Principal Planning and Policy Specialist

Job Description - Principal Planning and Policy Specialist (260908) Job Description Principal Planning and Policy Specialist - ( 260908 ) 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 Planning and Policy Specialist is assigned to the Office of the Director General (SPOD) within the Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships Department (SPD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered. You will report to Advisor, SPD and will oversee Junior team members. Your Role As a Principal Planning and Policy Specialist, you will contribute advanced strategic, analytical, and policy expertise to the formulation of ADB's next long-term corporate strategy and related policy and operational workstreams. You will undertake complex strategic analyses, provide strategic inputs, develop and assess policy and operational options, and lead stakeholder engagements to help translate strategic priorities into institutional and operational outcomes. You will provide specialized technical expertise on strategic and policy issues, contribute inputs on complex crosscutting topics, and support collaboration across departments on support high-priority corporate initiatives. You will lead delivery of key departmental outputs related to strategy and innovation, to help guide SPD and ADB's evolution. The role requires the ability to evaluate and compare policy options, strong policy and operational knowledge, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to engage effectively with senior management and diverse stakeholders, both internal and external. You will work closely with relevant teams in SPD and with focal points across operations departments, sector and thematic groups, finance, risk, knowledge, communications, and other corporate departments. You will: Undertake analytical and policy work supporting the preparation and implementation planning of ADB's next long-term corporate strategy. Develop strategic assessments, management briefs, and background analyses on emerging development challenges, institutional priorities, and operational implications for ADB. Prepare strategic narratives, conceptual frameworks, and key messages for consideration by Management and the Board, including on strategic positioning, institutional transformation, and operational effectiveness. Lead work on the alignment of ADB's operational approaches, sector and thematic priorities, financing instruments and modalities, business processes, and institutional capabilities with the emerging corporate strategy, including the operational approach for Upper Middle-Income Countries (UMICs). Support the identification, assessment, and development of both sovereign and nonsovereign innovative financing and business solutions that support strategic priorities while enhancing ADB's development impact and financial sustainability―areas may include resilience financing, catastrophe risk financing, insurance/reinsurance and guarantee products, capital optimization initiatives, regional public goods financing, and innovative approaches to support energy transition, connectivity, and other strategic priorities. Facilitate strategic consultations with Board members, Management and Staff, government counterparts, development partners, think tanks, academia, and other stakeholders as required. Prepare and review high-level materials for Management and Board, including briefing notes, slide decks, speaking points, issue papers, decision notes, and progress updates. Contribute to the identification, design, and implementation of institutional reforms, business process improvements, and monitoring mechanisms necessary to operationalize strategic objectives. Perform other tasks as may be assigned, consistent with the role's responsibilities. Qualifications You will need: Master's degree or equivalent in economics, public policy, international development, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered At least 12 years' relevant professional experience, including significant experience in strategy formulation, policy development, development finance, institutional reform, organization transformation, or related areas. Demonstrated experience analyzing organizational constraints to inform evidence-based perspectives on strategic and operational issues. Strong understanding of multilateral development bank operations, development financing instruments and mechanisms, country programming, sovereign and nonsovereign operations, and policy-based lending. Experience with innovative financing solutions and capital mobilization approaches, including areas such as catastrophe risk financing, insurance and reinsurance mechanisms, guarantee products, thematic and structured bond issuances, blended finance, or related instruments. Proven track record in preparing high-quality analytical papers, policy notes, strategy documents, and senior-level briefing materials. Demonstrated experience solving complex problems, including the ability to synthesize information and translate it into practical policy and operational insights. Experience building consensus across departments and multidisciplinary teams with diverse views. Demonstrated experience both writing and speaking in English on organizational and development issues. Prove ability to perform and deliver multiple tasks simultaneously and deliver high-quality outputs. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Grade 3 (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 family leave) 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 : Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department Division : Office of the Director General, SPD Staff Category : Technical International (HQ) Position Level : TI3 Job Posting : 17-Sep-2026, 7:14:14 AM Closing Date (Period for Applying) - Internal : 01-Oct-2026, 3:59:00 PM Why Work at ADB? What We Offer Meet Our People Life at ADB Opportunities What We Look For Internship Program Careers at ADBI ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Learn More Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us Asian Development Bank Headquarters: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines + 63 2 632 4444 + 63 2 636 2444 © . All Rights Reserved. Asian Development Bank