Country Operations Head

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference 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 Country Operations Head is assigned in the Kyrgyz Resident Mission (KYRM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). You will report to the Country Director (CD), KYRM, with matrix reporting to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination Unit (CWOC) of the CWRD, and will oversee junior team members.

This is open to internal and external applicants.

For internal candidates: Your assignment to KYRM will be immediate unless the selection involves a change in staff category.

For external candidates and newly appointed international staff: You will initially be based at ADB Headquarters in Manila for one year before moving to KYRM.

Your Role

As Country Operations Head, you will assist the CD, KYRM in the sound management of 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:

a. Country Portfolio Management and Programming

Oversee country portfolio performance review, managing and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Provide strategic guidance on operational issues and ADB policy compliance. Participate in operations and portfolio networks facilitated by CWOC and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD).

Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and leads portfolio, programming and pipeline related missions and activities with government. Oversee project related communication and coordination with government and partners. Consult with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues, and coordinate the resolution of project-specific issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices.

Support CD, KYRM in assuring that project/TA implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guide sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are delivered to promote ADB's regional and country priorities, meet DMC needs, and fit the local context.

Support the country programming including the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD)/ Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnership (OMDP) and the CWOC. Work with country management team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting projects that meet client needs and promote ADB's priorities, e.g. climate change and private sector development.

Maintain pipelines and oversee progress of lending and non-lending by managing and facilitating the work of solutions departments for delivering the country program. Collaborate with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Provide inputs into Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and CPS reviews from a programming, pipeline and portfolio management perspective.

Advise CD, KYRM and backstops the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by Staff Instructions and Project Administration Instructions. Collaborate with Regional Head, CWOC on all matters of quality assurance.

b. Work Planning

Support CD, KYRM and the country management team in preparation of the country work program and alignment with regional department KPIs.

Be the head of the secretariat to the country management team, supporting the CD to set standard operating procedures for its effective functioning.

Organize and advise on the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender), to ensure support to project teams delivering operations in the country.

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.

Provide mentoring to team and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.

Undertake other activities as designated by CD, KYRM and Regional Head, CWOC. Coordinate with Regional Heads, CWOC, CWRC, CWPS and Regional Lead Economist.

You will need:

Master's Degree, in engineering, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree in engineering, finance, economics, business administration and related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered

At least 12 years relevant professional experience managing projects, portfolios and pipelines for development institutions. International experience working in development in several countries.

Experience in building capacity of staff in projects or processing of loans/technical assistance. Proven management and leadership qualities.

Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals and teams from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

Technical experience in one or more key sectors of ADB operations is desirable.

Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI3.

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

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 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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