Rural Development Specialist

1. JOB PURPOSE:

Identify, develop, administer and evaluate loans, technical assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) in the agriculture and natural resources sector and rural development thematic area. Contribute to the development of sector policy for agriculture and natural resources management in developing member countries (DMCs). 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 analysis towards the development of strategies for the agriculture and natural resources sector, and rural development thematic area, in assigned DMCs, in consultation with relevant government agencies and Resident Missions (RMs).
• Design and evaluate innovative approaches as well as environmentally and socially sustainable models for implementing, operating and maintaining rural infrastructure and business development projects.
• Contribute information and analyses to interdepartmental working groups on the environment, natural resources, and agriculture sector.

1. Project Management

• Develop, process and administer loan and TA projects in the natural resources sector, focusing on participatory and sustainable natural resources development, small- and medium-scale enterprise development, and rural infrastructure development
• Integrate ADB’s policies and guidelines in designing and implementing natural resources sector projects and programs.
• Provide advice to executing agencies on project preparation.

1. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in and contribute to internal and external training and conferences on rural development and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.

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 civil engineering, rural development, natural resource management, environmental/natural resource economics, or other 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 sustainable agriculture including agro-enterprises development, natural resource management, and rural development
• Substantial experience in dealing with environmental issues in the agriculture and natural resources sectors will be an advantage
• 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 relating to natural resources and rural development policy and poverty reduction
- Applies a high level of technical expertise in work related to the agriculture and natural resources sector and rural development
- 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, non-government organizations)
- 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, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Division (SEAE)

The following staff positions report to the Rural Development 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-PS08-267(2)-SEAE and job title on subject line and attaching application form to email address PS-jobs@adb.org no later than 5 November 2008, 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.