Principal Operations Specialist

The Principal Operations Specialist will oversee portfolio management for the Pacific Department, lead reviews of loans, grants, and technical assistance projects, and strengthen project implementation performance. The role also involves supporting engagement with Pacific regional institutions and designing regional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio management activities including strategic approach, trend analysis, portfolio target setting, systemic issues analysis, and measures to improve portfolio and project/program performance.
• Prepare inputs and briefings for corporate meetings and reports such as Operations Review Meetings, Annual Reports, and Strategic Business Outlook.
• Coordinate with Country Operations Heads and country teams to maintain consistent portfolio management approaches and transfer learnings from project implementation to new designs.
• Guide on complex operational matters including procurement, contract administration, safeguards, risk management, and advise on strategies to address implementation challenges.
• Conduct critical review and quality assurance of new and ongoing operations documentation focusing on design soundness, resource adequacy, implementation readiness, and monitoring frameworks.
• Participate and lead training events through PARD's capacity building initiatives.
• Support PARD Management in internal and external stakeholder engagement events including Board engagements, business outreach, seminars, workshops, and training events.
• Contribute and lead engagement with key Pacific regional institutions and support coordination of ADB participation in regional meetings and forums.
• Support analytical work, diagnostics, and thematic assessments related to regional cooperation and integration and trade facilitation in the Pacific.
• Help integrate regional cooperation and integration priorities into country and regional operations.
• Contribute to development, processing, and implementation of regional loan and TA projects.
• Supervise and mentor reporting staff, overseeing performance management, coaching, and development across portfolio management and regional cooperation work.

Requirements

• Master's degree, or equivalent, in economics, engineering, business administration, or a related field; or a university degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years work experience in project development and implementation, including 10 years of experience working with development organizations in several countries in project, program, and TA preparation, processing, administration and closure.
• Experience in Pacific DMCs is preferred.
• Proven skills in procurement, contract management, risk management, and high-stake coordination are preferred.
• Extensive experience working with senior government officials and development partners, including leading high-level meetings, consultations, and conferences.

Skills

• Project Development
• Project Implementation
• Program Preparation
• Technical Assistance Planning
• Procurement
• Contract Management
• Risk Management
• Portfolio Management
• Loan Review
• Grant Review
• Technical Assistance Review
• Stakeholder Engagement
• High-Level Meeting Facilitation
• Consultation Management
• Conference Leadership
• Project Administration
• Project Closure
• Development Partner Coordination

Languages

English