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 Safeguards Division within the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department provides leadership, innovation, and knowledge sharing for ADB’s sector and thematic work. SDSS provides policy oversight and technical guidance and provides training and capacity support to ADB operations and ADB clients on the implementation of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS).

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior Social Development Specialist (Core Labor Standards) will provide leadership, technical support and good practice knowledge for the development and implementation of ADB policy, standards, and requirements on labor and working conditions, including international core labor standards (CLS). The position will support the implementation and update of ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement, portfolio and project monitoring and review, and the development of good practice knowledge, guidance, training and partnerships. The incumbent will report to the Director of the Safeguards Division and will supervise national and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

Policies and Strategy

• Coordinates and provides technical leadership and guidance on the development of a new policy, standard and requirements on labor and working conditions as part of the update of ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement.
• Supports ADB operations on the implementation of ADB’s policies, standards and requirements on labor and working conditions, including core labor standards.
• Engages with ADB developing member countries (DMCs) on policy and strategy formulation and assess country circumstances.
• Prepares regular reports to ADB Management on the implementation of ADB labor standards.

Technical support and Advice

• Reviews and provides advice to ADB operations and Management on the preparation of ADB financed and supported programs, projects and technical assistance; to ensure compliance with ADB labor related policies and standards and good practices. Review will include documents such as concepts papers, technical assistance reports, poverty and social analysis, social impact assessments, and labor management plans, loan agreements, procurement documents and associated ADB Board documents.
• Participates in activities to support operations departments in policy dialogue, country programming and portfolio review.
• Participates, on a selective basis, in project teams and operations support missions to assist is identifying and addressing labor issues in complex and sensitive projects, and support stakeholder consultations.

Knowledge Develop and Sharing

• Develops knowledge management actions plans for labor and working conditions, working in close cooperation between ADB’s Safeguards Division, Social Development Thematic Group, Gender Equality Thematic Group, NGO and Civil Society Center and ADB operations departments.
• Designs and implements technical assistance; and lead the development and dissemination of targeted knowledge products, resources and associated communications materials and events on labor standards, good practices and lessons from project implementation.
• Leads the design and conducts of training and capacity development for ADB staff, DMCs and clients.
• Participates in and actively contributes to relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.
• Promotes partnerships to share knowledge and experience, including liaising with other multilateral financing institutions, the International Labor Organization, internationally recognized labor unions, civil society organizations and employer associations.

Staff Supervision

• Provides leadership and support to reporting staff.
• Supervises the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction, and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Ensures the ongoing mentoring, learning and development of reporting staff.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in social science, law, industrial relations or other related fields or a University degree in social science, industrial relations, law or other related fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position being considered
• At least 10 years relevant work experience in social development and labor issues
• International experience working in several countries
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of social development and labor issues in several Asian or Pacific countries
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good working knowledge in the operations of multilateral development organizations and executing agencies
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 5

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.