Reference Number: 230162
Position Level: NS 1
Department: Southeast Asia Department
Division: Southeast Asia Department
Location: Viet Nam Resident Mission
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Closing Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ADB has an ongoing organizational review which may result in the change of department/group and/or reporting arrangement(s). By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the organizational review.
This vacancy is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and residents of Viet Nam.
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 to the Viet Nam Resident Mission (VRM) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). SERD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Southeast Asian region. VRM is responsible for country partnership strategy, policy dialogue and client relationship, business development, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance processing and administration in Viet Nam.
Job Purpose
The Associate Economics Officer will provide in-depth technical expertise on key economic issues and efficient programming support for VRM. At this level, the incumbent is expected to take the assigned accountabilities as appropriate to the position and should be able to demonstrate thorough substantial and diverse experience, ability to undertake a variety of assignments, and to generally work with minimal supervision. The incumbent will report to the Country Director, VRM, Principal Country Economist and/or designated VRM International and senior National Staff. The incumbent will also have a reporting line to the designated International Staff from the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD), primarily to obtain technical input and guidance.
Responsibilities
- As a key member of VRM’s economics and programming unit, provides quality analysis and promotes policy dialogue with government and other stakeholders with knowledge solutions.
- Provides inputs for country economic and social analysis and the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) including its midterm review; supports the Principal Country Economist in preparing the new CPS; and prepares briefing papers and country notes on the relevant macroeconomic and sector developments. This will include monitoring developments related to relevant government policies and in the key priority areas of the on-going CPS.
- Co-leads the preparation of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and its regular updates and maintains the macroeconomic database. Prepares initial draft and provides inputs to other economic publications.
- Leads the preparation of dossiers on socio-economic trends and government policy announcements, decrees and decisions, and relevant facts and figures reported in local and selected international media.
- Co-leads the country programming mission (CPM) in identifying potential areas of increased engagement and firming up the country program through close collaboration with government counterparts, collecting necessary background information, and monitoring of project delivery.
- Co-leads the preparation of CPM issue paper, the sovereign pipeline, and the CPM back-to-office report.
- Regularly monitors the status of the sovereign pipeline, timely identifies problems with each project in the pipeline, and facilitates discussion with Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, and line ministries to solve the problems.
- Closely monitors the macroeconomic situation and timely identifies potential impacts on ADB operations in Viet Nam.
- Collaborates closely with sector staff as needed in reaching out to ministries and provinces to explore potential areas for support.
- Provides support to midterm and other review missions by participating in discussion with the Government on the details of the proposed program, and regularly following up issues with concerned ministries and provinces.
- Leads processing and administration of designated technical assistance (TA). Develops a thorough understanding of ADB policies related to TA processing and administration and administers the implementation of assigned TAs.
- Co-leads policy dialogue on economic issues in supporting the Government’s development agenda and reform programs. This will involve developing and maintaining close contact with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Viet Nam, provinces, and other related institutions and stakeholders, identifying key issues, and undertaking related economic work.
- Leads the preparation of reports on related economic subjects and engaging key stakeholders by disseminating findings.
- Builds relationships to promote stakeholder coordination in the area of economics and other areas relevant to policy developments. In particular, develops strong partnerships with the government and non-government economic related organizations and agencies involved in assigned sectors.
- Leads information dissemination to other stakeholders and promotes VRM as a center of knowledge for economic issues of Viet Nam.
- Provides guidance and advice to other analysts, consultants, and administrative staff to facilitate work planning, work execution and quality control.
- Performs other duties that may be assigned and reflected in the incumbent’s workplan.
Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics or Statistics, preferably with advanced training in econometrics…
- At least 6 years of relevant professional experience, with some experience in economic research.
- Proven ability to work independently on assigned transactions, areas of macro-economic analysis and research, institutional development which have well-defined scope and steps
- Familiarity with macroeconomic accounting as well as economic political, social, and developmental issues in Viet Nam
- Knowledge and experience on country programming activities related to official development assistance support to Viet Nam, and how economic developments can effect such assistance.
- Ability to conduct cost-benefit analysis to support decision-making
- Effective report-writing and communication skills in English and the national language (as required )
- Proficient in spreadsheets and required information technologies or software that may be needed for economic analysis.
- Ability to provide guidance to other AS on assigned area of work
- Ability to liaise and work effectively with government officials within own work location and with colleagues throughout ADB
- Ability to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
- Ability to work with individuals from different cultural/national backgrounds
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for National Staff Level 1.
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.