Safeguards Officer (Environment)

Job Vacancy | Wednesday, March 11, 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 Safeguards Officer (Environment) is assigned to the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be based at our Pacific Country Office in Port Vila, Vanuatu (VAN PCO).

You will report to the designated international staff from OSFG and VAN PCO.

Your Role

As a Safeguards Officer (Environment), you will independently provide technical support to ensure that assigned sovereign and nonsovereign projects under processing and implementation comply with ADB's environmental safeguard requirements, and play a supporting role in the processing and implementation of social safeguard requirements. You will also support the safeguards policy review, knowledge sharing, administration, and networking.

You will:

Project Management

• At concept review stage, support and contribute to the sector teams by assessing the potential environment safeguards impacts at project identification, conducting environmental due diligence, preparing environment safeguards categorization forms, and preparing terms of reference of consultants.
• During due diligence, conduct preliminary and detailed review of environmental and social impact assessment reports, initial environmental examinations, environmental impact assessments, environmental management plans, labor management plans, environmental and social management systems, environmental compliance audits, and environmental assessment and review frameworks.
• Advise borrower/clients on the incorporation of environment safeguards in the design and implementation of capital markets, financial and infrastructure sector projects, and on requirements and methods to enhance the quality of various environmental and health and safety plans to ensure compliance.
• During project administration, lead safeguard review missions for assigned projects by compiling relevant project data; visiting the project site, documenting meetings with the borrower/client, consultants and affected persons; providing inputs in the preparation of back to office reports; conducting a desk review of progress reports, monitoring reports; recommending actions, and measuring and evaluating compliance of projects.
• Support the identification, monitoring and reporting to OSFG, sector group and regional departments on assigned projects with high environmental safeguards sensitivity.
• Assess the ability of country safeguard systems to meet ADB's safeguard requirements and give practical recommendations on how to strengthen system weaknesses as part of country portfolio reviews and country programming.

Policy Review and Knowledge Sharing

• Review relevant ADB policies, operations manuals, staff instructions, guidelines, and handbooks and suggest measures to ensure consistency with SPS policy requirements.
• Support the development of knowledge products and services, including the formulation of policies, guidelines and preparation of handbooks, best practice manuals, etc., by reviewing project design and implementation experiences, liaising with project practitioners and subject-matter experts, and external stakeholders including civil society.
• Update the safeguards team's database of projects to reflect the compliance status of projects, contribute to online project data sheets and information documents as required, and liaise with line division staff to upload the required safeguards documentation for various projects on the ADB website.
• Support OSFG's initiatives on knowledge sharing and capacity building of developing member countries and clients on new safeguard policies, guidance documents and procedures.

Internal and external networking

• Participate in various communities of practice and networks, to keep informed of guidelines and processes of other development banks and share information with OSFG on developments, when necessary.
• Keep OSFG informed of environmental safeguards-related issues, policies, processes and guidelines of other multilateral, bilateral financing and donor institutions.

Administrative support

• Contribute and support the preparation of briefing papers, reports to Management, special reports or studies and to the budget, activity plans and work programs.
• Support the engagement of staff consultants required to support OSFG in reviewing and monitoring compliance with ADB's environmental safeguards requirements.
• Support the administration of TA projects related to environmental safeguards by monitoring progress of TA implementation, contracting consultants, supporting the organization and implementation of conferences and workshops by formulating budget, activity plans and work programs, among other tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related fields; preferably with advanced training
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in an environment safeguard-related field
• Relevant work experience in Vanuatu or the Pacific region.
• Familiarity with relevant safeguard policies and environmental safeguard requirements.
• Proficiency in environmental assessment and other related environmental tools/strategies
• Proven experience applying structured analytical approaches to complex problems, integrating diverse inputs and producing clear, actionable inputs.
• Familiarity with environmental risks associated with project processing and administration
• Capability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage schedules and ensure deliverables are completed within agreed timelines.
• Capability to build and maintain good relationships with colleagues and stakeholders internally and externally in a multicultural environment.
• Capability to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and a local language (as applicable)
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL5

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 (if applicable)
• 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 opening is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and permanent residents of Vanuatu.

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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