Top ADB jobs categories: Who’s the bank really hiring?

The Asian Development Bank is hiring – and it does so in bulk. Since rolling out a new human resources strategy in early 2010, ADB has intensified its search for the most skilled professionals to fill hundreds of vacancies in focus sectors outlined in the bank’s Strategy 2020. Strategy 2020 tripled the bank’s regional lending to $17 billion and boosted operations in the areas of infrastructure, the environment, regional cooperation and integration, private sector development and education. Of course, ADB continues to work on health, agriculture, emergency assistance and other issues depending on the documented need of recipient countries. Around 500 new positions were lined up last year for hiring over a three-year period. Recruitment needs increased especially in ADBbase countries as ADB seeks to work more closely with project and loan beneficiaries. More than half of ADB’s three-year hiring goals were expected to be local hires, meaning recipient country nationals hired in the field. Core sectors The bulk of ADB’s hiring focuses on the bank’s five core sectors, with the rest is meant to fill – often internally – positions vacated by staff. ADB regularly hires in areas such as accounting, economics, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, governance, information technology, investment, legal, procurement, public sector management, results management, risk management, rural development, social development, transport, treasury, urban development and water resources management. Infrastructure ADB looks for technical experts to lead its transport, energy, irrigation and water supply projects. A background in engineering is usually desired. Environment “Hot” areas for hiring include climate change, clean energy and green modes of transportation. Specialists in renewable energy, urban transport, urban planning, resettlement, environmental impact assessment, social safeguards and climate change adaptation stand out. Regional cooperation and integration Specialists are required to have university degrees in development studies, economics, political science, public policy, public administration or other related fields. A post-graduate degree and 10 years of international experience as manager or coordinator of development assistance programs gives you an edge. Private sector development ADB focuses on regulatory reform, policy reform, direct private sector transactions and public-private partnerships. Specialists need, at minimum, a degree in business administration, economics or related fields. Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in private sector financing, funds mobilization and project administration. Education On education, specialists will lead, identify, develop, implement and administer loans, technical assistance projects, and non-lending products and services. At least six years of relevant professional experience is required. Overall qualifications In general, ADB is targeting “high-caliber, motivated, client-responsive” staff with strong background – and commitment – in alleviating poverty in Asia and the Pacific. Most vacancies are for mid-career professionals aged 35 to 50 who hold a graduate degree and have at least eight years of work experience. Experience working with ADB, even as a temporary consultant, or working in the nonprofit or private sector is considered a plus. Strong academic background and experience in research or analytical work in developing countries may also help a candidate stand out, according to ADB recruiters. The bank evaluates job candidates’ technical skills as well as behavioral competencies. Innovation, communication, accountability, credibility and problem-solving skills are but some of the areas considered in determining whether an applicant is the right fit for the bank. “We seek people that are able to translate their knowledge into practical things that will work on the ground,” Alessandro Pio, a lead architect of ADB’s HR strategy, told Devex last year. “You may be a very brilliant theoretical economist or construction engineer but, then, you have to be able to work elbow-to-elbow with our governments, with our executing agencies and with the people in the field to translate all these ideas into something that day-by-day will work and withstand the difficulties of working in the development environment.” >> ADB to Hire Hundreds A focus on women Women are especially encouraged to apply, as the bank works toward achieving a gender balance among its staff. The rate of women holding senior level positions rose from 5 percent in 1998 to 17 percent in 2010. “This is a great environment. The management is very sensitive to the requirements of women,” said Andrea Iffland, director of ADB’s Pacific sector operations and member of the bank’s Professional Women’s Committee. Those interested in ADB jobs should register with the ADB Recruitment Center, whose website contains the profiles of at least 15,000 professionals. Read more ADB career advice: - ADB’s Work-Life Balance for Staff - ADB Entry- and Senior-Level Staffing: A Conversation with Rajat Nag - ADB to Define its Ideal Employee - ADB Jobs: What You Need to Know - ADB Unveils New HR Strategy - ADB to Hire Hundreds - Development Banks’ Young Professionals Programs: What You Need to Know Read more career advice articles.