Senior Safeguards Officer

Reference #	ADB-HR-13-0327
Position Title:	Senior Safeguards Officer
Department	Private Sector Operations Department
Division	Operations Coordination Division, PSOD
Location	Manila, Philippines
Recruitment Type	National and Administrative
Date Posted	4 June 2013
Closing Date	19 June 2013 , 5:00 p.m. (1700 Manila Time, 0900 GMT)

Job Purpose:

To build up the technical capacity of Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) by performing specialized work of broader responsibilities and greater technical depth, encompassing department-wide accountabilities. Responsible for analytical review and monitoring of PSOD projects for compliance with ADB environmental safeguards policies, contributing to improve the quality and effectiveness of environmental safeguards policy applications in private sector operations, and establishing an environmental safeguards-related database for private sector operations. To exercise independent thinking in analyzing situations, suggesting pragmatic measures to achieve compliance, and developing client-responsive solutions.

Expected Outcomes

Strategic and Planning Work

Assists with the planning of various initiatives designed to build and sustain PSOD’s effectiveness in ensuring compliance with ADB environmental safeguard policies, including facilitating liaison and contact with external clients, development partners, and within ADB.

Provides analytical support in the preparation of strategic frameworks for PSOD operations by obtaining, analyzing and disseminating information and best practices associated with environmental safeguards applications in private sector applications, particularly those financed by IFIs, and identifying innovative solutions based on close analyses of new ideas and emerging trends in environmental safeguards compliance and corporate environmental responsibility.

Knowledge Generation and Dissemination

Updates the ADB environmental safeguards websites with information relevant to private sector projects/operations.

Develops and maintains a departmental database on the environmental safeguards aspects of projects.

Keeps informed of environmental safeguards-related issues, policies, guidelines and processes at other multilateral financing and other institutions

Safeguard Policy Compliance Review and Monitoring

Reviews projects to ensure compliance with ADB’s environmental safeguards requirements, and liaise with Environment and Safeguards Division in Regional and Sustainable Development Department (RSES) in processing compliance documentation.

Participates, as required, in missions for projects that may involve environmental issues, by compiling relevant project data, visiting the project site, discussing with the executing agency, consultants and affected groups, and providing inputs in the preparation of project processing/administration documentation.

Coordinates with other environment and social safeguards specialists within the department and across ADB in preparing safeguard compliance documentation for private sector operations.

Work Program and Budget

Assists in engagement of consultants required to support Project Team Leaders in reviewing and preparing documentation to comply with requirements of safeguard policies

Knowledge sharing

Assists in the conduct of training programs for PSOD staff on environmental safeguards requirements

Others

Other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent’s workplan.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental management, or any related field; preferably with Master’s degree

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements:

Work experience

• At least 8 years work experience in environmental safeguards-related field, and at least 4 years of supervisory experience

- Experience in applying expertise in an international setting.

Technical knowledge

• Familiarity with ADB's Safeguards Policy, and safeguard requirements associated with those policies
• Proficiency in environmental assessment and related tools/strategies
• Aptitude to perform a high degree of analytical and conceptual thinking
• Working knowledge of ADB-adopted computer applications
• Familiarity with environmental safeguards issues associated with project processing and administration in private sector operations would be an advantage
• Very good oral and written communication skills

People and leadership skills
- Able to mentor junior Administrative Staff (AS) to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review
- Able to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Applies updated advancements in own knowledge area to relevant tasks
• Applies knowledge and practical skills to independently perform some complex tasks
• Conveys the need to use updated project approaches

Client Orientation

• Delivers Divisional contributions across a variety of products and services to meet the needs of different clients
• Proposes options to clients that may better meet their needs than current approaches
• Defines and delivers to agreed standards with clients

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Conducts detailed research and analysis to determine appropriate methods for addressing the causes of issues
• Self-monitors achievement of results according to work plans
• Identifies different stakeholder needs and desired outcomes when planning for outcomes
• Independently solves problems and makes recommendations

Working Together

• Maintains collaborative relationships within the Department
• Works effectively with diverse colleagues in own and other Divisions and Departments
• Flexibly alters positions and adjusts previously stated points of view to support the group consensus
• Follows through on team priorities in the absence of a team leader

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Checks with audience’s level of understanding and awareness of required follow up actions
• Consistently seeks and addresses feedback on own performance
• Creates knowledge products endorsed for wider distribution
• Independently amends and clarifies messages and documents

Innovation and Change

• Actively supports work improvement and/or organizational change by work and deed
• Develops and adopts change plans to support Division initiatives on which one works
• Considers current and future client needs in proposing ideas
• Vocalizes early support for change
• Recommends inputs to new policies, systems and processes in immediate work area

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

• Supervisor: Director and/or designated International Staff
• The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
  • Administrative Staff

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