Advisor, COSO Concurrently Head, Portfolio Management Unit

Job Purpose:

Lead the full range of work on portfolio management issues including policy advice; project management practices; portfolio management systems, analysis and reporting; capacity building for effective project delivery; updating, clarifying, and maintaining consistency on project administration instructions; and interagency coordination. Provides high-level advice and support to the Principal Director (PD) in carrying out the Office’s work program with particular focus on portfolio management matters. Manage the Central Operations Services Portfolio (COSP) unit’s output. Work within a broad concept and framework to define own scope of objectives and activities, applying a high level of autonomy in selecting appropriate methods and approaches.

Expected Outcomes

A. Policy and business processes
- Advise the PD on portfolio and project management policy issues and associated business practices in coordination with the Strategy and Policy Department and other departments
- Advise the Project Processing and Portfolio Management (P3M) working groups, and other information technology initiatives supporting portfolio management.
- Lead the coordination with other development partners to harmonize policies and procedures around portfolio performance issues.

B. Portfolio and project management
- Lead and ensure high quality, independent advice on ADB’s portfolio is provided to the Board, Management, and heads of departments in a timely manner.
- Advise user departments on maintaining effective quality control mechanisms for the design and monitoring framework and project administration manual.
- Advise user departments on the use of project performance management systems for improved measurement and reporting on results.
- Advise user departments on the use of project administration instructions including updating as required.
- Advise COSO project and portfolio management specialists and procurement specialists on portfolio management issues.

C. Capacity building and knowledge sharing
- Advise on the quality of design and delivery on tailored training to ADB staff and government officials to develop project and portfolio management skills in accordance with ADB policies and procedures.
- Lead the development and implementation of guidelines for preparation of design and monitoring frameworks.
- Lead the provision of DMF clinics/training to staff.
- Contribute substantially to internal and external knowledge sharing events on portfolio management issues.

D. Programming and administration
- Advise the PD on the preparation of COSO’s annual budget and work plans.
- Lead work planning and quality control of COSP outputs.
- Advise the PD on requests from BPMSD and SPD on ADB-wide programming issues

E. Management and oversight
- Manage assessments of ADB’s portfolio performance and providing reports (regular and ad hoc) on portfolio status.
- Oversee the management/development of ADB’s automated project management system (CMS, CSRN, new P3M system, etc) and other selected databases.
- Oversee the provision of training activities in the areas for result-based project design, procurement and consulting services, business opportunities seminars and fairs.
- Oversee the management of networks including CoP Operations and Operations Review Meeting – Portfolio secretariat. Manage the project administration instruction system including updating as required
- Manage RETAs. Perform other advisory and coordination related work as assigned by PD, COSO

F. Staff Supervision
- Manage the performance of the COSP staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to COSP team members and ensure their on-going learning and development.

Educational Requirements:

Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Social Sciences or related fields; or University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Social Sciences or related fields, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements:

- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
- At least 15 years of relevant experience and demonstrated technical competence related to the assigned sector/area
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- International experience working in several countries

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Develops and shares new theories and applications
- Develops other specialists in ADB and client organizations as a subject matter expert
- Convinces sophisticated clients to follow ADB’s technical advice
- Focuses on creating depth in area of technical expertise within ADB

Client Orientation
- Leads complex client negotiations to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes
- Guides others on how to effectively involve diverse groups of stakeholders and clients in strategic planning
- Ensures consistent client satisfaction, particularly in highly sensitive and complex situations
- Proactively manages relationships with decision makers and opinion leaders that contributes to achieving ADB’s goals

Achieving Results and Problem Solving
- Conducts complex analyses and reviews to achieve planned results
- Integrates projects and programs contributing to sector, country, and regional results
- Identifies and plans for future issues in programs and initiatives
- Designs operational processes, resources, and systems, to deliver higher quality results at lower cost
- Manages for results by planning staff resources, implementing, monitoring, and reporting outcomes

Working Together
- Leads the achievement of interdepartmental or multi-client project goals
- Builds sustainable and productive long-term relationships with strategic partners at Ministerial, Central Agency and Sector level while appreciating differing objectives and concerns
- Actively manages potential team conflict situations before they arise
- Builds a safe environment within teams where staff and clients feel comfortable to openly share differing views and opinions

Communication and Knowledge Sharing
- Diligently seeks and acts on feedback from internal and external stakeholders
- Consistently provides the appropriate level and amount of communication to internal and external stakeholders
- Develops approaches for information access and the dissemination of relevant knowledge solutions
- Stimulates the formation of novel and useful knowledge products and services

Innovation and Change
- Acts as a change sponsor to win the support of those who are resistant to Strategy 2020 or organizational changes
- Persuasively communicates the reasons for organization change, addressing concerns and encouraging thinking beyond possible immediate personal inconveniences
- Anticipates the need for changes in policies and procedures to increase the effectiveness of ADB’s assistance
- Drives the development of a continuous improvement and openness to change culture throughout ADB

Managing Staff 
- Ensures consistent and transparent application of staff policies in all situations, even when challenged by stakeholders
- Proactively manages the performance of all staff by delivering meaningful feedback about strengths, development areas, and performance issues at all opportunities
- Prioritizes staff management by building an open and supportive environment where all staff are focused on results, even in difficult situations
- Motivates staff to collaboratively achieve Departmental results and collectively share achievements
- Considers team strengths, development priorities, and divisional accountabilities, when distributing tasks and accountabilities

Leadership and Strategic Thinking
- Aligns words with actions
- Seeks opportunities to gain support and buy-in from internal and external stakeholders for ADB’s vision, mission and strategy
- Motivates others who are unclear or not aligned with the priorities of Strategy 2020 by explaining the rationale and big picture supporting objectives
- Sought out to assist in aligning Departmental and organizational strategies and work plans with the needs of Strategy 2020
- Consistently involves current and potential stakeholders in designing and managing organizational changes needed to achieve ADB’s strategic objectives

Accountability
- Consistently assumes responsibility for Divisional or Departmental actions by explaining successes, failures, and proposing remedial actions
- Invests significant time in creating a culture of accountability and responsibility by using experience and advice to guide others
- Share accountability to improve the Division or Departmental performance and effectiveness
- Quickly manages and resolves situations when accountabilities are not met

Inspiring Trust and Integrity
- Expresses views and behaves that enforces ADB values and inspires others to follow
- Establishes an environment that encourages open communication and responsible information sharing
- Delivers on commitments, obligations, and promises
- Avoids abuse of power or authority in any circumstance
- Consistently applies and upholds ADB rules and code of conduct
- Takes prompt and consistent action to address unprofessional, improper, or unethical behavior, including possible misconduct and violations to ADB’s anticorruption policy
- Acts promptly to address any situations of perceived, potential, or actual conflicts of interest
- Maintains confidentiality of information in accordance with ADB rules

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

- Supervisor: Principal Director, Central Operations Services Office (COSO)
- The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
- International Staff
- National Staff
- Administrative Staff

Women are encouraged to apply.