South Asia and share ADB experience and present external knowledge back in ADB.
- Take the role of team leader and supervise the work of team members
- Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance
- Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff
- Provide technical advice to and regularly liaise with Resident Mission-based GAD Specialists, in coordination with Poverty Reduction, Gender, and Social Development Division, Regional and Sustainable Development Department.
- A university degree in economics, applied social science or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent
- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in project processing and implementation, and social development, including poverty-related issues across social sectors, or related areas.
- Experience in application of multilateral development bank’s policies and procedures for social development.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- International experience working in development in several countries.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
The position reports to: Director, Human and Social Development Division (SAHS)
The following staff positions report to the Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender): National Staff and Administrative Staff.
Women are encouraged to apply.
