Safeguards Specialist (Social)

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 Safeguards Specialist (Social) is assigned in the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). 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 the Director and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Safeguard Specialist (Social), you will contribute to the work of the Office of Safeguards (OSFG) by supporting the implementation of social safeguard requirements. Your responsibilities will include: (i) assisting with the application of social safeguard policies, those related to land acquisition, resettlement, indigenous peoples, and labor; (ii) providing technical support for the preparation and implementation of ADB-financed sovereign and non-sovereign projects; (iii) developing good practice guidance and delivering capacity-building and training activities for ADB staff, borrowers, and clients. You will work within broad policies and goals, working directly with clients and with management for critical tasks.

You will:

• Provide technical guidance to ensure preparation, implementation and monitoring of ADB's social policy across non-sovereign projects and sovereign projects. .
• Participate in "One ADB Teams" to conduct safeguard due diligence and support clients and borrowers during project preparation and implementation, including safeguard review missions.
• Guide the quality-at-entry of social safeguard documents and collaborate with safeguards and project teams as well as clients to ensure meaningful partner engagement and proactive grievance management, including with civil society organizations.
• Support with the management of project complaints.
• Support knowledge generation and sharing on social safeguards within ADB and with external partners, with a focus on resettlement, livelihood restoration, indigenous peoples, poverty and social analysis, gender, vulnerable groups, SEAH, labor, stakeholder engagement, and grievance mechanisms.
• Support country programming by assessing and advising on country safeguard systems, policy implementation challenges, capacity needs, and opportunities.
• Contribute to cross-departmental projects and coordinate on project level social safeguard policy matters with relevant ADB departments, including Human and Social Development, Gender Equality, and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management.
• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff, offering clear direction, regular performance monitoring, and constructive feedback.

You will need:

• A University degree in applied social sciences or a related field; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 8 years work experience or relevant professional experience. International experience working in several countries.
• Demonstrated experience to prepare and/or implement and monitor private sector (non sovereign) projects.
• Experience in emerging areas, such as SEAH, labor, supply chain.
• Proven ability to apply a commercially informed approach to implementing safeguard requirements in developing country contexts.
• Skills in negotiating complex outcomes across multiple levels and stakeholders.
• Experience working with multilateral development banks.
• Proven capability to convey complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI1

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

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.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

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