Project Officer (Social Sector)

Job Vacancy | Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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 Project Officer (Social Sector) is assigned in the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SD3-HSD) within the Sectors Department 3 (SD3). You will be strategically assigned to Tajikistan within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) based at our Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

SD3 aims to deliver impactful sector initiatives and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in human and social development (HSD), finance, and public sector management and governance in the region and with ADB's clients. SD3, which comprises three sector offices, delivers or supports sovereign, non-sovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RDs) and resident missions (RMs) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB's technical leadership externally and internally.

SD3-HSD leads policy dialogue, initiatives, and solutions in the human and social development sectors (education, health, and social protection) and in broader social development initiatives as relevant. SD3-HSD is responsible for: (i) conceptualizing, processing, and administering lending, grant, and technical assistance (TA) operations; (ii) developing and delivering knowledge services and products to DMCs; and (iii) leading technical work on sector diagnostics and road maps and contributing to business development efforts.

You will have a primary reporting line to the designated Technical International staff or Director, SD3-HSD on operational and policy-related matters and have a matrix reporting line to the Country Director, TJRM or designated technical international staff on day-to-day administrative matters.

Your Role

As a Project Officer (Social Sector), you will lead or contribute to the processing and administration of assigned loans, grants, and TAs, and social sector work, covering both public and private sector operations. You will contribute to capacity building and knowledge work, handle project administration and portfolio management, and effectively liaise with government and development partner counterparts in resolving project and social sector-related issues.

You will:

• Administer loans and grants and implement TAs in the social sector in the country, or in neighboring countries as required, by actively taking initiative and responsibility to engage with TJRM and ADB Headquarters (HQ), government agencies, development partners (DPs), private sector partners, and other stakeholders.

• Lead in or contribute to the processing of new loans, grants, and TAs and business development in the country, or in neighboring countries as required.

• Undertake work planning, delivery, and reviews for assigned projects with the team.

• Monitor the progress of assigned projects through fielding missions and reporting project progress to the management.

• Prepare and update forecasts of contract awards and disbursements, identifying factors responsible for shortfalls and actions to expedite progress, and achievement of target levels where possible.

• Identify issues and take actions to address them through interactions with executing agencies (EAs), implementing agencies (IAs), contractors, consultants, and project beneficiaries. You will prepare and implement measures to address the issues.

• Prepare and review papers for extension of loan closing dates, reallocation of loan proceeds, changes in scope and implementation arrangements, and other project administration tasks.

• Provide advice to the government agencies, relevant ministries, EAs, IAs, and other partners on ADB guidelines on procurement, recruitment of consultants, and preparation and review of procurement documents to ensure effective implementation.

• Prepare Project Completion Reports and TA Completion Reports, as assigned.

• Prepare inputs for sector database for portfolio management.

• Support, participate, or lead in project reviews as a mission member or mission leader, as required.

• Support or participate in Country/Tripartite Portfolio Review missions as a mission member, when required.

• Support or participate as a mission member in missions by the Board members, Board groups and ADB management, when required.

• Participate in consultations with other DPs especially in areas relating to donor coordination and harmonization in sector work and represent ADB either as a member or a co-chair in the relevant donor coordination groups.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge base of future government investment plans, development strategies, institutional structure, and policies relevant to the social sector.

• Assist in the formulation and implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy, relevant sector roadmaps, and annual updates.

• Lead or provide support in policy dialogues with the government on policy matters and institutional issues.

• Assist or lead other operational support in project administration and portfolio management, as required and reflected in the incumbent's work plan.

• Contribute to sector work by assisting and/or leading in conducting research, updating information on the assigned sector, and preparing knowledge products.

• Provide guidance to junior staff.

• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in staff's workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, economics, or related fields, preferably with advanced training.

• At least 8 years work experience in project management and administration in the social sector.

• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.

• Experience and knowledge of various stages of the project cycle (project planning / feasibility analysis / detailed design / project implementation / construction supervision / contract management) is desirable.

• Sound knowledge of government policies, reforms and programs in the social sector.

• Clear understanding of the economic, political, social, and developmental issues specific to the country

• Familiarity with accepted best practices of procurement and disbursement processes.

• Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively, proactively, and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Proficient in computer applications, especially word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and SharePoint.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL5.

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.

• 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.

This opening is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and permanent residents of Tajikistan.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

About Us

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

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.

Stay up to date Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest issues, news, events, jobs and data in your e-mail inbox.