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 vacancy is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and residents of India.

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 India Resident Mission (INRM) within the South Asia Department (SARD). INRM assists in the project implementation of loans and technical assistance (TA) projects and supports the ADB HQ in processing new loans in India. This position will support the economics team of INRM in tasks related to knowledge management and skills development.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior Project Officer (Transport) provides in-depth technical expertise, leadership, and operations support in project processing and implementation in the transport sector with focus on urban metros, regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) and railways. Consistent with ADB Strategy 2030 and ADB transport directional guide, the position leads or support initiatives in strengthening and incorporating urban planning elements in railway ecosystem projects. The position covers (i) direct administration of delegated loan and TA projects; (ii) assistance in the processing and administration of non-delegated projects; (iii) assistance in the overall monitoring of the status and performance of the ADB’s Indian portfolio (delegated and non-delegated projects in the sector); and (iv) undertaking sector work, including in the areas of programming, processing and analysis. The position assists on upstream knowledge work and technical review of projects in the transport sector to support downstream project development. The incumbent will report to Country Director and/or designated international staff (IS) and supervise administrative staff (AS).

Responsibilities

Project Administration

• Leads all activities related to the direct administration of delegated loan projects including supervision of recruitment of consultants, review of draft bidding documents, bid evaluation reports, and award of contracts and monitoring of physical progress.
• Administers implementation of assigned projects in the transport (urban metro and railways) sector by undertaking regular review and other missions, monitoring progress, actively identifying issues and taking actions to address them.
• Provides advice to executing and implementing agencies (EAs and IAs) on ADB guidelines on procurement, recruitment of consultants, preparation of bid documents, etc., and helps to resolve problems.
• Explains ADB's Anti-Corruption Policy to executing agencies and assists in ensuring ADB projects are implemented with a sufficient degree of oversight and transparency to deter fraudulent acts.
• Monitors compliance with loan covenants including those related to sector reforms and ADB safeguard policies.
• Undertakes internal project administration activities for the assigned projects.

Project Processing

• Participates in ADB’s processing missions for the designated transport sector projects.
• Provides inputs on technical matters such as urban transport planning, project design criteria, innovations, cost estimates, and implementation and cost recovery arrangements.
• Prepares procurement plans and other procurement related matters such as review of bid documents, project implementation arrangements and project implementation schedule.
• Provides sector information, as required, follows up issues for fact-finding, appraisal, negotiation, and Board presentation.
• Leads in loan negotiations whenever nominated as Loan Negotiating Team Member. Provides sector inputs to the Financial and Governance Unit of INRM in reviewing various proposals (such as concept papers, Report and Recommendation to the President (RRPs), etc.) of PSOD and SAPF in the transport sector. Provides support for carrying out policy dialogues with the government on sector and institutional issues.
• Prepares relevant sections of the RRP, Project Administration Manual and supporting documents.

Programming

• Provides support to country programming missions by participating in discussions with state governments, line ministries and EAs on the details of the proposed assistance in the transport sector and following up issues with concerned ministries and EAs.
• Participates in consultation and programming missions.
• Follows up on outstanding issues with concerned ministries and EAs.
• Assists in the preparation of background notes for the proposed lending and non-lending program in the designated sector and for Country Partnership Strategy.

Sector Studies, Policy Dialogues, and Knowledge Works

• Participates in developing and implementing transport sector strategy and assist in country-specific policy work; keeps abreast with latest policies and developments in transport sector and ensure adequate consideration of these in project planning, design, and implementation.
• Undertakes periodic sectoral analyses and research on specific topics related to the transport sector activities of the various donors to the HQ.
• Keeps tracks of policy and plan developments of the transport (urban metros and railways) sector, including its interface with holistic mobility planning and urban planning with transit-oriented development
• Given technical understanding and knowledge of government policy and plans, provides advice on how to incorporate urban planning elements, transit-oriented development and multimodal mobility solutions in the development and design of railway system projects.
• Contributes to designated transport (sub-)sector work in the field by conducting assigned sector research, updating information on the sector, analyzing sector issues.
• Contributes to policy dialogue in the designated sector with the Government officials, while maintaining close relationships with relevant Government agencies and ADB staff.
• Prepares and comments on transport-related project reports and knowledge work.
• Supports upstream knowledge work or technical review of projects in the transport sector for downstream project development
• Participates in conferences, seminars, workshops related to the designated sector.
• Actively disseminates information on ADB’s transport sector interventions and programs to development stakeholders and the public.

Portfolio Management

• Ensures maintenance of INRM’s Management Information System (MIS) on portfolio performance based on ADB’s LFIS generated and other relevant reports and maintain accurate data on the status of implementation progress of ongoing projects.
• Provides guidance to EAs in preparing the yearly contract award and disbursement targets and to achieve the projected contract award and disbursement targets.
• Monitors performance of contract awards, disbursement, and finance plus elements of the projects, and support addressing any shortfalls.
• Monitors and coordinates with the EAs, the timely submission of monthly/quarterly progress reports, audited project accounts and financial statements, and withdrawal applications.
• Participates in Tripartite Portfolio Review Meetings (TPRM) and prepares background and issue papers for TPRMs.
• Participates in Country Portfolio Review Mission and provides inputs for monitoring overall performance of ADB’s transport sector portfolio, including inputs for pre- and post-mission documentation.

Technical Assistance

• Administers the implementation of assigned TAs by undertaking consultant recruitment and monitoring implementation progress, providing guidance to the TA consultants, providing written comments on TA consultants' deliverables and reports.
• Liaises with the executing agency.
• Participates in tripartite discussions with the government.

PCRs/TCRs

• Prepares Project Completion Reports and TA Completion Reports as assigned.

Capacity Building

• Supports activities to build the capacity of EAs, including assessing and monitoring implementation capacity, identifying weaknesses and proposing short- and long-term needs, and liaising capacity development programs conducted by ADB.
• Takes a lead role in working with sector teams and INRM Capacity and Resource Development Center to identify and create new knowledge products and services in line with changing priorities

Others

• Produces reports, as required, on the tasks undertaken in relation to the above.
• Provides guidance to junior officers to facilitate work planning, work execution and quality control. Performs other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent’s work plan.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in transport or urban planning, civil engineering, or any relevant field, preferably with relevant master's degree or equivalent
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated expertise in project management and implementation within transport in particular urban metro, RRTS and railways sub-sector; and at least 4 years of supervisory experience
• Experience and knowledge of various stages of the project cycle (project planning, feasibility analysis, detailed design, project implementation, construction supervision, contract management) is desirable
• Good grasp of urban mobility solutions, transit-oriented development, multimodal integration, non-motorized transport, inclusive design and decarbonization of transport to effectively understand the sector and projects
• Sound knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures
• Familiarity with accepted best practices of procurement and disbursement processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required
• Good knowledge in commercial and administration matter
• Familiarity with local languages and institutions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in team-oriented environment.
• Ability to take initiative and work proactively
• Ability to demonstrate thorough, substantial and diverse abilities to undertake a variety of assignments, and to generally work with minimal supervision
• Flexibility/willingness to perform variety of tasks and expand the scope of work and responsibilities as needed
• Proficiency in the use of technology packages (common word-processing, spreadsheets and graphics, PowerPoint and web-browsing and search engines
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for National Staff Levels 3.

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.