Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist

Job Vacancy | Thursday, March 26, 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 Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SD2-AFNR) within the Sectors 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, Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist, you will lead, formulate, and articulate policy and strategies on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development, engage developing member country (DMC) governments in policy dialogue, and conduct ADB's activities to support agriculture, natural resources, and rural development policy and reforms, and climate change resilience and adaptation activities. You will identify and develop loans, grants, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services in agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development, particularly those fitting into the Glaciers to Farms program, and provide technical support and backstopping to other staff.

You will:

• Lead / support the development of strategies for agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development in DMCs, in consultation with relevant government agencies and resident missions.
• Lead / support the development, processing and administration of loan, grant and TA projects in the agriculture, food, nature, and rural development sector, and ensure key technical, economic, financial and crosscutting issues, as well as Glaciers to Farms program requirements, are incorporated into projects.
• Contribute to ADB efforts to promote nature-positive investments and enhance food security by identifying and designing innovative participatory approaches to environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable agriculture, natural resources, and rural development, and substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
• Contribute to Country Partnership Strategy and country operation missions, and provide inputs as required in formulating a country result framework and profile.· Liaise with and coordinate with development agencies on policies, sector strategies, investments, TAs, and co-financing.
• Keep abreast of the latest development in international, subregional, and national best practices for sustainable agriculture, natural resources, and rural development, and participate in and contribute to ADB-wide sector and thematic groups.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent's workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• A University degree in economics or engineering specializing in natural resources, agriculture and rural development or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in natural resources, agriculture, and rural development projects.
• Strong understanding and practical application of the technical, policy, institutional, and participatory principles of sustainable, integrated natural resources, agriculture, and rural development.
• Strong analytical abilities, multidisciplinary competence, and proven ability to organize, lead, and manage project teams.
• Strong understanding of the capacity development needs of national and local-level agencies in the DMCs.
• Broad knowledge of cutting-edge international and national policies and programs related to agriculture and rural development.
• International experience working in development, with substantial experience in the agriculture, natural resources, and rural development sectors in several Asian countries; preferably in multiple Central and West Asian DMCs.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats 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 of ADB Competency Framework for Technical International 1 (TI1).

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 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

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB seeks 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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