Principal Environment Specialist
Job Vacancy | Tuesday, May 23, 2023
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).
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.
The position is assigned in the Portfolio, Results and Quality Control Unit within the Office of the Director General in the Pacific Department (PARD). PARD is responsible for sovereign operations of ADB in Pacific developing member countries and PAOD-PRQ is responsible for (i) monitoring the departmental portfolio and reporting results delivered, and support implementation, (ii) providing capacity development programs, procurement, contract management and project management guidance/support, and financial management and safeguards support during processing and implementation of projects/programs, and (iii) providing oversight to maintain the quality of assistance processed, or administered conforming with ADB's policies and procedures through quality review of relevant documents for operations in the Pacific developing member countries (Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu).
Job Purpose
The Principal Environment Specialist will lead the Safeguards Team (ST) of the assigned region and will leverage on specialized knowledge and experience to support the planning and development of ADB safeguards policies on environment and involuntary resettlement and/or Indigenous Peoples. He/she will lead the operational coordination on safeguards to ensure policy compliance during project preparation and implementation. Take the lead in the development and management of projects and Technical Assistance (TA) for capacity building and work closely with the department management in the identification of opportunities for potential ADB support. Supports ADB’s goal of poverty reduction and sustainable development and provide assistance as needed for applying safeguards knowledge to the development of tasks. The incumbent will report to Advisor, PARD and Head, PAOD-PRQ, and under the NOM the CCO-Safeguards Office, and may supervise National and Administrative Staff.
Responsibilities
Overall Coordination
- Leads and coordinates the region’s safeguards team’s efforts in providing advice on, strengthening implementation of, building capacity in, and advancing the safeguards policies within the specified Region and in an ADB-wide context.
- Leads and coordinates the preparation of a strategic framework and work plan to build and sustain the departments’ effectiveness in addressing safeguards issues in country program development and loan processing/administration.
- Works with the management and the other members of the department’s safeguards team to ensure that appropriate resources and capacity are deployed to effectively cover the safeguards policies of projects in preparation and implementation within the Department.
- Leads and facilitates as needed liaison and contact with clients, non-government organizations (NGOs), other development partners, multi-IFI Community of Practice working groups, regional forums such as Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) Safeguards Working Group, and within ADB, including coordinating responses to NGO‘s complaints.
- Leads initiatives for public information and disclosure on matters relating to social and environmental safeguards.
Safeguards Policy Compliance
- Provides guidance to operation line divisions in developing, structuring and monitoring safeguards policy compliance of projects during processing and implementation.
- Tracks and supervises project and operational matters for monitoring of safeguards policy compliance. Addresses complex safeguards implementation issues including project related complaints, and new or updates to country safeguard systems (e.g., laws, policies, regulations and procedures).
- Leads, identifies, and reports on projects with high safeguards sensitivity or asscoiated risks. Coordinates with project teams on formulation and monitoring of action plans and work with government counterparts on solutions to safeguard issues and challenges.
- Leads on implementation of PRIF’s The Shared Approach to Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts in Infrastructure Projects in the Pacific.
Guidance and Advisory Function
- Provides technical advice and guidance to project teams in (i) planning for and undertaking due diligence for environment and social safeguards in project/program preparatory technical assistance (PPTAs), including screening and categorization, the undertaking appropriate due diligence (commensurate with the level or risks and impacts) inputs to the report and recommendation of the President (RRPs)and safeguards related linked documents, and monitoring reports during implementation; and in (ii) addressing the requirements on the different thematic areas under safeguards including the new standards (e.g. pollution prevention and management, biodiversity conservation, occupational health and safety, stakeholder engagement);
- Participates in project missions during project processing and implementation and contributesto discussions with DMCs on safeguards requirements of projects, alignment and compliance with country systems, status of implementation of environmental and social management plans, and corrective actions if needed.
- Ensures DMCs understand the alignment, and any differences, between ADB safeguards policies and country safeguard system requirements and additional measures required to ensure that the safeguard policies are fully complied with.
- Oversees the preparation. Compilation and analsyis of safeguards information and statistics from the field offices’ project portfolio, including on projects with high safeguards sensitivity or associated risks.
- Works with department management and the safeguards team to identify areas of work beyond safeguards where safeguards may be catalyses for new lending products and to develop projects or programs.
- Leads and coordinates the region/departments’ participation in safeguard policy/Operation Manual (OM) formulation and review.
- Represents the region in high level discussions on policies, strategies and issues relating to safeguards
Capacity Building
- Leads, develops and administers as needed technical assistance (TA) and other training programs for safeguards capacity building. Acts as the project development lead and work with safeguards team to identify areas of work beyond safeguards where safeguards and environmental sustainability may be catalyzers for new lending products.
- Manages TA 6597-REG (due for completion on 15-Nov-25) and closely coordinates with PRIF on the regional capacity development strategy implementation coordinator role financed between ADB and PRIF.
- Takes charge in identifying, assessing, and monitoring the overall capacity building needs on safeguards within the region/department, including divisions and resident missions, and among clients. Coordinates with the Safeguards Office and BPMSD on the same.
Policy Review and Knowledge Sharing
- Provides technical knowledge and experience to support internal and external training, as well as contributing to conferences on safeguards capacity development initiatives and successes and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
- Implements a wider coordination approach to safeguards implementation, knowledge sharing and capacity building with wider ADB safeguards office and regional organizations such as PRIF , Secretariat for Pacific Environment Program, University of South Pacific etc.
Staff Supervision
- Takes the role of coach to develop capabilities/potential of reporting staff.
- Supervises the performance of reporting staff with oversight from a more senior staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
- Plans and ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.
Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements
- Master’s degree in Environmental Planning/Engineering, Anthropology, Sociology, Applied Social Science, Environmental Science or other related specialized fields. University degree in Environmental Planning/Engineering, Anthropology, Sociology, Applied Social Science, Environmental Science or other related fields, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s or at least 10 years ADB work experience, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree
- At least 12 years of safeguards work at senior levels including development and implementation of ESIA and ESMP and review of the same, development and implementation of resettlement plans and review of the same and delivery of various capacity building and/or training in various aspects of safeguards, Experience managing multidisciplinary ESIA and/or RP teams will be considered an advantage. International work experience. Experience with project implementation cofinanced or parallel financed by multiple development partners will be considered an advantage
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the linkages between environmental, social development and cultural issues, and experience in land acquisition and involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples issues and safeguards in several Asia-Pacific countries. Experience working in the Pacific region is an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS6.
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.
