Environment Specialist

1. JOB PURPOSE:

Process and administer technical assistance (TA) and investment projects focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable natural resource development, including policies to encourage sound environmental governance and related institutional reform. Coordinate regional environmental programs in Southeast Asian region, conceptualize environmental projects with regional dimensions as part of the ongoing and planned activities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Core Environment Program and assist other regional initiatives being implemented by the division. Work with broad policies and objectives, working directly with clients, with supervision for critical tasks.

2. EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1. Strategy and Planning

• Provide information and analyses in the development of policies, strategies and innovative, participatory approaches to further development in the environment and natural resources sectors in the context of environmentally and socially sustainable natural resources development and rural poverty reduction.
• Conceptualize and process national and regional projects and programs relating to environment and natural resources sectors, and act as the focal point from the division for regional environmental programs in the GMS and other regional initiatives being implemented by the division.
• Conduct thematic and sector work such as the identification and analysis of environment, climate change and natural resources sectors development trends, economic analysis for regional and Developing Member Countries (DMC) specific sector studies and TAs, etc.
• Provide technical inputs for country programming and contribute to the development of Country Partnership Strategies (CPS) and Business Plans, as well as the development and evaluation of environment and natural resources sector policy in the National Socioeconomic Development Plans and Poverty Reduction Strategies of DMCs.
• Work closely with climate change experts and sector divisions concerned, and participate in country teams and interdepartmental working groups on natural resources sectors issues to mainstream environmental considerations in development planning.

1. Project Management

• Develop, process and administer loan and TA projects in the environment and natural resources sectors, possibly with moderate to high levels of risk and complexity.
• Liaise with development agencies and partners on collaborative work around climate change and natural resources sectors management.
• Ensure key technical, policy and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.
• Coordinate with Government on management of ADB-assisted programs and projects in the sector.

1. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in sector and thematic networks in the natural resources sectors, climate change and related issues to keep abreast of the latest developments and issues.
• Contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building around environment and natural resources sector issues.

1. Staff Supervision

• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.

3. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

A university degree in environmental management, or public policy/public sector management, preferably with specialization in the environmental policy or natural resources management, or related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent

4. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in the environment and natural resources sectors as well as experience in regional environmental program preferably in GMS or other subregions, and with exposure to project cycle (i.e. programming, project processing to project administration)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• International experience working in development in several countries, preferably in Mekong subregion and/or Southeast Asia.

5. CORE COMPETENCIES:

Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Able to lead others to solve complex problems using technical knowledge and skill in relation to the environment and natural resources sector.
• Applies a high level of technical expertise in work in the agriculture and natural resources sector
• Uses technical expertise to advise and support Country teams and DMCs in developing policy, and in project design.

Client Orientation
• Focuses own and other efforts on understanding and meeting client needs in DMCs (e.g., government agencies, private sector parties, NGOs).
• Able to work effectively with internal and external client groups.
• Seeks feedback on the quality of service and makes improvements

Achieving Results
• Ensures own work contributes to achieving Divisional results.
• Regularly reviews progress to ensure work is on target.
• Prioritizes own and others’ work to achieve key results areas.

Working Together
• Develops the team skills of team members.
• Encourages cooperation within and between teams and promotes the value of diversity in teams, such as in different views, culture, nationality, and gender.
• Facilitates conflict resolution within the team.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing
• Helps staff to find a variety of ways to learn and develop.
• Empowers staff to make improvements.
• Encourages the team to learn from each other.

6. IMMEDIATE REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The position reports to: Director, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Division (SEAE)

The following staff positions report to the Environment Specialist: National Officers and Administrative Staff.

7. IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

Established in 1966 and headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB's multicultural staff come from over 50 member countries. ADB offers an internationally competitive salary paid in US dollars. Salaries and benefits are generally free of tax except for citizens of some countries, primarily the USA and the Philippines, whose incomes are taxed by their respective governments. While the position advertised is for the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, ADB staff must be prepared to serve in any location outside its Headquarters at the discretion of Management. Applicants must be nationals of one of ADB's member countries.

Apply electronically, quoting Ref. No. EXT-PS09-009(2)-SEAE and job title on subject line and attaching application form to email address PS-jobs@adb.org no later than 6 February 2009, 5:00 p.m., Manila time.

Applications from qualified ADB staff will be considered before external applications. If an external candidate is selected, ADB reserves the right to appoint that candidate to a level commensurate to his/her qualification and experience.

Gender and cultural diversity is a core recruitment value and women are actively encouraged to apply.

Due to the volume of applications, ADB will not be able to respond to inquiries about application status and will only contact shortlisted candidates. Applications lacking the job reference number and job title or using the wrong e-mail address will not be considered.