Safeguards Specialist (Environment)

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, April 14, 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 Safeguards Specialist (Environment) position is assigned to the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be outposted to Nepal Resident Mission (NRM) in Kathmandu, Nepal, for an initial assignment of three years. After this period, subject to business needs, the role might be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines or at another resident Mission office. Relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Director, OSFG and Country Director, and will oversee Junior staff members.

Your Role

As a Safeguards Specialist (Environment), you will support the planning and provide operational coordination and technical inputs to sovereign and non-sovereign ADB projects in the South Asia region to ensure compliance with safeguards policies during project preparation and implementation. You will support the successful design and implementation of projects and contribute to the evaluation, improvement, and sharing of ADB's safeguards policies; and support ADB's goal of poverty reduction and sustainable development and help apply safeguards knowledge to the development of tasks. Your work will involve hands-on design and implementation of project safeguards, and training staff from developing member countries.

You will:

• Undertake environmental safeguards due diligence and support project teams in safeguards policy compliance of projects during processing and implementation.
• Advise management on compliance of projects, monitor and report to OSFG management on projects with high safeguards risks. For assigned projects, collaborate with clients, non-government organizations (NGOs), development partners, and within ADB, including coordinating responses to NGOs.
• Keep track of issues or related developments that are useful for safeguards implementation including complaints on projects, and new or updates to country safeguard systems (e.g., laws, policies, regulations, and procedures).
• Coordinate safeguard policy issues between the regional department, sector and other teams, and OSFG.
• For assigned projects, conduct due diligence and provide technical guidance to borrower/clients and contribute to project completion reports and address relevant thematic areas under environmental safeguards and other requirements (e.g. biodiversity, labor and working conditions, partner engagement, occupational health and safety, community health and safety, and cultural heritage);
• Participate in project missions supporting project processing and implementation and undertake due diligence of country systems and address safeguard issues in high risk, and complex and sensitive projects.
• Contribute to safeguards knowledge sharing and capacity building.
• Contribute to activities for advocacy, distribution and knowledge building relating to ADB's safeguard policies and their application.
• Oversee the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance; and ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.
• Support technical assistance (TA) and training and capacity building programs for ADB developing member countries and clients, focused on ADB safeguard policies, environmental and social management systems, and other specialized technical topics.
• Develop knowledge products and contribute to the development of ADB operations manuals, staff instructions and the preparation of guidance and tools.
• Provide technical guidance to national staff to help them manage safeguard compliance.

Qualifications

You will need:

• A University degree in ecology, environmental management, environmental science, environmental engineering or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent
• At least 6 years of relevant hands-on professional experience in safeguard work, or related areas and in project design and administration. International experience working in several countries.
• Experience managing or authoring environmental and social impact assessments for infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing or authoring environmental and social management plans including safeguard frameworks, EIA, IEE, covering areas such as air quality modeling, noise and vibration modeling, biodiversity assessment, labor issues and occupational health and safety for infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing environment safeguards for large hydropower projects/dams will be an advantage.
• Think laterally to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Grade 1.

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.

You will be based at our ADB Headquarters in Manila and may be assigned in one of Office of Safeguards' resident missions.

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.

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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