Natural Resources Economist

1. JOB PURPOSE:

Provide technical inputs and analyses in the identification, design, development, processing and evaluation of loan and Technical Assistance (TA) projects in the Division's regional member countries and ensure economic soundness and consistency with policies and strategies to further development in the natural resources management sector. Undertake activities to administer loan and TA projects, and non- lending products and services (NLPS) in support of ADB’s goal of reducing poverty. Contribute to the development and evaluation of natural resources, and rural development sectors policy in the National Poverty Reduction Strategies of developing member countries (DMCs).

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 natural resources sector in the context of environmentally and socially sustainable agricultural development and rural poverty reduction.
• Conduct economic and sector work such as the identification and analysis of natural resources sector development trends, economic analysis for regional and DMC specific sector studies and technical assistance, etc.
• Provide technical inputs for country programming and contribute to the development of Country Strategy and Programs (CSPs)/Country Operations Business Plan (COBP).
• Participate in interdepartmental working groups on natural resources sector issues, and participate in country teams.
  
  

1. Project management and evaluation

• Perform economic analysis and provide technical inputs for the identification, design, development, and processing of loan and TA projects in the Division's regional member countries consistent with policies and strategies to further development in the natural resources, and rural development sectors.
• Ensure timely completion of quality economic and financial analyses of the proposed development investments, including preparation of the Standard Project Cost Table (COSTAB).
• Evaluate the cost and benefits of projects as well as draw lessons for future projects.
• Undertake missions and other activities for the administration of sector and program loan and TA projects in the natural resources sectors.
  

1. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in sector and thematic networks around the natural resources sector and related issues to keep abreast of latest developments and 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 on-going learning and development of reporting staff

3. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

A university degree in natural resources economics or related fields; preferably at post-graduate level.

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
• Proven ability to carry out detailed cost, economic and financial analysis of investment projects in the natural resources management sector
• Experience in participating and playing a substantive role in undertaking sector analyses
• Proven ability to effectively work in a team
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to facilitate consensus building within the project teams, and among diverse stakeholders over key development issues
• Good knowledge of natural resources management sector issues that are relevant to CWRD countries
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• International experience working in development in several countries.

5. CORE COMPETENCIES:

Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Able to lead others to solve complex problems using technical knowledge and skills in relation to the natural resources management sector.
- Applies a high level of technical expertise in work relating to the natural resources management 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 clients.
- 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, Energy and Natural Resources Division (CWEN)
The following staff positions report to the Natural Resources Economist: 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-PS09-058(2)-CWEN and job title on subject line and attaching application form to email address PS-jobs@adb.org no later than 25 March 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.