Senior Urban Development Specialist (Waste Management)

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, March 10, 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 Urban Development Specialist (Waste Management) is assigned to the Water and Urban Development Sector Office within the Sector Department 2 (SD2). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Director, SD2-WUD and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Urban Development Specialist (Waste Management), you will be expected to have an academic and professional background on designing and implementing solid waste management, circular economy and urban environmental management projects, and work with various project teams across sector departments and thematic groups of CCSD in conducting analytical work to assess the solid waste management at city and country levels and processing and administering investment and technical assistance.

You will:

• Provide expert support and advisory work on innovative project design, specifically on regulations and policies, and alternative, advance and appropriate technologies for solid waste management, building on city and country level experiences and applicable practices on localized solid waste management projects;
• Provide extensive inputs during project design and implementation, including identification of supply and demand, and recommendation on suitable action to address such issues, and regulatory and policy reform (including cost recovery, user fees, and extended producer responsibility) components, covering the entire service chain (including generation, collection, transportation, treatment, final disposal, and resource recovery) of solid waste management and circular economy;
• Provide guidance on advancing policy, stand-alone technical assistance aimed at building capacity, management of available resources and operation and maintenance including network management, strengthening urban planning and development through project investment, and institutional reforms related to solid waste management for urban areas;
• Support sector departments and regional departments/resident missions as a mission/project member in preparing solid waste management projects and advise governments on improving urban environmental management based on regional and local resources and data analytics on solid waste management support infrastructure;
• Facilitate collaboration with sector departments and thematic departments and regional departments on relevant solid waste management;
• Conduct development of knowledge products and services for innovative practices and technologies on solid waste management and circular economy;
• Participate in solid waste management community of practice and contribute to a wider departmental and organizational agenda for waste management and circular economy;
• Lead the organization and implementation of knowledge sharing events, workshops on specialized topics and capacity building program on solid waste management;
• Lead and participate in designing special initiatives and programs to promote sustainable, inclusive, environmentally sound waste management system in Asia and the Pacific region; and
• Prepare presentations and other briefs for use in meetings related to the trust fund, including the annual consultation meeting with financing partners, and other management support requested.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Environmental economics, Public policy or relevant fields; or University degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant working experience in international professional work involving waste management and circular economy.
• International experience working in several countries
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English.
• Experience undertaking high-quality background research and analysis on difficult but well-defined tasks; collect and organize required data and information; apply appropriate computer skills in analyzing and developing the data; and prepare notes, papers, and sections of reports
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the interactions between different ADB work areas and workflows and their purposes;
• Possess good analytical thinking with the ability to make simple causal links, pro-and-con lists, and analyses to reach a decision; and set priorities for tasks in order of importance
• Able to coordinate and work effectively with staff within own work location and can work collaboratively with teams; and
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International 2 (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 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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