Senior Social Sector Economist

Job Description - Senior Social Sector Economist (260919) Job Description Senior Social Sector Economist - ( 260919 ) 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 Sector Economist is assigned in the Human and Social Development Sector Cluster (SD3-HSD) within the Sectors Department 3. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered. The SD3-HSD has three regional and three practice teams: (i) the Central, West, and East Asia regional team; (ii) the Southeast Asia team; (iii) the South Asia team; (iv) the education practice team; (v) the health practice team; and (vi) the Pacific countries and social protection practice team. You will report to the designated Director, SD3-HSD, and will supervise junior team members. Your Role As a Senior Social Sector Economist, you will identify, develop, implement, and administer loans, grants, and technical assistance (TA) projects, undertake sector and economic work, and deliver knowledge products and services in education, skills development or social protection, in ADB developing member countries (DMCs). You may also: (i) provide support to overall sector operations performance analysis, monitoring, reporting and quality assurance; and (ii) coordinate multi-sector initiatives across SD3-HSD teams, working groups, and other sector offices. You will work with any of the six teams observing your qualifications, requirements, and career preferences and goals. You will: Lead, co-participate in developing, processing, and administering loan and grant projects and TA in the education sector, and delivering knowledge products and knowledge services 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) resilience and empowerment; (ii) private sector development; (iii) digital transformation through innovative and integrated solutions; and (iv) regional cooperation and integration. Work closely with regional departments, resident missions, the Office of Safeguards, the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, the Economic Research and Development Impact Department, and other sector offices based on business needs in conducting sector assessments and other upstream work, in line with existing country programs or contributing to new country programs. Directly contribute to ADB’s strategies in education sector and human capital development areas and support selected country partnership strategy work, as well as help to design and deliver country diagnostic studies and roadmaps and impact assessment framework for the education sector. Lead, co-lead, or participate in sector portfolio performance assessment in country/tripartite portfolio review meetings, identify systemic issues, propose initiatives to promote project quality and improve portfolio performance, and provide guidance and advice for the identification and implementation of actions needed to resolve implementation issues. Help deliver knowledge sharing and professional development programs to DMC officials and project managers based on demand and relevance to portfolio. Develop strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries. Undertake the sector and economic work. Analyze sector trends and create and share knowledge solutions from ADB operations, best international practices and country or region-specific cross-learning. Lead, co-lead, or participate in strategic planning and coordination for multi-sector operations and new solutions and practices with SD3-HSD working groups, other sector offices, regional departments, and other departments. Support SD3-HSD sector operations performance analysis, monitoring, reporting and quality assurance. Provide analytical work and report to support SD3-HSD senior management team. Lead reporting staff, including their performance and career development. Ensure the learning and development of reporting staff. Qualifications You will need: Master’s degree or equivalent, in economics; or University degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. At least 10 years of relevant experience in human and social development related fields with good knowledge of the Asia Pacific region (Candidates with sector expertise in one or more of following areas are encouraged to apply: education, skills development, and social protection). International experience working in several countries. Excellent capabilities in sector data research for monitoring sector trends and analytics. Experience in application of multilateral development bank policies and business procedures. Proven capabilities in conducting quality assurance. Broad experience preparing development projects and analysis of development policies, including knowledge of procurement and consultant recruitment. Demonstrated team leadership and managerial experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for technical matters and project preparation and implementation. Expertise within a specific area of ADB operations (economic, sector or thematic) or scope across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area. Excellent command in oral and written communication skills in English 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) 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 3 Division : Human and Social Development Sector Office Staff Category : Technical International (HQ) Position Level : TI2 Job Posting : 24-Sep-2026, 12:14:39 AM Closing Date (Period for Applying) - Internal : 08-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