Country Operations Head

Job Vacancy | Monday, March 4, 2024

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 Country Operations Head is assigned in the Kazakhstan Resident Mission (KARM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). CWRD is responsible for implementation of projects as well as maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Central and West Asia region. KARM works closely with government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to facilitate the successful formulation, processing, administration, and monitoring of ADB-financed projects.

You will report to Country Director (CD), KARM with a matrix reporting to the Regional Operations Coordination Head of the Central and West Asia Department and will supervise International, National and Administrative staff.

Your Role

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

You will do:

Country portfolio management and programming

• Support the country portfolio performance review. Responsible for management, monitoring and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations (programming, pipeline and portfolio management) at country level to achieve country KPIs. Provide high-level guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. Actively take part in operations and portfolio networks, facilitated by Regional Operations Coordination and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department.
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and leads portfolio, programming and pipeline related missions and activities with government and stakeholders. Oversee project related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders. Consulting with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues, and coordinating the resolution of project-specific issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices.
• Support CD, KARM in assuring project/TA implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context and country strategy. Guide sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are effectively delivered to advance ADB’s regional and country priorities, meet developing member country needs, and fit the local context.
• Lead the country programming. Program 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 regional operations coordination office. Work closely with Country Management Team members to create a portfolio of cross cutting and innovative projects that meet client needs and advance ADB’s priorities, e.g., climate change and PSD.
• Maintain pipelines and oversees progress of lending and non-lending by monitoring, supporting and facilitating the work of solutions departments for the timely delivery of the country program. Jointly with PSOD and OMDP develop country private sector development programs spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. Liaise 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 the CD, KARM 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. Liaise closely with Regional Operations Coordination Head on all matters of quality assurance.

Work planning

• Support CD, KARM and the country management team in preparation of the Resident Mission’s work plan and alignment with regional department KPIs.
• Serve as head of the secretariat to the country management team, supporting the country director to implement standard operating procedures for its effective functioning.
• Coordinates the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender), to ensure adequate 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 coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensures their on-going learning and development.
• Undertake other activities as designated by CD, KARM and Regional Operations Coordination Head. Coordinates with Head Regional Operations Coordination and Head Regional Cooperation and Integration, Lead Economist and Head, Private Sector Development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, in business administration, economics. engineering, finance, public policy or related fields. University degree in engineering, finance, economics, business administration and related fields related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years relevant professional experience in managing projects, portfolios and pipelines for development institutions. Familiarity with nonsovereign operations is an advantage. International experience working in development in several countries.
• Experience working with governments and development partners on country programming and portfolio management.
• Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivities, and maturity.
• Procurement Accreditation Skills Scheme (PASS) accreditation preferred (non-accredited applicants may be considered though will be required to complete accreditation within 1 year of appointment.)
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 5.

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
• Expatriate benefits

Additional Information

About Us

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.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

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