Principal Investment Specialist

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 Principal Investment Specialist is assigned to the Infrastructure Finance Division 2 (PSIF2) within the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD). You will be based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required . All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Director, PSIF2 and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Investment Specialist, you will lead the origination, development, due diligence, approval, and implementation of private sector digital infrastructure financing projects, across DMCs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Central and West Asia, and the Pacific regions.

You will work across the full spectrum of digital infrastructure, including:

(i) traditional ICT infrastructure, such as telecommunications, network infrastructure, Data centers, Cloud Infrastructure, mobile and wireless networks, fiber networks, and subsea cables including cybersecurity;

(ii) digital economy and digital services focusing on services, platforms, and economic activity enabled by ICT (digital platforms, digital financial services, digital trade & digital economy, digital inclusion);

(iii) advancing digitalization through the application of digital technologies to transform key sectors, including e‑health and telemedicine; education technologies; digital infrastructure (such as smart transport systems, smart energy grids, and smart water management); digital transformation of businesses and MSMEs (including ERP solutions, e‑invoicing, supply‑chain digitalization); Industry 4.0 applications (including IoT); and the development of requisite digital skills, workforce reskilling, and digital literacy

(iv) AI to incorporate advanced intelligence layer in particular data analytics to deliver (i), (ii) and (iii) above.

You will structure and execute developmental and sustainable digital infrastructure transactions, strengthening project pipelines, and contributing to digital infrastructure country strategies to grow digital transformation across the regions

You will:

a. Project Development and Processing

• Lead the origination of a pipeline of private sector infrastructure finance projects and screen investment opportunities through client outreach, marketing and deal screening.
• Lead due diligence, financial modeling, risk analysis and mitigation in the structuring of loans, equity investments, guarantees, B-loans or other forms of ADB assistance.
• Lead the internal approval processes including coordination with credit, safeguards, integrity, legal and other teams and Management and the Board.
• With the support of internal and external counsel, ensures all deals that appropriate legal documentation is successfully concluded in line with approvals and that financial close (i.e., first disbursement) is achieved in a timely manner.
• Lead and undertake implementation and hand-over of administration of private sector infrastructure programs and projects, ensuring compliance with required guidelines, policies, and procedures including agreed covenants and reporting requirements up to financing effectiveness.
• As assigned, serve as a nominee director on the board of ADB's investee companies, representing ADB's interests following the principles of sound corporate governance.

b. External Liaison

• Identify, nurture and lead the most important client relationships in this space, and the most important stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate new and existing relationships with commercial lenders, developers, investors, governments and other financial partners in the region.
• Assess and structure transactions to maximize potential for commercial co-financing and promote additional sources of capital.
• Participate in and contribute substantially to relevant learning events and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.

c. Policy and Project Evaluation

• Provide input and comments on projects, policies and other papers related to private sector operations and development across a range of key themes and sectors.

d. Knowledge Sharing

• Lead the development of PSOD's Learning and Development Approach for ICT, Digitalization and AI.
• Maintain and share knowledge within and outside ADB on lessons learned from private sector operations and latest best practices in digital finance, ICT and related areas of expertise.
• Participate in and contribute to activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building relating to ADB's integrity, governance and safeguard policies.

e. Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of PSOD's ICT, Digitalization and AI strategy 2026-2030. Including the use of platforms and wholesale approaches.
• Participate in country teams for planning and programming purposes, particularly in relation to private sector development and operations, and sector priorities.
• Provide strategic inputs and comments on projects, policy, and other papers related to private sector operations and development across main themes and sectors.
• Draft, review, and comment on projects, policy, and other papers related to private sector development and operations issues in several themes and sectors.
• Contribute to the development of policies and strategies of country programs particularly with digital infrastructure and monitor the development impact of the portfolio and ensure key issues are considered and proper risk management is applied.

f. 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

You will need:

• Master's degree in business administration, finance, or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position.

• At least 12 years of work experience in finance/banking, including coverage of private sector digital infrastructure, such as data centers, mobile, fiber, subsea cables, etc on a project finance and/or corporate finance basis, as well as hands-on experience in originating loans, guarantees and/or equity transactions, managing due diligence, financial modeling, mitigating credit and other risks, negotiating term sheets and finance documentation and related project and corporate finance activities. Specific and relevant experience in emerging market financing and investments, preferably in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Central and West Asia, and the Pacific.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to communicate effectively to Management.
• International experience working in several developing countries, preferably in Asia and the Pacific.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff grade TI3.

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)
• Relocation (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

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.

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ADB wants 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.

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