Description

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia 

Are you ready to make a difference in 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 Senior Social Protection Specialist is assigned to the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SD3-HSD) Division within the Sectors Department 3. You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in New Delhi, India (INRM).

You will report to the designated Director, SD3-HSD and the Country Director, INRM, and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Social Protection Specialist, you will lead the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies in social protection in ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs), especially India. You will also lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and technical assistance (TA) projects and provide relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge for projects.

You will:

Lead the preparation, processing, and administration of regional and DMC-specific loan, grant, and TAs in social protection, with due attention to country’s development policies.
Lead the development and design of new lending projects and programs in social protection, including issues of social assistance, social security for workers, social insurance, and labor market, and related cross-cutting issues, such as population aging.
Conduct or lead policy dialogue with government officials and development partners around social protection and other related social issues and other human development needs.
Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to DMC needs.
Identify and conceptualize new lending projects and programs. Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in identifying countries and projects with the potential to demonstrate impactful solutions to DMC needs and with clear focus on: (i) private sector development; (ii) digital transformation through innovative and integrated solutions; and (iii) new ways of working, such as gig or platform workers.
Work closely with ADB’s regional departments, resident missions (RMs), Office of Safeguards, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for social protection.
Continuously assess social protection policies, strategies, and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to international best practices, smart solutions, and technological advances, and responsiveness to development needs of DMCs.
Provide strategic operational guidance, operational support and technical inputs on social protection and social development issues in country programming strategies, and projects/programs.
Provide information and analyses for the development of policy and strategies for social protection in DMCs in consultation with relevant government agencies and RMs.
Identify the priority areas in social protection and the modality and nature of the required loans and TA support.
Provide substantive technical inputs and analyses on social protection and cross cutting issues including health, education/skill development, governance, public sector management, and decentralization in the context of social protection development for country partnership strategies.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries and represent ADB in external forums, as needed.
Develop and maintain linkages with regional and global networks and contribute to high level partnership engagements on social protection and social inclusion.
Lead in generating and disseminating knowledge solutions from ADB operations, international best practices and country or region-specific cross-learning in social protection.
Lead relevant in-house studies and seminars and prepare reports or policy briefs on topics crucial to ADB's social protection operations.
Participate in and contribute to internal and external training and conferences on social protection and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.
Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development.
Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SD3-HSD.
Contribute to developing conducive and respectful workplace in duty stations and for HSD and extended teams
Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

Master’s degree or equivalent in social science, public administration, economics, international development or other social science and related areas; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
At least 10 years relevant experience and international experience working on several countries.
Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
Demonstrated operational experience in at least one of the core areas of social protection (social assistance, social insurance, labor market programs).
A record on participation in the design and implementation of social protection programs in developing countries, preferably in leadership function.
Well-versed on the latest international discourse and practice regarding poverty, social inclusion, and specifically on issues related to social protection.
Experience with design, implementation, and evaluation of social protection systems and programs, and as they address vulnerabilities such as gender, disability, and aging.
Experience in undertaking research, implementing capacity building and supporting knowledge and evidence uptake.
Experience with the design, implementation, or analysis of social insurance, social assistance or safety nets, labor market programs, or other relevant programs, as well as experience managing complex multisectoral tasks.
Demonstrated ability to write effectively for various audiences and collaborate with other team members, contribute productively to the team’s work and outputs and demonstrate respect for different points of view with strong drive for results and ability to work independently and diligently, while prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required
Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB’s standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
Retirement plan
Paid leave (including parental)
Medical and health benefits
Life and other insurance plans
Staff development

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB’s in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff’s particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff’s performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

About Us

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.