Principal Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Job Vacancy | Friday, September 12, 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 Principal Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist is assigned to the Climate Change, Resilience and Environment Cluster (CCRE) within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Director, Disaster Risk Management and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Disaster Risk Management Specialist, you will contribute to the implementation of ADB's DRM policy and operational framework as provided in ADB's Disaster and Emergency Assistance Policy (2021) and the DRM Action Plan (2024-2030). The role will involve active support to ADB's developing member countries (DMC) by advancing the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR), disaster preparedness, and disaster risk financing (DRF) components into ADB's country programs and projects, including post-disaster recovery and reconstruction-related projects. The Principal DRM Specialist will ensure implementation of ADB-wide standards and approaches on implementing disaster risk management (DRM) measures through sovereign and non-sovereign operations. The position will support the Director, Disaster Risk Management in initiating and managing cutting-edge knowledge work on priority and emerging DRM-related issues in Asia and the Pacific, to influence future ADB operations and developing member countries (DMCs). The position will also engage with external partners for joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogues; and represent ADB's DRM team at regional and international fora, as needed.

You will:

a. Strategic development

• Support the Director, DRM in expanding the scale and scope of the DRM portfolio at ADB, including guiding development and implementation of relevant approach papers, strategic documents, tools and methodologies.
• Provide technical support to the preparation of DRM-related country or sub-regional assessments to inform Country Partnership Strategy and country programming consultations leading to pipeline development on DRM-related investment opportunities across sectors.
• Lead by example on developing and implementing integrated approaches, including very close coordination with the climate change adaptation team on managing risks from extreme events and compound events, as well as the environment team on nature-based DRM interventions.

b. Technical leadership and support

• Lead on the development and implementation of relevant technical assistance related to DRM and support sector groups and others in developing and implementing related operational programs and projects. Provide technical expertise and work with colleagues to ensure that goals and strategies in DRM are taken up by project teams.
• Provide technical expertise and work in developing financial mechanisms to scale investments related to DRM. This may include DRR, DRF, resilience-linked financing and others.
• Promote a One ADB approach to work in partnership with regional departments, resident missions, sector groups, private sector and other departments to find collaborative solutions to complex development agenda issues to integrate DRM.
• In coordination with results measurement leads, support development of metrics, tracking and reporting frameworks for ADB DRM projects and strategic program.
• Support the Director, DRM in providing leadership for overall implementation, monitoring and reporting on the DRM team's annual work plan, including high-level policy advice on both short-term and long-term DRM issues in relation to ADB's strategic development objectives and Bank-wide operations. This includes acting as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in the absence of Director, DRM.

c. Knowledge Management

• Develop, review, synthesize, the most relevant scientific knowledge, cutting edge innovations in the DRM space and stay abreast of the latest developments in climate, disaster and environment policy dialogue and disseminate this knowledge as appropriate.
• In coordination with knowledge management leads, develop knowledge products, services, and partnerships to promote DRM mainstreaming in ADB operations.
• Develop capacity development programs and training sessions for project staff and stakeholders on DRM, DRR, DRF, and resilience practices. Support the organization and delivery of knowledge sharing/learning events.

d. Partnership

• Manage and harness global/regional partnerships (MDBs, donors, UN agencies, private sector, academia, NGOs/CSOs and other development partners) to enhance ADB's delivery of DRM solutions to DMC clients, and contribute ADB's tacit knowledge to the global community where applicable.
• Provide corporate knowledge support, including reporting, briefing papers, speeches, talking points and support corporate initiatives on DRM.

Qualifications

You will need:

● Master's Degree, or equivalent, in DRM, economics, structural engineering, actuarial science, social sciences, urban planning, public sector management and finance, or other related fields are preferred; or University degree in related fields combined with additional specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
● At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in DRM policy, strategy, and operations work. International experience working in several countries.
● Understanding of DRM in a development context.
● Understanding of climate change, particularly climate adaptation, and interlinkages with DRM.
● Understanding of multilateral development banks and their strategic objectives in promoting disaster and climate resilience.
● Strong technical knowledge of DMC in climate, DRM and Nature Based Solutions
● Solid understanding of the international policy architecture and regulatory frameworks for DRM and resilient development.
● Strong multi-disciplinary competence and experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Has proven management capability and well-established leadership track record in international institutions.
● Strong track record of being a proven team player and open to new initiatives.
● Written and verbal proficiency in English.
● Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI3

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 (for international staff)

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 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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