Principal Human Resource Specialist

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 Principal Human Resource Specialist is assigned to the Policy, Analytics, and Legal Services Division (BPAL) within the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department (BPMSD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, and relocation to Manila is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

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

Your Role
As a Principal Human Resource Specialist, you will provide strategic leadership in the development, review, implementation and continuous improvement of ADB’s HR policy framework and programs in support of the Strategic HR Framework (SHRF). You will lead the development and review of Administrative Orders (AOs) and Administrative Instructions (AIs), and related HR policy instruments, ensuring coherence across the HR policy framework and address policy gaps, governance requirements, and institution-wide implications. You will shape and lead major HR programs, reforms, and process improvements, and provide strategic advice on complex HR policy matters with broader institutional implications. Working within broad policies, principles, and objectives, you will collaborate across BPMSD and stakeholders across ADB to resolve complex issues, drive organizational improvements, and translate HR priorities into effective and sustainable institutional solutions.


You will:

• Lead the development and review of Administrative Orders (AOs), Administrative Instructions (AIs), and related policy instruments, in consultation with relevant BPMSD divisions and teams. Safeguard the coherence and integrity of ADB’s HR policy framework, by identifying policy gaps and cross-cutting issues, and providing strategic advice on policy design, governance, implementation requirements, and institutional implications.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of major HR programs and initiatives, translating strategic priorities into effective program frameworks and delivery arrangements. Provide oversight of program governance, resource and budget planning, consultant engagement, implementation risks, and cross-functional interdependencies to ensure sustainable institutional outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and client responsiveness of HR programs and initiatives. Identify systemic issues and opportunities for improvement, engage and mobilize relevant HR stakeholders, and drive solutions and change initiatives that address evolving organizational requirements and strengthen HR service delivery.
• Provide strategic advice on the development and positioning of HR policies and workforce reforms, including their objectives, rationale, scope, institutional implications, implementing considerations, and anticipated impacts. Support management in evaluating policy options and in building stakeholder understanding, alignment and adoption across ADB.
• Advise management and relevant stakeholders on complex, sensitive, or non-routine HR policy and workforce matters that cut across functional areas or require interpretation of existing policies and institutional frameworks. Work with relevant BPMSD units and clients to develop coherent solutions and resolve issues with broader policy or organizational implications. Collaborate with relevant BPMSD units and client departments to formulate sound, consistent, and practical solutions.
• Supervise and develop reporting staff by providing clear direction, establishing priorities, monitoring delivery and performance, and providing regular feedback and coaching. Promote continuous learning, professional development, and a collaborative team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in the workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in business management, finance, economics, social sciences/humanities or related fields. University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years’ relevant work experience in various facets of human resources or related fields. International experience working in several countries.
• Preferably affiliated with and/or certified/accredited by recognized professional HR associations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing HR policies, programs, or reforms with institution-wide implications.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex HR issues, evaluating policy options, and advising senior management on practical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, setting priorities, coordinating work, and overseeing delivery and performance.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring team members, providing guidance and advice on policy, project or technical-related matters.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff 3.
  

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
Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion and for lateral transfer must have served at their position for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (A.O. 2.03).

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e., from TL to TI) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new grade, they will return to the grade occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.

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.

Staff who are currently under regular appointments will retain their regular appointment status.

Primary Location: Asian Development Bank-Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Budget, People, and Management Systems Department

Division: Policy, Analytics, and Legal Services Division

Staff Category: Technical International (HQ)

Position Level: TI3

Job Posting: 04-Nov-2026, 2:03:00 AM

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - Internal: : 18-Nov-2026, 3:59:00 PM