Director, Environment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ADB will be rolling-out its operating model which may result in the change of department/group and/or reporting arrangement(s). By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the new operating model (NOM).

This is a senior staff fixed-term appointment for a period of 3 years. This vacancy is open to internal and external applicants. If an external candidate is selected, the appointment may be extended for a period of up to 3 years per extension, or not renewed. In case of extension, staff may continue in the position for another term of up to 3 years, or be reassigned to any suitable position in ADB.

The same terms and conditions also apply to a selected internal candidate. In addition, if the staff selected has a regular appointment, staff will retain the regular appointment and his/her selection will be considered an assignment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. If the staff selected has a fixed term appointment, his/her appointment will cease, and he/she will be given a new fixed term appointment for an initial term of 3 years. Fixed-term appointments or assignments are subject to terms and conditions determined by ADB as indicated in all relevant policies.

Overview

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 68 members.

This position is assigned in the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD) which leads the development of policy, strategy, operational plans and guidelines, and knowledge products in the bank’s thematic areas. The thematic areas include: (i) climate change, resilience, and environment (CCRE), covering climate change, disaster risk management (DRM), and environmental sustainability; (ii) gender equality; (iii) fragility and engagement; (iv) digital technology for development; and (v) regional cooperation and integration (RCI) and trade. The Department is responsible for (i) setting strategic directions in the five thematic areas and monitoring the bank’s progress and performance in achieving its goals, (ii) integrating thematic priorities into ADB’s operations across the various sectors, and (iii) engaging and convening external partners on thematic issues to amplify the bank’s impact and leverage its resources.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here. (Please note this chart is subject to change as the bank is currently in the midst of transition to a New Operating Model.)

Job Purpose

The Director, Environment will demonstrate strategic vision, provide direction, and deepen ADB’s position as a regional and global thought leader in the area of environmental sustainability. The incumbent will lead the planning, implementation, and supervision of the environment team’s goals and work plans that focus on ADB’s priorities on environment at the corporate level as well as in ADB country and sector operations. The incumbent will oversee the monitoring and coordinating of the team’s responsibilities in providing expertise on environmental sustainability with a view to enhancing ADB’s impact across the sectors and developing member countries (DMCs). The incumbent will also exercise leadership and guidance to staff in ensuring a high quality of work to achieve the team’s objectives. The Director, Environment will report to the Senior Director, CCRE, and supervise International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads the strategic planning, work plan implementation, special activities, and other initiatives, of the Environment Thematic Group.
• Builds a vibrant community of practice for other job family groups to contribute their expertise in environmental sustainability, including staff from the safeguards office.
• Provides technical leadership for the Environment Thematic Group, contributing to the implementation and operationalization of Strategy 2030 Operational Priority 3 (OP3) on Tackling Climate Change, Building Climate and Disaster Resilience, and Enhancing Environmental Sustainability.
• Builds synergy and complementarities within the OP3 cluster, in particular with the climate change and resilience operations to maximize development outcomes.
• Contributes to the design of flagship programs across the environment space that can serve to build the supporting investment pipeline.
• Fosters cross-sector, cross-thematic collaboration coordinating actively with management members of Sector Groups, Regional Departments, Private Sector Operations, and the new Office of Market Development and Public-Private Partnerships (OMDP).
• Oversees fund mobilization for environment and nature-based solutions across the various development partners, financiers and philanthropists in coordination with CCSD’s partnership funds team.
• Provides substantive inputs and advice on policies, strategies, programs, and projects as may be needed during the course of ADB’s operations.
• Leads the monitoring of implementation of international and regional policy frameworks in relation to ADB’s DMCs vis-a-vis agreements and commitments.
• Leads and support the development, design and delivery of technical assistance (TA) to foster innovative and cross-cutting action to achieve environment goals as envisaged under Strategy 2030.
• Leads and participate in strategic missions in relation to complex projects/TAs or those with high visibility and opportunities for widespread replication.
• Develops more effective and efficient approaches and modalities to mainstream innovative approaches in core ADB financing operations to accomplish environment targets.
• Develops thematic area staffing plans and provide guidance on human resource matters, and resolving personnel issues.
• Contributes to the Environment Thematic Group’s knowledge management, quality assurance, and strategic communication.
• Ensures efficient administrative and operational processes and effective management of the environment team’s budget.
• Provides advice on country and regional work programs.
• Actively participates in the CCSD Management Team.
• Supports the department’s relationship management and coordination with internal stakeholders (Board, Senior Management and other departments) as well as external stakeholders (government, development partners, civil society, and private sector groups in DMCs), particularly with regard to environmental issues.
• Provides advice and recommendations as appropriate on significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in area of responsibility.
• Manages the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance, building a team that demonstrates ADB Values — Client-Centric, Trustworthy, and Transformative.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and ensures their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in Climate Change, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Economics, Social Science or a related field. University degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences or other related fields combined with specialized experience in relevant organizations may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in climate change and environment or a related field at senior levels (e.g. managing large teams), with good knowledge of the Asia Pacific region including international work experience in environmental management and environment and social safeguards and/or capacity development, or a related area.
• Ability to liaise and deal effectively with the Board, Management and senior staff, as well as with senior officials in client governments, collaborator agencies and civil society.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Excellent capabilities in people and talent leadership, strong client and impact orientation, and effective communication.
• Experience in the private sector is preferable.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 7.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.