Senior Economist

Job Vacancy | Friday, February 27, 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 Economist is assigned to the Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). You will be based at our Resident Misson Office in Islamabad, Pakistan, and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Country Director (CD), PRM, and have matrix reporting line to the Regional Lead Economist (RLE) for CWRD, Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI), and will oversee junior economic team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Economist, you will lead economic work, including facilitating government dialogue, coordinating with stakeholders, and disseminating knowledge. You will conduct regular economic analysis and monitoring. You will contribute to the implementation of the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) under the direction of the CD, PRM. Additionally, you will support government and ADB divisions in loan and technical assistance processing, non-lending products, knowledge solutions, and regional cooperation. You will also lead and support external relations, engaging with development partners, civil society organizations, and the media.

While you will be based in Islamabad and focus on economic work and requirements in Pakistan, you will also cover economic work in Afghanistan until further arrangements are made.

You will:

• Economics and Knowledge Work
  • Lead and ensure the quality of complex economic studies, offering strategic advice on high-impact development areas.
  • Lead and support the identification, preparation, and dissemination of a spectrum of economic knowledge products, solutions, and services, including flagship, working papers, policy briefs, Op-Eds, blogs, and other relevant products.
  • Lead and support events, forums, and other knowledge dissemination activities, closely coordinating with other departments and offices in ADB; and with the government, development partners, and other external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with country teams to lead and support preparation of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and other economic reports and monitoring for Pakistan and Afghanistan; lead and support ADO launches, policy dialogues, and economic updates for management, including the International Monetary Fund programs.
  • Communicate regularly with CDs PRM and AFRM, RLE and economic teams, providing economic support; lead and contribute to briefing notes and papers for Management and the visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan; lead and contribute to regional cooperation activities; share lessons with sector, thematic, and other teams.
• Project and Technical Assistance (TA) Processing and Implementation
  • Support ADB's sovereign and non-sovereign operations, contributing to loan, grant, and TA design in Pakistan and Afghanistan, ensuring economic and cross-cutting considerations are integrated; support project processing and implementation.
  • Lead in the processing and implementation of country and regional TA projects in economic areas involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Policy Dialogue and Development Coordination
  • Lead and support policy dialogue with the governments and other stakeholders.
  • Lead and contribute to development coordination with development parters, including the IMF, the World Bank, and other partners.
  • Undertake other tasks assigned or required, demonstrating high degree of responsiveness, team approach, capability, and capacity.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in economics (Ph.D. an advantage), with expertise in one or more of the following fields: economic development, macroeconomics, public finance, public policy, international economics, and/or other related fields. University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in economics and related areas, including international experience working in development, with relevant experience in Central Asia as an advantage.
• Demonstrated expertise in economic and policy work in developing countries.
• Evidence of high-quality knowledge outputs; publications in international peer-reviewed professional journals an advantage.
• Experience dialoging and coordinating with management, senior staff, and senior government officials in ADB or similar organizations.
• Close collaboration with management, senior staff, management, and senior government officials.
• Experience supporting management, such as leading speech and briefing notes preparations.
• Experience in country partnership strategy, country programming, and operations in ADB or a similar organization an advantage.
• Familiarity with ADB's operations, policies, and procedures an advantage.
• Experience of leading and participating in teams.
• Responsiveness, proactiveness, client orientation, team and collaborative approaches, and analytical thinking.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.

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 is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

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.

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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