Country Operations Head

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 Country Operations Head is assigned in the Solomon Islands Resident Mission (SORM) within the Pacific Department (PARD). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Honiara and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Country Director (CD), SORM and have matrix reporting line to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination; and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As Country Operations Head, you will assist CD, SORM in the sound management of country operations. You will coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio monitoring and organize the provision of operations services to project teams.

You Will:

Country Portfolio Management and Programming

• Lead country portfolio performance reviews; manage and prepare reports on sovereign and nonsovereign operations (programming, pipeline, and portfolio management) at country level to achieve country key performance indicators (KPI); provide high-level guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies; and take part in operations and portfolio networks facilitated by PARD Regional Head, Operations and Coordination (RHOC) and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD).
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and lead portfolio, programming, and pipeline-related missions and activities with the government. Oversee project-related coordination with government and stakeholders.
• Consult with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues and coordinate the resolution of project-specific issues in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices, PARD RHOC, PPFD, and other supporting departments for active projects.
• Support CD, SORM in ensuring project and technical assistance (TA) implementation arrangements are aligned with country context; and guide sectors in designing and processing projects to meet country needs and fit the local context.
• Support country programming, including allocation of operational resources in collaboration with sector groups, Private Sector Operations Department, Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnership, and regional operations coordination office. Work with country management team members to create portfolio of crosscutting and innovative projects that meet client needs and promote ADB priorities, such as climate change and private sector development.
• Maintain pipeline and oversee progress of lending and non-lending by facilitating work of solutions departments for delivering country program. Coordinate with development partners on cofinancing opportunities.
• Provide inputs in preparing and helping implement the Pacific Approach—ADB's regional partnership strategy for the 12 small Pacific island countries.
• Advise CD, SORM on the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences, and decisions for projects and TA following Staff Instructions and Project Administration Instructions.

Work Planning

• Support CD, SORM and Solomon Islands Country Management Team in preparing workplans and ensuring their alignment with regional department KPIs.
• Be the head of the secretariat to country management team, supporting CD, SORM in setting the standard operating procedures for its functioning.
• Organize and advise on the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, FCAS/SIDS) to ensure support to project teams.

Capacity Development

• Organize and provide operational capacity development to staff and external clients on sovereign operations management.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Mentor teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Undertake other activities as designated by CD, SORM.

You Will Need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in engineering, finance, economics, business administration, or relevant fields; or a university degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years work experience in project processing, project administration, portfolio management (country or sector) and operations programming for development institutions. International experience working in development in several countries.
• Experience in building capacity of staff in processing and administration of loans and TA.
• Experience collaborating with individuals and teams from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, complemented by management capabilities.
• Technical experience in one or more main sectors of ADB operations is desirable.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for technical international staff grade TI2

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
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development
• Relocation (if applicable)

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

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 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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