Country Operations Head

Job Vacancy | Monday, March 24, 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 Country Operations Head is assigned in the Myanmar Resident Mission (MYRM) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). You will report to the Country Director (CD), MYRM, with matrix reporting to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination of SERD, and will supervise junior team members.

This is open to internal and external applicants.

For internal candidates: Your assignment to MYRM will be immediate unless the selection involves a change in staff category.

For external candidates and newly appointed international staff: You will initially be based at ADB Headquarters in Manila for one year before moving to MYRM Resident Mission Office in Yangon.

Your Role

As Country Operations Head, you will assist the CD, MYRM in the sound management of operations. You will coordinate country programming, humanitarian projects processing and implementation, economic studies, knowledge management, quality assurance portfolio management and organize the provision of operations services to project teams. As Myanmar is in a conflict situation, you will also assist CD, MYRM with security, safety matters including conflict analysis.

You will:

Country portfolio management and programming

• Be responsible for management and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign and humanitarian projects operations (programming, pipeline and portfolio management) at country level to achieve country Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Oversee processing, implementation, and reporting on humanitarian projects at the country level. Given the evolving situation in Myanmar, closely monitor ongoing humanitarian projects to ensure that support is provided to the affected population and to achieve key performance indicators.
• Support CD, MYRM in strengthening collaboration with development partners, the international community, and other key stakeholders to address the development challenges in Myanmar and develop assistance in the country situation.
• Responsible for country economic, thematic, and sector work suitable to strengthen ADB's role in generating relevant knowledge products and services. Oversee the preparation of the Asian Development Outlook and its updates and the Member Information Note.
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and oversee communication and coordination with stakeholders following ADB's approach to Myanmar.
• Support CD, MYRM in assuring operational implementation arrangements are designed to meet ADB approach and country context. Guide sector project teams in the design and processing of operations to ensure that they are delivered following ADB priorities and country approach in the country situation.
• When the situation in Myanmar permits, and ADB operations are allowed to resume, lead country programming. Oversee the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with relevant operational departments and offices. Work with Country Management Team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting and projects that meet client needs and promote ADB's priorities. Maintain pipelines and oversee progress of lending and non-lending by facilitating the work of solutions departments for the delivery of the country program. Jointly with PSOD and OMDP, develop country PSD programs spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. Communicate with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Oversee the preparation of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and CPS reviews from a programming, pipeline, and portfolio management perspective.

Work Planning

• Support CD, MYRM and the country management team in preparation of the Resident Mission's work plan and alignment with regional department KPIs.
• Be the head of the secretariat to the country management team, supporting the country director to implement standard operating procedures for its functioning.
• When the situation in Myanmar permits, and operations are allowed to resume, coordinate the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, and financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change and gender), to ensure support to project teams delivering operations in the country.

Capacity Development

• Organize and provide 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 mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Undertake other activities as designated by CD, MYRM and SERD Regional Head, Operations Coordination. Coordinate with SERD Regional Head, Operations Coordination; Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration; Regional Lead Economist; and Regional Head, Private Sector Development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent in business administration, economics, engineering, finance, public policy, 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 10 years relevant professional experience managing projects, portfolio and pipelines for development institutions. Familiarity with non-sovereign and humanitarian operations is desirable. International experience working in development in several countries.
• Experience working with governments, development partners, and UN agencies.
• Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivities.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 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 (for international staff)

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 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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