Candidate Assessment Event - Transport Specialist, in Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, October 21, 2025

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.

ADB's Transport Sector Office (SD1-TRA) is excited to announce an upcoming visit to SNAI - EDU campus, Shanghai, PRC, on the 13 and 14 November 2025. During this visit, pre-selected candidates will be interviewed by the ADB Transport Sector Office Directors and Recruiters.

Important: While we want to accommodate all candidates, your application for an interview will be confirmed only after we have reviewed your submission and verified availability and eligibility for the role. An invitation to an interview does not automatically guarantee a job position. Applications will be accepted until November 7th.

We look forward to welcoming you to the interview. Kindly note that transportation expenses will not be covered by ADB, so we encourage you to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Transport Specialist is assigned to the Transport Sector Office (SD1-TRA) within the Sectors Department 1 (SD1). SD1 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in the region. SD1, which comprises the Energy and Transport Sector Offices, delivers or supports sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RD) and resident missions (RM) in engaging with ADB's developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB's technical leadership internally and externally.

SD1-TRA leads policy development and dialogue, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance (TA) processing and administration in the Transport Sector.

You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Director, Transport Sector and will oversee technical local staff.

Preferred Specific Expertise for this outreach:

· Air Transport (civil aviation and smaller/regional airports)

· Digitalization in Transport Sector

· Project Finance or PPP (Transport Infrastructure)

Job Purpose

As a Transport Specialist, you will contribute to articulation and implementation of policies and strategies for the transport sector in developing member countries (DMCs). You will process and administer transport sector assistance projects, technical assistance (TA), and non-lending products and services (NLPS) to support sustainable and efficient transportation initiatives. You will ensure project identification, preparation, appraisal, documentation, and compliance with ADB's policies, operations manuals, project administration instructions, and assistance-related documentation during the development and implementation of loans, TA, and NLPS for the transport projects. You will work closely with internal teams and resource departments, and externally with clients and supervise critical tasks, as may be assigned from time-to-time.

You will:

· Conduct dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders of DMCs on transport sector issues and projects and assist in preparing indicative country pipeline and monitoring report.

· Support project identification, preparation, appraisal, documentation, and compliance with ADB's policies, operations manuals, project administration instructions, and related documentations.

· Ensure that climate change impacts, sustainability, best engineering practices including high technology and appropriate technology, safety, and efficiency are realistically incorporated in project design for effective implementation.

· Work with borrowers/clients, provide guidance and assist in formulating, planning, and preparing high quality documents related to the projects (e.g., project concept papers, TA papers, RRP and linked documents).

· Assist Project Team Leaders (PTLs) in the above functions, and lead and coordinate such activities when assigned to be the PTL.

· Address issues raised as queries, comments, and suggestions from internal review including from senior management, and address issues raised by direct and indirect stakeholders.

· Coordinate with development agencies on loans, TA, and NLPS for compliance with ADB's project preparation, appraisal, and implementation requirements.

· Coordinate with Regional Departments, Resident Missions, Office of Safeguards, and Climate Change Sustainable Development Department in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for the Transport sector.

· Establish and maintain a monitoring system, report on project progress, and carry out such administrative tasks as are reasonably assigned in consonance with such functions.

· Participate in the network activities in transport sector, share knowledge, and keep abreast of the latest developments and issues.

· Contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building around transport and development issues.

· Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development.

· Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SG-TRA and across Sector Offices in effective ways.

· Work on rotation across different teams for knowledge and analytical work in the first few years as directed by TRA management.

Qualifications

You will need:

· A University degree in civil engineering, ports and harbors engineering, or transportation engineering, transport economics or finance, transport planning, sustainable transport; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.

· At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in the transport sector including international work experience, preferably in urban transport, railways, metros, ports and maritime transport, trade facilitation, aviation sector, logistics, climate change, or other related relevant areas.

· Knowledge of transport and communications development issues in Asia. Good expertise within a specific area of ADB's operations (economic, sector or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.

· Understanding and experience in the overall tasks needed in the preparation of investment projects, including project identification and conceptualization, analysis of relevant policies, preparing studies and reports, and coordination with external stakeholders, consultants, and government agencies.

· Skills and experience in working with teams of professionals such as for technical, social, and environmental safeguards, economic assessments, procurement, etc.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Proficient or advanced competency level in Client Orientation, Achieving Results and Problem Solving and Knowledge Sharing.

· Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 1.

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)

• Relocation (if applicable)

• Retirement plan

• Medical and health benefits

• Paid leave (including parental)

• Life and other insurance plans

• Staff development

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

About Us

The 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 its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 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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