Senior Energy Specialist (Climate Change)
Job Vacancy | Friday, May 12, 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.
SERD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Southeast Asian region. SEEN deals with policy development, oversight of strategy implementation, knowledge management, budget management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work and most loan and technical assistance processing and administration in the energy sector.
ADB’s deep engagement on the innovative Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) and Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) programs has been growing since 2020. ETM and JETP are separate programs with significant collaboration and coordination, taking into consideration the status and development of each country. ETM utilizes concessional capital from public and private sources to incentivize the early retirement or repurposing of coal-fired power plants—as well as other carbon-intensive power generation—while unleashing new investments in clean energy, grids, and storage. ADB’s work on ETM promotes a just energy transition, protecting the livelihoods of any workers and communities affected by the transition. The JETP program is an innovative approach initiated by the G7 and partner countries for harnessing and pooling diverse financial resources to back overarching climate goals and accelerate the energy transition in selected developing countries with high share of coal use. ETM is active in Indonesia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Pakistan and Kazakhstan and ADB has a leadership role in supporting the JETP secretariat and various activities in Indonesia and may be involved in JETP programs in other ADB member countries.
Job Purpose
The Senior Energy Specialist (Climate Change) will contribute to the SERD’s ongoing and scaled-up initiatives to further mainstream climate change considerations in ADB operations, in particular on the ETM and support to the JETP program. Through support to both ETM and JETP, s/he is expected to leverage on extensive experience and knowledge to develop ADB’s energy sectors strategies in developing member countries (DMCs) with high shares of fossil-based power generation, through contributing to the formulation and implementation of broad policies, principles, goals. The incumbent will lead the formulation and supervision of lending/non-lending operations in the energy sector, applying a high degree of autonomy in selection of work methods and lead in technical and policy dialogue with DMC governments during country programming in identifying activities that will continue to support sector policy and reforms in the energy sector transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
The incumbent will report to Director, SEEN for ETM related matters and to Advisor (JETP) on JETP related matters and will supervise one or more National and Administrative Staff.
Responsibilities
Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) Activities
• Leads discussions with the ETM feasibility study team and core partners and develops strategies to transition from fossil fuel-based power to clean energy sources and infrastructure. This will include program structuring with interlinkages between various elements of the ETM and the specific roles of respective stakeholders.
• Conceptualizes development strategies and develops road maps for the energy transition in the DMCs engaged with ETM, in consultation with relevant government agencies and country resident missions.
• Conducts policy dialog and advises governments on energy transition reforms to ensure efficient use of resources and encourage private sector participation.
• Formulates and prepares the lending and non-lending pipeline of projects in the energy sector.
• Leads the mission team for project processing and ensures key technical, economic, financial and safeguard issues are incorporated into project and program design in coordination with other Departments to ensure full compliance of ADB policies and procedures.
Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Activities
• Supports in the overall implementation of activities and deliverables of ADB in its support roles for JETP secretariat(s).
• Advises on appropriate financing sources and financial instruments to support JETP projects and initiatives based on the International Partner Groups’ (IPG) financial commitments.
• Provides recommendations to the Government(s) on policy and/or legal framework for the implementation of Just Transition plans and activities.
• Reviews and advises on progress reports and deliverables to be submitted to the JETP Government(s) and the respective IPG.
Crosscutting Activities
• Formulates and prepares the lending and non-lending pipeline of projects in the energy sector related to the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
• Supervises the administration of lending and non-lending operations to ensure timely achievement of project outputs, outcome and impact as provided in the Project Design Framework.
• Leads discussions with other development partners and/or commercial banks for co-financing, and with private sector stakeholders for public-private sector partnerships.
• Identifies and develops relevant knowledge products and capacity building opportunities for DMCs to provide useful lessons and opportunities to integrate climate actions in the energy transition planning process and project design and implementation.
• Takes the role of mentor to develop capabilities/potential of reporting staff and/or team members of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Supervises the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to team and individuals and ensures their on-going learning and development.
• Performs other tasks as required and reflected in the annual workplan.
Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements
• Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, economics, finance, business administration, management, social sciences or related fields. Alternatively, university degree in engineering, economics, finance, business administration, management, social sciences or related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in both the energy and climate change fields at senior levels.
• Solid understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation issues within the development context is required, including a good understanding of the challenges and issues that need to be overcome by ADB’s DMCs to effectively transition to clean energy and of the concept of a just and affordable transition.
• Credible expert in field of expertise with recognized ability to lead projects and to share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills to articulate and represent ADB’s activities and directions in meetings, conferences and workshops, dynamically participate in networks, and interact effectively with ADB management, staff, and counterparts in other institutions are required.
• Ability to perform effectively as a mission leader or team lead, exercising supervision, coordination, and planning responsibilities over a multi-disciplinary team/unit.
• Ability to mentor team members, providing guidance and advice on project or technical-related matters.
• Ability to coach team members to develop their capabilities/potential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• 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.
Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.
