Country Operations Head

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference 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 Country Operations Head is assigned to the Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM) within the Central and West Asia Department. You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

You will report to Country Director (CD), PRM with a matrix reporting to Deputy Country Director (DCD) and the Regional Head, Operations Coordination (ROC) of the Central and West Asia Department and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As the Country Operations Head, you will: (i) assist the country director and the deputy country director in the sound management of ADB operations and engagement in Pakistan, (ii) coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio management, and (iii) provide operational services to project teams.

You will do:

Country Portfolio Management and Programming

• Lead the country portfolio performance review and management. Responsible for monitoring and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations (programming, pipeline, and portfolio management) to achieve country results. Provide guidance on PRM-related operational issues and compliance with ADB policies.
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues. Oversee project-related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders. Consult with clients to swiftly resolve project issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices.
• Support CD and DCD in assuring project and technical assistance implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guide sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are effectively delivered to advance ADB's regional and country priorities, meet PRC's needs, and fit the local context.
• Lead and/or support the country programming team on the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, private sector Operations Department (PSOD) Office of Market Development and Public Private Partnerships (OMDP) and the regional operations coordination office. Support and advise the country management team (CMT) members to ensure a portfolio of well-prepared and innovative projects that meet client needs and advance ADB's priorities, e.g. climate change and private sector development.
• Monitor pipelines and the development of lending and non-lending operations to ensure delivery of the country program and smooth implementation. Liaises with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Provide inputs into CPS and CPS reviews from a programming, pipeline and portfolio management perspective.
• Advise the CD and support the DCD and ROC to enhance the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by SIs and PAIs. Liaises closely with ROC on all matters of quality assurance. Provide guidance and functional oversight on project management, including project readiness, procurement and Procurement Review System (PRS), consultant selection, and compliance with ADB policies.
• Review and endorse Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs) of PRM-led operational missions, outgoing communications, and documents related to project administration and portfolio management, and ensure the quality and consistency with Project Administration Instructions (PAIs), Operations Manuals (OM) and other relevant guidelines, instructions and policies. Performs quality assurance for projects in the Pakistan portfolio, including coordination of PRM inputs into concept papers, Reports and Recommendations of the President (RRPs), TA reports, etc.
• Initiate and carry out analytical and quantitative assessment on portfolio performance and underlying constraints/factors and lessons learnt. Proposed strategies and actions to improve portfolio performance, including upstream strategies for incorporation in the project design. Maintain the RM's collective experience and knowledge gained through portfolio management.

Work Planning

• Support CD, DCD and the country management team in preparation of PRM's work plan and alignment with regional department KPIs, and set standard operating procedures for effective functioning.
• Organize and advise on the provision of operational 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

• Provide operational capacity development to staff and external clients on both sovereign and non-sovereign operations management, manage the performance of teams and individuals, and provide coaching and mentoring, and undertake other activities as designated by CD, DCD and ROC. Coordinate with ROC and Regional Head, PSD.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree or equivalent, in engineering, project management, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 12 years relevant professional experiences; including at least 6 years operational experience in ADB or similar development institutions. Experience in the procurement and administration of works, goods contracts, and consulting service contracts.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Ability for solving difficult implementation problems, supervising complex project review missions, and supporting loan processing.
• Familiarity with country programming
• Experience in the procurement and administration of large works and goods contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in liaison with government officials, non-government agencies, technical specialists, and staff from development partners.
• Great team player, client oriented, and collaborative.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for 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 appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

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 our Strategy 2030.

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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