Principal Operations Specialist

Job Vacancy | Thursday, July 24, 2025

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 Principal Operations Specialist is assigned to the Vanuatu Pacific Coordination Office (VAN PCO) in Port Vila under the Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney (PLCO) and within the Pacific Department (PARD). PARD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Pacific region. PLCO is responsible for country programming, portfolio management, relationship management with clients and partners, external communications, and knowledge development. You will be based at the VAN PCO Office in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

You will report to the Regional Director (RD) of PLCO and work closely with the Senior Country Officer of VAN PCO and the Country Operations Head (COH) at PLCO. The position will supervise junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Operations Specialist, you will assist the RD PLCO, who is responsible for operations in Vanuatu, in the sound management of portfolio, projects, and technical assistance (TA). You will coordinate operations oversight, business development, relationships with development partners, quality assurance, portfolio management, and capacity development.

You will:

Country programming and portfolio management

• Lead the country portfolio performance reviews. Responsible for management, monitoring and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations at country level to achieve country Key Performance Indicators. Provide high-level guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. Contribute to regional initiatives in operations and portfolio networks, facilitated by COH PLCO, Regional Head Operations Coordination (RHOC), and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department, and share insights to promote consistency and innovation in operations.
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and lead country operations related missions and activities with government. Oversee project related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders.
• Consult with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues, and coordinate the resolution of project-specific issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices for Vanuatu ongoing projects.
• Support RD PLCO in assuring that project/TA implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guide and advise sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are effectively delivered to advance ADB's regional and country priorities, meet country needs, and fit the local context.
• Support country programming including the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD)/ Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnership (OMDP) and the regional operations coordination office. Work closely with country management team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting and innovative projects that meet client needs and advance ADB's priorities, e.g. climate change and private sector development.
• Maintain pipelines and oversee progress of lending and non-lending by monitoring, supporting, and facilitating the work of solutions departments for the delivery of the country program. Liaise with development partners to ensure strategic and operational coordination, including co-financing opportunities.
• Advise RD PLCO and backstop the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by Staff Instructions and Project Administration Instructions. Liaise closely with COH PLCO and RHOC PARD on all matters of quality assurance.

Work planning

• Support RD PLCO and the Vanuatu country management team in preparation of the work plans and alignment with regional department KPIs.
• Be the head of the secretariat to the Vanuatu country management team, supporting the RD PLCO to maintain and update standard operating procedures for their effective functioning.
• Organize and advise on the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender), to ensure adequate support to project teams delivering operations in the country.

Capacity development

• Lead operational capacity development to staff and external clients on sovereign operations management.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals, foster capacity building, and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Undertake other activities as designated by RD PLCO and COH PLCO. Coordinate with RHOC PARD, Head Regional Cooperation and Integration, Lead Economist, and Head Private Sector Development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, in engineering, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree in engineering, finance, economics, business administration and related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in managing projects, portfolios (country or sector) and pipelines for development institutions. International experience working in development in several countries.
• Experience working with government counterparts on portfolio management and country programming. Experience cooperating with development partners.
• Proven management and leadership qualities, and experience leading teams and mentoring staff.
• Technical experience in one or more key sectors of ADB operations is desirable.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level TI3.

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
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

Additional Information

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

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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