Senior Project Officer

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference in the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful\: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Senior Project Officer (Water Resources) is assigned in the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SD-AFNR) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

You will report to Director, SD2-AFNR and have matrix reporting line to the Country Director, PRM and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Project Officer (Water Resources), you will actively lead and contribute to the Resident Mission (RM) and Sector Division by handling loans, grants, and technical assistance (TA) processing, administration, sector work, procurement, and providing backup support to general sector activities.

You will:

• Provide leadership and contribute in conducting policy dialogue related to Water Resources and Agriculture with internal and external stakeholders including government counterparts, development partners and one-ADB teams.
• Provide leadership, co-leadership, and membership in processing loans, grants, TA's as well as engage with relevant agencies to solicit co-financing for the sector.
• Lead and support sector knowledge work including brown bags and publications,
• Identify issues and take actions to address them through interactions with executing agencies (EAs), consultants, and project beneficiaries; prepare and implement measures to address the issues.
• Monitor the progress of assigned projects/programs and prepare project performance reports and TA completion reports. Prepare and update forecasts of contract awards & disbursements, identify factors responsible for shortfalls and expedite achievement of target levels where possible.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge base of future Government investment plans and approval processes, organizational structure, and policies relevant to the assigned sector(s). Raise awareness and recognition about ADB's activities in the ANR sector through active dialogues with all relevant government agencies and development partners.
• Contribute to ADB efforts to reduce rural poverty by identifying and designing innovative participatory approaches to environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable water resource development and rural poverty reduction, and substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building around water resources development issues.
• Lead and participate in Project/Program Reviews or Country Portfolio Review missions as a mission member when required. Support and participate in meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops, produce reports, as required. Prepare inputs for sector database for portfolio management.
• Support the establishment of efficient and effective project performance management system with systematic progress reporting mechanism including monitoring of contractors and consultant's performance and troubleshooting mechanisms.
• Support sector team at PRM, lead and contribute to the business development of the agriculture and natural resource (ANR) sector projects. Conduct dialogue with relevant government officials on water resources development and development policy.
• Lead, co-lead, and support, depending on the situation/requirements of PRM and CWER, the processing in which TA and loans are assigned to PRM including leading of missions, obtaining internal approvals and clearances and managing the team for efficient processing.
• Maintain close liaison with important government officials, ANR sector players and leading private sector stakeholders. Provide support for policy dialogues with government on policy matters and institutional issues.
• Maintain close cooperation and coordination with other development partners and undertake meetings and consultations with them, especially in areas relating to donor coordination and harmonization in sector work to ensure complementarity of initiatives and pursue opportunities for collaboration.
• Contribute to ADB's ANR sector activities by covering all or a combination of the following functions:
• Assist in conducting research, updating information on the assigned sector, analyzing financial, institutional or economics uses, and preparing reports on the subjects.
• Lead, co-lead, and/or support the preparation of sector assessments and the development of strategies for water resources development in Pakistan within the context of development aid effectiveness and national sector strategy, in consultation with CWER counterparts.
• Where required, act as the focal point for the assigned sector(s) and maintain close relationships with the relevant Government agencies and HQ staff
• Monitor and analyze national, sub-regional and global developments and trends in the assigned sectors and prepare periodic reports or briefs for PRM/CWER management.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned or required by ADB.

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related disciplines preferably with Master's degree or equivalent
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience and at least 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with an international organization will be an added advantage.
• Excellent working knowledge of agriculture sector and natural resources of Pakistan
• Sound knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures
• Familiarity with accepted best practices of procurement and disbursement processes
• Effective report-writing and communication skills in English
• Ability to mentor junior team members to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review
• Ability to liaise and work effectively with government officials within own work location
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL6

 Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
• Retirement plan (if applicable)
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

 Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This opening is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 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 our Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB wants 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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

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