Unit Head, Project Administration

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on 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 Unit Head, Project Administration is assigned in the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SG-HSD) within the Sectors Department 3. SD3 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB’s strategic agenda in finance, human and social development, and public sector management and governance in the region and with ADB’s clients. SD3, which is comprised of three sector offices, delivers or supports sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RDs) and resident missions (RMs) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB’s technical leadership externally and internally.

SG-HSD leads policy dialogue, initiatives, and solutions in the human and social development sectors (education, health, social protection, and in broader social development initiatives). SG-HSD is responsible for (i) conceptualizing, processing, and administering lending, grant, and technical assistance (TA) operations; (ii) developing and delivering knowledge services and products to DMCs; and (iii) leading technical work on sector diagnostics and road maps and contributing to business development efforts.

You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the designated Director, SG-HSD and will oversee junior team members for regional operations. You will also perform portfolio management reporting and analytics for the entire SG-HSD under the supervision of the Senior Director SG-HSD.

Your Role
As Unit Head, Project Administration, you will lead the portfolio management and be responsible for project reviews to ensure high-quality project design, effective implementation, attainment of project and sector/subsector results, and development impact. You will provide oversight and guidance to project teams, specifically in areas of project implementation and development effectiveness, in designing, and processing of loans, grants, technical assistance (TA) projects.

You will lead the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on human and social development sector in developing member countries (DMCs). You will also lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, technical assistance (TA) projects, and provide relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge for projects.


You will:

• Lead sector portfolio performance assessment in country/tripartite portfolio review meetings, identify systemic issues, propose initiatives to promote project quality and improve portfolio performance, and provide guidance and advice for the identification and implementation of action items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
• Review and comment on project proposals for quality control of project design and documentation, documents related to project implementation, and PCRs/TCRs for ensuring project readiness with high-quality, smooth and quality project implementation, and successful closure.
• Consolidate, monitor, and provide support for country/region’s operational targets (key result areas) for project administration including projections for contract awards, disbursements, project/TA completion and closing, project performance ratings, and monitor their successful achievement for the responsible regional portfolio.
• Lead the discussion on priority issues in the sector, including private sector development shift, cross-sectoral collaboration, innovative project design, regional cooperation and integration, and project effectiveness and sustainability.
• Identify and introduce innovative and smart solutions and international best practices in the design and administration of loans, grants, and TAs. Propose appropriate contract modalities and lead discussions on procurement issues including review of bidding documents and bid evaluation reports.
• Closely coordinate on SG-HSD operations with regional departments; resident missions; Procurement, Portfolio and Financial Management Department; Office of Business Intelligence and Operations Coordination; Office of Safeguards; and Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Responds to external inquiries.
• Perform portfolio management reporting and analytics for the entire SG-HSD.
• Mentor staff in project processing, administration, and project completion reports, by providing advice and guidance on project design and sector issues and participate in their missions as and when necessary.
• Lead, 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 staff’s workplan, including support to SG-HSD wide monitoring and reporting functions.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, social science, engineering, finance, law, project management or other relevant areas; or 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 project administration and portfolio management.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Broad experience in the preparation of investment projects and analysis of relevant development policies, including knowledge on procurement and consultant recruitment.
• Demonstrated team leadership or managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for technical matters and projects processing/implementation.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of ADB's operations (economic, sector or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• Experience in building capacity of staff in project administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB’s standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

· Paid leave (including parental)

· Medical and health benefits

· Life and other insurance plans

· Staff development

· Retirement plan

· Housing and education allowance (if applicable)

· Expatriate benefits (if applicable)


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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