Safeguards Officer

Job Vacancy | Friday, February 20, 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

While the position of Safeguards Officer resides within the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Thimphu, Bhutan.

You will report to the Director, Country Director or Designated International Staff and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Safeguards Officer you will independently provide technical support to (i) ensure that assigned sovereign and nonsovereign projects under processing and implementation comply with ADB's environment and social safeguard requirements; (ii) contribute to the interdepartmental policy discussions in the area of 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:

A. Project Management

• Support the adoption, implementation, and monitoring of ADB's 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 projects by assessing the potential safeguards impacts at project identification, conducting due diligence, preparing safeguards risk classification forms, and preparing terms of reference of consultants.
• During due diligence, conduct preliminary and detailed review of environmental and social impact assessment reports, environmental and social management systems, safeguards plans, and audits.
• Support project team leaders in advising borrower/clients on the incorporation of safeguards in the design and implementation of projects, and on requirements and methods to enhance the quality of multiple safeguards plans to ensure compliance.
• Support safeguards review missions for assigned projects by compiling relevant project data; visit the project site, document meetings with the borrower/client, consultants and affected persons; provide input in the preparation of back to office reports; conduct desk reviews of progress reports, monitoring reports; recommend actions and measuring and evaluating compliance of projects.

B. Strategic and Planning Work, Knowledge Management and Networking

• Support development of knowledge products and services, including review of policies and preparation of handbooks, best practice manuals, project design and implementation experiences, working with project practitioners and subject-matter experts, and external stakeholders including civil society.
• Update the safeguards database of projects to reflect the compliance status of projects, contribute to online project data sheets and information documents, and communicate with line division staff to upload the required safeguards documentation for projects on the ADB website.
• Participate in multiple communities of practice and networks, to keep informed of guidelines and processes of other development banks and share information with OSFG on developments.

C. Overall coordination

• Support the preparation of budget, activity plans and work programs.
• Support the engagement of staff consultants required to support OSFG in monitoring compliance with ADB's environmental safeguards requirements.
• Supports the administration of TA projects related to safeguards by managing progress of TA implementation, contracting consultants, supporting and implementation of conferences and workshops by formulating budget, activity plans and work programs, among other tasks.

D. Others

• Perform other tasks as assigned and reflected in the incumbent's workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in environment science, environmental management, anthropology, sociology, social science, or related fields; preferably with Master's Degree, advanced training or equivalent
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in a safeguards-related field (environmental and social analysis, planning, monitoring), with supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with relevant safeguard policies and safeguard requirements.
• Proficiency in assessment and other related safeguards planning (e.g. environmental management, resettlement, and ethnic minorities/groups.
• Familiarity with safeguards risks associated with project processing and administration.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical Local Staff Grade 5.

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

ADB is 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 Bhutan.

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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