Reference Number: 230157
Position Level: IS 6
Department: Southeast Asia Department
Division: Lao Resident Mission
Location: Lao 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.
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 in the Lao Resident Mission (LRM) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). SERD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Southeast Asian region. LRM is responsible for country partnership and 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 Lao PDR.
Job Purpose
The Principal Portfolio Management Specialist will assist the Country Director in supervising the overall portfolio administration in LRM, continue to improve performance of the overall portfolio of loans and Technical Assistance (TAs) projects in Lao PDR, and lead monitoring the status and progress of overall portfolio. The position will also lead the identification and execution of corrective actions to address implementation problems to improve project and portfolio performance to contribute to ADB’s goal of reducing poverty and objectives of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS); and to work with clients and help coordinate ADB’s lending and non-lending operations with other development partners. The incumbent will report to the Country Director of LRM and will supervise the National staff and Administrative staff within the portfolio administration unit (PAU) in LRM.
Responsibilities
- In coordination with the Country Director, plan and oversee the implementation of the annual workplan for the PAU team.
- Oversee the review and report on the progress of project and program implementation, compliance with covenants, achievement of contract awards and disbursement of the overall portfolio in Lao PDR (both delegated and non-delegated), and achievement of desired development impacts.
- Lead country portfolio review missions (CPRM), in coordination with project administration units (PAUs) of sector divisions and project teams, engaging in high-level discussions with senior management of the government, including preparation and finalization of memorandum of understanding or aide-memoire.
- Lead and provide guidance and high-level advice to project teams and government executing, and implementing agencies for the identification and implementation of action items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
- Oversee administration of delegated loan and TA projects, including preparation of project completion reports, TA completion reports, and financial closure of loans and TAs.
- Lead and undertake the required measures to facilitate project implementation and resolve implementation problems.
- Oversee the quality of project field operations, with focus on problem or potential problem projects.
- Support executing and implementing agencies to resolve various project implementation issues, including but not limited to procurement, contract management, safeguards, and financial management.
- Lead in providing information and in-depth analyses for the review and improvement of project administration policies and practices.
- Lead and coordinate activities for the harmonization of policies and practices related to project implementation among development partners.
- Lead, manage and supervise a team of national staff to deliver results. This may include coordination with Budget, People, and Management Systems Department on human resources matters.
- Lead collaboration and support other units in LRM and various other departments across ADB including private sector operations department under One ADB approach.
- Lead collaboration and maintenance of good working relationship with various government counterparts to achieve development results under ADB projects.
- Oversee knowledge building and dissemination to improve local capacity for project administration.
- Participate in and contribute to internal and external training, conferences, and development partner coordination meetings related to portfolio management and project administration.
Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, economics, finances, project management or other related fields. University degree in engineering, economics, finances, project management or other related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience related to the position can be considered.
- Minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience including work experience in project processing, project administration and portfolio management.
- International experience working in several countries.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.
- Strong knowledge of procurement, consultant recruitment, project management, preferably in infrastructure sector operations (transport, rural and/or urban development).
- Proven experience as mission leader, with experience in loan processing.
- Ability to provide leadership for solving difficult implementation problems, supervising complex project review missions and supporting loan processing.
- Experience in the procurement and administration of large works and goods contracts and accreditation in PASS for procurement and consulting services.
- Attitude of striving for results (meeting deadlines, solving problems, delivering Key Result Areas) and helping others to achieve results.
- Proven track record in successfully leading teams.
- Demonstrated experience in liaison with government officials, non-government agencies, technical specialists, and staff from development partners.
- Commitment to learning and change.
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 6.
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.