Transport Specialist

Job Vacancy | Monday, March 31, 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 Transport Specialist is assigned to the Transport Sector Office within the Sectors Department 1. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to the Director, Transport Sector and will oversee national staff and administrative staff.

Your Role

The Transport Specialist contributes to articulation and implementation of policies and strategies for the transport sector in developing member countries (DMCs). Process and administer transport sector assistance projects, technical assistance (TA), and non-lending products and services (NLPS) to support sustainable and efficient transportation projects. You will ensure project identification, preparation, appraisal, documentation, and compliance with ADB's policies, operations manuals, project administration instructions, and assistance-related documentations during the implementation of loans, TA, and NLPS for the transport projects. You will work with other teams and resource departments, and externally with clients and oversee critical tasks, as may be assigned from time-to-time. You will report to the Director, SG-TRA and may oversee national staff (NS) and administrative staff (AS).

You will:

• Conduct dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders of DMCs on transport sector issues and projects and help prepare indicative country pipeline and monitoring report.
• Support project identification, preparation, appraisal, documentation, and compliance with ADB's policies, operations manuals, project administration instructions, and related documentation.
• Ensure that climate change impacts sustainability, best engineering practices including high technology and appropriate technology, safety, and efficiency are realistically incorporated in project design for implementation.
• Work with borrowers/clients, provide guidance and help formulate, plan, and prepare high quality documents related to the projects (e.g., project concept papers, TA papers, RRP and linked documents).
• Assist Project Team Leaders (PTLs) in the above functions, and lead such activities when assigned to be the PTL.
• Address issues raised as queries, comments, and suggestions from internal review including from senior management, and address issues raised by direct and indirect stakeholders.
• Coordinate with development agencies on loans, TA, and NLPS for compliance with ADB's project preparation, appraisal, and implementation requirements.
• Coordinate with Regional Departments, Resident Missions, Office of Safeguards, and Climate Change Sustainable Development Department in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for the Transport sector.
• Establish and maintain a monitoring system, report on project progress, and perform such administrative tasks as are reasonably assigned in consonance with such functions.
• Participate in the network activities in transport sector, share knowledge, and stay informed about the latest developments and issues.
• Contribute to activities for advocacy, sharing and knowledge building around transport and development issues.
• Lead reporting staff, including their performance and development.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SG-TRA and across Sector Offices.
• Work on rotation across different teams for knowledge and analytical work in the first few years as directed by TRA management.

Qualifications

You will need:

• A University degree in civil, highway, or transportation engineering, transport economics or finance, transport policy or planning, sustainable transport; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in the transport sector including international work experience in urban transport, railways, logistics, climate change, private sector participation/financing, or other emerging areas.
• Knowledge of transport and communications development issues in Asia. Good expertise within a specific area of ADB's operations (economic, sector or thematic), or scope across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• Experience in the tasks needed in the preparation of investment projects, including project identification and conceptualization, analysis of relevant policies, preparing studies and reports, and coordination with external stakeholders, consultants, and government agencies.
• Experience working with teams of professionals such as for technical, social, and environmental safeguards, economic assessments, procurement, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficient or advanced competency level in Client Orientation, Achieving Results and Problem Solving and Knowledge Sharing.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 1.

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)

Additional Information

This position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful candidates may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other groups or departments when required.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew for an initial period of 3 years following Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may be renewed for a period of up to three years, or not renewed. There is no limit on the number of renewals. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

Multiple positions may be filled from this advertisement.

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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