IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Close relatives1 of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.

1Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle

Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion must have served at their position for at least one year and must have normally served at their personal level for at least two years immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date. Applicants for lateral transfer must have served at their position and personal level for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (reference A.O. 2.03, paragraphs 5.8 and 5.9).

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e. from AS to NS, or from NS to IS) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new level, they will return to the level occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.

1. Multiple positions at various levels will be filled from this vacancy announcement.
2. Actual position title and level will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and job scope that will be assigned to the selected candidates
3. At the senior level, the incumbent will take on a lead role.
4. The positions are to be assigned to the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD), but selected candidates may be redeployed/reassigned to the Operational Departments.

ERCD is also recruiting for the Young Professionals Program and applications may be submitted through this link before deadline on 15 Nov 2022: https://www.adb.org/careers/220549

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 Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD), undertakes policy-oriented research, support, and capacity building work on a wide range of issues relating to growth and inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. ERCD produces several flagship publications including the Asian Development Outlook, Asian Economic Integration Report, and Key Indicators; surveys developments in regional economies and capital markets; develops tools for improved monitoring, forecasting, and evaluation; provides support to ADB’s operations departments, senior management, and member economies; and spearheads policy-relevant research on topics in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and development.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Economist/Senior Economist will prepare analytical work and/or take the lead in conducting research work on policy-relevant issues of strategic interest to ADB Management and its developing members. The incumbent will contribute substantially to the generation and dissemination of research outputs and publications and provide technical and analytical support to ADB operations. The incumbent will report to the Division Director and will supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

Economic Research and Operational Support

• Undertake applied research on a variety of issues in development, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and international economics, with an emphasis on analytical and policy-relevant empirical studies, particularly on the department’s current research priorities which include economic integration; poverty and inequality; digital economy; macro and financial stability; climate change and sustainable development; and skills and the future work. Experience in data science and working with very large datasets is welcomed.
• Contribute to/lead the design and implementation of research outputs and publications, including ADB’s flagship publications, thematic reports, policy briefs, working papers, and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Coordinate/lead the internal review and provide substantive advice and comments on the economic rationale and quality of economic analysis in ADB’s country strategies, programs, and projects; contribute to health, environment, and other related social sector-specific policy and related documents.
• Provide technical and analytical support in areas of research expertise to ADB operations, including collaborating with ADB operational departments and country offices, reviewing institutional documents, and participating in review meetings and operational missions as necessary.

• Participate in teams preparing ADB flagship publications and other projects.

• Participate/lead in the development and delivery of internal and external training programs for ADB staff and relevant government officials.

Project Management

• At the senior level, oversee and carry out the design, implementation and administration of technical assistance projects for DMCs on empirically rigorous policy analysis across a broad range of areas.

Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the dissemination of ADB knowledge outputs and publications.
• Support the capacity building work of ERCD

• Undertake collaborative research, dissemination, networking, and capacity building activities with specialists across a global network of knowledge institutions and with other ADB knowledge and operations departments.
• Participate/lead and contribute to relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.

Staff supervision

• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff.

• Participate in/lead multi-disciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of their work.
• Supervise the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• A post-graduate degree (preferably Doctorate level) in Economics or related fields, with strong background in empirical analysis and policy-focused research.
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
• At least years of relevant professional experience is required at the entry grade level and minimum 10 years at the senior level.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, including international experience working in several countries.
• Evidence of high-quality research output and track record of publications in international peer-reviewed professional journals.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual skills in economics.
• Good understanding of ADB’s institutional context, strategies, priorities, and objectives.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in teams, on a variety of topics, and to tight deadlines.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 2, Level 3 to 4, and 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.

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