Regional Lead Economist

Asian Development Bank

Manila, Philippines

Experience: 3 to 5 Years

Skill Required: Monitoring and Evaluation

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship
The position of Regional Lead Economist is assigned to the Office of the Chief Economist and Director General (EROD) in the Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
You will report to the Chief Economist and Director General, ERDI, as well as the Director General, PARD and will oversee International Staff, National Staff, and Administrative Staff
As a Regional Lead Economist for the Pacific Department (PARD), you will lead and oversee regional and country economic monitoring, analytical and data-related work, as well as country diagnostics, and advise on the development impact of programs and operations.
You will:
  • Provide thought leadership and guidance on strategic economic priorities and pressing development issues in the region, such as the economic development aspects of climate change, and ensure that such priorities are reflected in the department’s programming and work plan preparations.
  • Contribute actively to country and regional economic policy dialogues in countries within the region and support senior management requests on economic issues.
  • Serve as a principal spokesperson internally and externally on economic issues facing the region.
  • Lead and oversee regional and country economic monitoring and analytical work, including Asian Development Outlooks and country diagnostics used to formulate country partnership and regional strategies for PARD. Provide analytical and data services for subregional economic cooperation and integration programs and operations.
  • Lead the strategic direction and work plan for economics work and knowledge products in PARD and represents ADB at high-level or external forums in coordination with the country economists. Lead the design and implementation of TA related to economics work.
  • Backstop the Country Directors (CDs) and PARD Director General in ensuring the quality of country partnership strategies. Work with country economists to ensure that country performance assessments, country information notes, debt sustainability assessments and other relevant assessments are conducted with quality.
  • Provide support for the processing of Policy-Based Lending and offers inputs to other projects, depending on need.
  • Depending on the needs of PARD, either lead, or support in the development and implementation of a regional knowledge program. Advise on sectoral/thematic studies and other policy-relevant economic research for the countries/region within PARD. Support the development and implementation of country knowledge plans, and knowledge products within the department.
  • Advise CDs and regional operations coordination head on proposed programs and projects, with a view to maximize ADB’s development impact. Support the assessment of development impact of programs and operations within PARD.
  • Serve as a member of the management teams of both ERDI and PARD, supporting both departments and helping ensure alignment of agendas and work programs between PARD, other regional departments, and ERDI.
  • Guide and provide learning and development opportunities for a team of regional and country economists within PARD.
  • Advise on data collection and statistical capacity building activities within the region.
  • Undertake other activities as designated by the Chief Economist, ERDI, as well as the Director General, PARD.
  • Manage the performance of teams and individuals providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and supports their on-going learning and development.
Qualifications:
You will need:
  • A post-graduate degree (preferably at Doctorate level) in economics, public policy, or related fields.
  • At least 15 years of relevant experience within the field at senior levels (e.g. managing large teams), with good knowledge of the Asia Pacific region including international work experience.
  • Proven management and leadership qualities.
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivities and maturity.
  • Written and verbal proficiency in English.
  • Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff level IS7.