Senior Environment Specialist

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on 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 Environment Specialist is assigned to the Environment group of the Climate Change, Resilience and Environment (CCRE) cluster within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). The Environment group of the CCRE leads the Bank’s work on environmental sustainability and supports sovereign and non-sovereign operations in scaling investments in nature and environment within their portfolio across the Bank. CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Director of the Environment Division, CCRE and oversee technical local staff.

Your Role

As the Senior Environment Specialist, you will provide technical leadership on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem under the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management pillar of the Environment group.  You will closely collaborate with ADB Sector Departments , Regional Departments and relevant staff in implementing the Environment Action Plan 2024-2030 in alignment with the ADB’s Strategy 2030. You will work closely with other members of the Environment team, engaged in the three pillars of the Environment Action Plan: 1) Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management; 2) Pollution Management and Circular Economy; and 3) Nature Based Solutions and Finance

You Will:

Strategy and Policy Development 
•    In coordination with relevant departments, collaborate on the development and implementation of relevant strategies, policies, approaches within ADB for promoting investments in terrestrial biodiversity including those of sector groups, regional departments, resident mission, and other departments.
•    Co-lead or participate as One ADB Team member in policy dialogue with DMC counterparts and preparation and implementation of Country Partnership Strategies (CPSs), including relevant assessments and diagnostics.
•    Lead coordination with sector offices and private sector in tracking and reporting investment related to nature finance in line with the environment and nature indicators under the Corporate Results Framework.
•    With Director, Environment, spearhead relevant activities on terrestrial biodiversity under the Joint MDB Nature Group.

• Technical Assistance and Operational Leadership
• •    Coordinate development and implementation of activities related to terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem management under the Environment Action Plan.  
• •    Process and implement regional technical assistance projects to promote regional cooperation and deliver regional public goods related to terrestrial biodiversity.
• •    Contribute to preparation and implementation of investment projects on nature and environment as a One ADB Team member or co-team leader.
• •    Provide technical leadership for specific initiatives and programs on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem as assigned on strategic and operational matters 
• •    Facilitate and contribute to developing new or innovative approaches on terrestrial biodiversity and incorporate them in ADB operations, including innovative nature finance.

Knowledge Management, Capacity Development, and Partnership
•    Develop knowledge products, services, and partnerships to promote terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem management and mainstream in ADB operations.
Organize training and coach and mentor teams and individuals within the Environment group, and across the department as necessary to ensure their on-going learning and development, 
•    Support coordination and implementation of Biodiversity Working Group of the Environment Community of Practice (COP). 
•    Maintain and strengthen relationships with internal clients and partners (sector groups, PSOD, OMDP, SPD) and external clients and partners (DMCs, bilateral donors, NGOs, research institutes) to promote synergy and collaboration on biodiversity and ecosystem related initiatives.
•    Participate in and contribute to critical regional and international multilateral meetings and events, activities and programs that have strategic and operational relevance to ADB's environment operations.

You Will Need:

●    Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Ecology, Biodiversity, or other related specialized fields; or university degree in relevant fields combined with specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. 
●    At least 10 years of relevant professional experience including international work experience. 
●    Experience working with Civil Society Organizations, Multilateral Environment Agreements, UN agencies, peer MDBs and other IFIs.
●    Experience working with environment and nature related funds and facilities.   
●    Understanding of environmental operations, policies and procedures of multilateral development and financing institutions in processing and implementation of loans and technical assistance projects.
●    International experience working in several countries in Asia and the Pacific.
●    Written and verbal proficiency in English.
●    Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for T2.

Benefits

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

• Paid leave (including parental)
• Medical and health benefits
• Life and other insurance plans

·        Staff Development

·        Retirement Plan

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (for international staff)

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff’s particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff’s performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.  

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 its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

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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.

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