Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Human and Social Development)

Job Vacancy | Monday, February 16, 2026

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference in 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 Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Human and Social Development) is assigned to the Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment (CCRE) Cluster within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Director, Climate Change, CCRE with matrix reporting to Principal Social Sector Economist (Human and Social Development) and will oversee national and administrative staff.

Your Role

As Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Human and Social Development), you will play a leading role in supporting relevant Human and Social Development Sector, Sectors Department 3 (HSD-SD3) in the development and deployment of ADB's institutional approach and strategies on adaptation and resilience in the context of human and social development, particularly operations in the education and health sectors; with up-to-date and accurate information, analysis, and assessments needed to make the case for increasing investments in adaptation and resilience in education and health sectors; and in strengthening institutions, knowledge and capacity for implementing adaptation and resilience solutions through education and health sector operations.

Support ADB's Programs: Scale up ADB's investments to maximize resilience outcomes through human and social development-related operations, particularly in the education and health sectors. Play a pivotal role in developing and implementing relevant strategies and programs.

Country Programming and Pipeline Development: Support ADB's country programming and pipeline development (sovereign and nonsovereign) from a human and social development and resilience perspective.

Linking Initiatives: Connect ADB resilience initiatives in the education and health sectors with broader initiatives pursued by ADB and regional and global organizations/professional bodies.

Mobilizing Financial Resources: Support the mobilization of financial resources for initiatives on adaptation and resilience in the context of human and social development.

Operational Support

Project Cycle Support: Support education and health sector operations throughout the project cycle to integrate adaptation and resilience considerations. Ensure improved quality at entry, oversee and monitor project performance, and extract lessons learned for the design of new investment and technical assistance projects.

Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to ADB's developing member countries (DMCs) to strengthen the capacity of ministries responsible for education and health sectors to integrate adaptation and resilience solutions in policies, plans, and investments.

Project Processing: Co-lead the processing of selected full-adaptation projects (Type 2B) with a focus on education and/or health sector resilience, where relevant.

Knowledge Sharing

Knowledge Development and Dissemination: Lead the development and dissemination of relevant knowledge and innovation work. Focus on capacity building for adaptation and resilience in the context of human and social sector operations.

Strengthening Partnerships: Explore opportunities and strengthen partnerships to share global good practices. Inform the preparation of ADB resilient investments, specifically in the context of education, health, and social sector operations.

External Liaison: Support ADB in liaising with external development partners, including other multilateral development banks (MDBs), knowledge/policy partners, private sector, and civil society. Explore opportunities for external cooperation and knowledge sharing regarding adaptation and resilience in the context of human and social development

Representation: Represent ADB in international forums and technical working groups on adaptation and resilience

Qualifications

You will need:

● A University degree in climate sciences, environmental management, social sciences, development economics or relevant fields, preferably at post graduate level or its equivalent
● At least 6 years of work experience in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with special focus on adaptation and resilience.
● Demonstrated experience with education and/or health sector adaptation solutions, approaches, and tools to increase resilience.
● Demonstrated managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and project missions on technical matters related to adaptation and resilience.
● Familiarity with operations, policies, and procedures of multilateral financial institutions is preferred and ideally with ADB.
● Ability to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community and support south-south knowledge transfer.
● Must be a strong team player and an efficient negotiator.
● Written and verbal proficiency in English.
● 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.
● Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI1.

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 position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required.

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.

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