Principal Water Resources Specialist

Job Description - Principal Water Resources Specialist (260756) Job Description Principal Water Resources Specialist - ( 260756 ) 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 Water Resources Specialist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office (SD2-AFNR) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). 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 Director, SD2-AFNR and oversee junior team members. Your Role As a Principal Water Resources Specialist, you will lead, formulate and articulate policy and strategies on river basin and water resources management (including urban water, rural water and basin water), engaging Developing Member Countries (DMCs) governments in policy dialogue, and conducting ADB's activities to support river basin and water resources management policy and reforms. You will lead in identifying, developing, and administering loans, grants, Technical Assistance (TAs) projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) in water resources management, and provide technical support and backstopping to other staff. You will gain and share experiences in and knowledge on river basin and water resources management and prepare knowledge products to share experiences and knowledge for scaling and replication across DMCs. You will also work within general policies, principles and goals, having freedom to work with clients. You will: Lead the development of strategies for river basin and water resources management in DMCs, and drive high-level policy dialogue with governments, relevant agencies, and Resident Missions (RMs) to advance sector reforms, and sustainable landscape approaches for natural capital protection and management. Lead country team engagement and provide strategic inputs on river basin and water resources management and its contribution to economic development, supporting the preparation of Country Partnership Strategies (CPSs), country and sector results frameworks and profiles, and representing the sector office in programming missions and country dialogue. Lead economic, thematic, and sector work in the context of sustainable economic development and poverty reduction. Contribute to activities for advocacy, sharing, and knowledge building around river basin and water resources management issues. Coordinate with RMs for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of river basin and water resources management policy commitments to the design of natural capital programs. Lead, create, and administer subregional and DMC specific TA projects and sector studies in river basin and water resources management, and related agricultural, environmental, and natural resources management policies. Contribute to ADB efforts to support sustainable food systems and reduce rural poverty by identifying and designing new approaches to environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable water resource development and rural poverty reduction programs. Lead the identification, development, processing, administration, and implementation of river basin and water resources management loans, grants, and technical assistance (TA) projects, engaging governments and relevant stakeholders to determine investment priorities, leading country programming and project discussions, coordinating with development partners, and ensuring that key technical, economic, financial, institutional, and crosscutting considerations are effectively integrated into project design and delivery. Lead and develop a technical network and community of practice in river basin and water resources management to stay informed of the latest developments and issues. Keep abreast of the latest developments in international, subregional, and national best practices for sustainable river basin and water resources management, and participate in ADB-wide teams concerned with river basin and water management, and wider environment and natural capital protection issues. Take the role of mission leader and oversee the work of mission members. Manage the performance of reporting staff, providing mentoring, and clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. Perform other responsibilities that may be assigned as reflected in your workplan. Qualifications You will need: Master's Degree, or equivalent, in water engineering, water resources management or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized technical experience relevant to the position may be considered. At least 12 years of relevant international work experience in AFNR sector in DMCs, in ADB's East Asia Region, with substantive operations experience in AFNR sector in international financial institutions. International experience working in several countries Expertise in the technical, policy, institutional, and participatory principles of sustainable river basin management, integrated water resources management, including participatory irrigation management, and experience in the design of innovative financing instruments for river basin and water resources management projects (e.g. eco-compensation, and payments for ecosystem services), . Managerial experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for the AFNR sector operations. Demonstrated experience leading the coordination with government and non-government agencies, development partners, and professional communities in AFNR sector operations. Broad knowledge of current international and national policies and programs related to the AFNR sector in the area of natural capital protection and river and water resources management initiatives. Analytical, with multidisciplinary competence, and proven ability to organize, lead, and manage project teams. Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff 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 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 : Sectors Department 2 Division : Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office Staff Category : Technical International (HQ) Position Level : TI3 Job Posting : 21-Jul-2026, 12:07:12 PM Closing Date (Period for Applying) - Internal : 04-Aug-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