Senior Urban Development Specialist - Asian Development Bank - Manila, Philippines

Urban Development and Water Division, CWRD, Central and West Asia Department

Closing Date: 19 March 2013 , 5:00 p.m. (1700 Manila Time, 0900 GMT)

Job Purpose:

Lead in the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on urban sector development and urban environmental improvement in Central and West Asia region, with focus on two critical areas: urban water supply and sanitation, and solid waste management. In addition, the position will also focus on inclusive and green cities development, urban and regional planning, and urban/municipal infrastructure management and relevant sector governance reforms.
Lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing and administering loans, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) for the urban sector in developing member countries (DMCs).
Engage in dialogue with the governments on urban development and private sector participation in the provision of such services. Work within general policies, principles and goals, working directly with clients.

Expected Outcomes

a. Strategy and Planning

• Formulate and/or coordinate development of strategies in DMCs of urban sector policy and strategies for urban development, including issues on urban environmental improvement, urban and regional planning, and urban/ municipal management
• Undertake review of urban development policy, governance including related legal and regulatory framework and assess the progress towards achieving sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in the DMCs.
• Undertake policy dialogue with governments and other donor organizations on urban development thematic areas, promote efficient use of resources and encourage participatory approaches to development planning, financing and sustainability
• Develop innovative analytical tools (e.g. GIS maps) and instruments (such as city level corporate plans/roadmaps) to guide urban administrations in their infrastructure planning, design and delivery of urban services
• Conduct economic, thematic and sector work in the context of sustainable economic development and poverty reduction
• Lead and coordinate with Resident Missions for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of urban development policy commitments to the management of projects
• Ensure quality and compliance of all urban/municipal utilities operations with respect to ADB’s urban development policies and strategies

b. Project Processing and Management

• Lead in the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects in the urban sector possibly with moderate to high levels of risk and complexity
• Liaise with and coordinate with development agencies on program loans and investment projects
• Ensure key technical, economic, financial, institutional and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects
• Develop and execute, in coordination with and advice from the relevant procurement teams in ADB, innovative contractual arrangements to deliver the best possible municipal services to DMCs

c. Policy and Project Evaluation

• Continuously assess urban development policies, strategies and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to best practices and responsiveness to development needs of DMCs.
• Ensure the development impact of the urban development portfolio through monitoring and evaluation.
• Undertake analytical and advisory work, including policy and institutional analysis, developing strategy options, inquiries into emerging urban themes, and capacity building programs to meet the urbanization challenges and increase the volume and development of urban development program and projects in DMCs.
• Ensure that new urban development policy and strategies are reflected in the urban development portfolio

d. Knowledge Management

• Serve as a contributor to knowledge management, responsible for the planning through the preparation of knowledge management activities (e.g., workshops, publications) on issues that are relevant to the Developing Member Countries of South Asia region
• Represent ADB and participate in government and development partners meetings and working groups on urban development, as assigned, for knowledge sharing and coordinating and promoting ADB’s urban development initiatives

e. Staff Supervision

• Take the role of coach to develop capabilities/potential of reporting staff.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff with oversight from a more senior staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Plan and ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s degree in urban management, civil/environmental engineering or other related specialized fields. University degree in civil/urban development or other 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:

Work Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in urban development covering project administration and implementation, and relevant experience in design of urban projects, practical knowledge and experience in integration of financial, economic, social, institutional and safeguard requirements and issues in project design. Desirable experience to cover structuring and designing projects for implementation through PPPs. Preference for experience and demonstrated responsiveness in the preparation and administration of urban projects in Central and West Asia.
• Experience in applying expertise in an international setting within the infrastructure sector.
• Experience in working in a developing nation.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Technical Knowledge

• Provide application of expertise within a specific area, or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area
• Able to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community

People and Leadership Skills

• When required, able to act as a mission leader / team lead, exercising supervision coordination, and planning responsibilities over the assigned team, with oversight from the Director or a more senior team leader
• Act as a mentor to more junior team members, providing guidance on projects and processing of loans/technical assistance
• Act as a coach to develop the capabilities/potential of more junior colleagues

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Provides supervision to others in completing their technical tasks
• Called upon for advice and guidance based on expertise gained by working in different countries and organizations
• Contributes advanced knowledge and expertise to different parts of the Department

Client Orientation

• Proposes effective services and solutions to staff beyond presenting issues and past challenges
• Assists colleagues adapt to the cultural and business norms of diverse clients and country situations
• Gains respect for the breadth and depth of expertise demonstrated in effectively managing diverse clients and country situations
• Called upon to resolve client situations that may impact their long-term ADB relationship

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Resolves situations where client needs are not being met
• Shares past experiences from different projects, organizations, and countries to help achieve quality results
• Ensures that thorough analysis includes current and relevant factors from different countries and contexts
• Sought out for guidance and experience in overcoming the most challenging situations
• Draws on long-term relationships with stakeholders to help plan for and achieve results

Working Together

• Addresses team members not contributing to required standards
• Commits to delivering timely and high quality work to assist in the team’s success
• Develops and maintains good internal and external peer and senior level relationships
• Helps teams understand common features to build rapport and overcome challenges

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Provides stakeholders with the level and quality of information required to achieve outcomes
• Encourages others to seek long-term solutions to address feedback opposed to focusing on immediate concerns or reactions
• Uses breath of multi-country and multi-client knowledge to equip clients and staff for more effective outcomes
• Designs and implements project and program knowledge and services

Innovation and Change

• Consistently seeks more effective and practical ways for the Departmental delivery of services, products, and processes
• Proposes new ways to improve the quality and relevance of products and services
• Includes the core benefits and reasons for change when developing comprehensive change roll out plans
• Influences and persuades decision makers by presenting business cases supporting the proposed changes

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

• Supervisor: Director, Urban Development and Water Supply Division, Central and West Asia Department (CWUW)
• The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
• Administrative Staff
• National Staff
• Women are encouraged to apply. 

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