Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist (Nature Finance)

Job Vacancy | Wednesday, May 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

The position of Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist (Nature Finance) is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2-AFNR). 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-AFNR, will collaborate closely with colleagues from the Regional Departments and other Sector Offices, and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist (Nature Finance), you will lead the formulation and articulation of policies, strategies, and innovative financing approaches to scale up nature-positive investments across environmental and agrifood systems. You will serve as a catalyst for integrating biodiversity, pollution control, circular economy, climate-smart agriculture, and natural capital financing into ADB's sovereign and private sector operations. You will lead in identifying and developing loans, grants, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services, and provide technical support to other staff.

You will:

• Policy & Strategy Development
  • Formulate and articulate strategies for environmental finance and agrifood system transformation.
  • Lead policy dialogue with governments, private sector, and development partners to mainstream nature finance.
  • Support alignment of fiscal policies with positive environmental outcomes and promote greening of financial systems.
• Innovative Financing & Project Development
  • Originate and support innovative loan, grant, and TA projects in AFNR sub-sectors.
  • Design and apply financing instruments such as sustainability-linked loans, thematic bonds, carbon credits, debt-for-nature swaps, and blended finance.
  • Develop strategies for forest conservation, blue carbon, biodiversity financing, and climate-smart net zero agriculture.
• Knowledge & Capacity Building
  • Advance ADB's knowledge agenda on environmental and nature finance through case studies, training, and knowledge products.
  • Mentor staff and manage cross-departmental working groups to strengthen institutional capacity.
• Partnerships & External Engagement
  • Coordinate with multilateral institutions, NGOs, and civil society to expand partnerships and innovative financing opportunities.
  • Represent ADB in international conferences and networks on environmental and nature finance.
  • Collaborate with Natural Capital Fund, Natural Capital Lab, and ERDI on ecosystem valuation and market development.
• Others
  • Supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.
  • Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in the workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree in Environmental Economics, Finance, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Economics, or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• 10 years of relevant international experience in environmental finance, AFNR, or related sectors.
• Expertise in innovative financing mechanisms (digital finance, biodiversity markets, debt-for-nature swaps, blended finance).
• Strong track record in project origination, processing, and administration, with ability to integrate environmental and climate considerations into technical, economic, and financial analyses.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to distill complex information and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with mandates, operations, and policies of multilateral financial institutions.
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• 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.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff 2.

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)
• Relocation (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

Additional Information

The position title on appointment is "Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist".

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

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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