Senior Safeguards Officer (Environment)

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, February 17, 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 Senior Safeguards Officer (Environment) is assigned to the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

OSFG has the following four teams: (i) Policy and Technical Services, (ii) Regional Operations Services 1, (iii) Regional Operations Services 2, and (iv) Private Sector/Pacific Operations Services and you will be assigned to one of them depending on business needs and your qualifications and expertise.

You will report to the designated International Staff (IS) and have matrix reporting line to Country Operations Head, PNRM.

Your Role

As a Senior Safeguards Officer (Environment) you will independently provide technical support to (i) ensure that assigned sovereign and nonsovereign projects under processing and implementation comply with ADB's environmental safeguard requirements; (ii) contribute to the interdepartmental policy discussions in the area of environmental safeguards, consultation and participation and engagement with civil society; and (iii) develop related knowledge products and services for use by ADB's borrowers and clients.

You will:

Project Management

• Ensure the adoption, implementation, and monitoring of ADB's environmental safeguards policies into projects by conducting due diligence independent and comprehensive analysis and evaluation of project design and implementation, review of safeguard documents and overall safeguards performance of a project at all stages of the project cycle.
• At concept review stage, support and contribute to the sector teams by assessing the potential environment safeguards impacts at project identification, conducting environmental due diligence, preparing environment safeguards categorization forms, and preparing terms of reference of consultants.
• During due diligence, conduct a preliminary and detailed review of environmental and social impact assessment reports, environmental and social management systems, environmental and health and safety management plans, and environmental compliance audits.
• Advise borrower/clients on the incorporation of environment safeguards in the design and implementation of capital markets, financial and infrastructure sector projects, and on requirements and methods to enhance the quality of various environmental and health and safety plans to ensure compliance.
• During project administration, lead safeguard review missions for assigned projects by compiling relevant project data; visiting the project site, documenting meetings with the borrower/client, consultants and affected persons; providing inputs in the preparation of back to office reports; conducting a desk review of progress reports, monitoring reports; recommending actions, and measuring and evaluating compliance of projects.
• Lead the identification, monitoring and reporting to OSFG management, relevant sector group and regional departments on projects with high environmental safeguards sensitivity.

Policy Review and Knowledge Sharing

• Review relevant ADB policies, operations manuals, staff instructions, guidelines, and handbooks and suggests measures to ensure consistency with SPS policy requirements.
• Support the development of knowledge products and services, including the formulation of policies, guidelines and preparation of handbooks, best practice manuals, etc., by reviewing project design and implementation experiences, liaising with project practitioners and subject-matter experts, and external stakeholders including civil society.
• Update the safeguards team's database of projects to reflect the compliance status of projects, contribute to online project data sheets and information documents as required, and liaise with line division staff to upload the required safeguards documentation for various projects on the ADB website.
• Support OSFG's initiatives on knowledge sharing and capacity building of developing member countries and clients on new safeguard policies, guidance documents and procedures.

Internal and external networking

• Participate in various communities of practice and networks, to keep informed of guidelines and processes of other development banks and share information with OSFG on developments, when necessary.
• Keep OSFG informed of environmental safeguards-related issues, policies, processes and guidelines of other multilateral, bilateral financing and donor institutions.

Operations support

• Contribute and support the preparation of budget, activity plans and work programs.
• Support the engagement of staff consultants required to support OSFG in reviewing and monitoring compliance with ADB's environmental safeguards requirements.
• Support the administration of TA projects related to environmental safeguards by monitoring progress of TA implementation, contracting consultants, supporting the organization and implementation of conferences and workshops by formulating budget, activity plans and work programs, among other tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned and reflected in the incumbent's workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related fields; preferably with Master's Degree or equivalent
• At least 8 years of work experience in an environment safeguard-related field and at least 4 years of supervisory experience
• Familiarity with relevant safeguard policies and environmental safeguard requirements
• Proficiency in environmental assessment and other related environmental tools/strategies
• Proven experience to perform a high degree of evaluating quantitative and qualitative data, breaking down problems into actionable components and proposing practical solutions or recommendations.
• Familiarity with environmental risks associated with project processing and administration
• Strong planning to structure and prioritize a multitude of tasks within required timeframes.
• Proven capability to develop rapport internally and externally in a multicultural environment.
• Effective collaboration skills with teams as a constructive team member.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and a local language (as applicable)
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL6.

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 (if applicable)
• 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 Papua New Guinea.

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.

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 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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