Country Operations Head
Job Vacancy | Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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- Reference Number 260020 Position Grade TI1 Department Southeast Asia Department Division Timor-Leste Resident Mission Location Timor-Leste Resident Mission Date Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Closing Date Wednesday, January 28, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)
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 Country Operations Head is assigned to the Timor Leste Resident Mission within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Dili, and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.
You will report to the Country Director (CD), with matrix reporting to the Regional Head, Operations Coordination of SERD, and will oversee junior team members.
Your Role
As a Country Operations Head, you will assist the CD in the sound management of operations in Timor Leste. You will coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio monitoring of operations services to project teams. You will also undertake the identification and execution of corrective actions to address implementation problems to improve project and portfolio performance to contribute to ADB's goal of reducing poverty and the goals of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and to work with clients and help coordinate ADB's lending and non-lending operations with other development partners.
You will:
Country portfolio management and programming
- Be responsible for country programming including the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with Sector Groups, Private Sector Operations Department, Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership, and the regional operations coordination office. Work with country management team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting projects that meet client needs and promote ADB's priorities, e.g., climate change and private sector development (PSD).
Work planning
Support the CD and the country management team in preparation of the Timor Leste Resident Mission's workplan and agreement on regional department goals. Be the head of the secretariat to the country management team, supporting the country director to set standard operating procedures for its functioning. Organize and advise on the provision of certain operations services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender) to ensure support to project teams delivering operations in the country.
Capacity development
Organize and provide operational capacity development to staff and external clients on sovereign operations management. Participate in internal and external training, conferences, and development partner coordination meetings related to portfolio management and project administration. Manage the performance of and provide mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development. Undertake other activities as designated by the CD and SERD's Regional Head, Operations Coordination. Coordinate with Regional Head, Operations Coordination, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Lead Economist and Regional Head, Private Sector Development.Qualifications
You will need:
A University degree in in engineering, economics, finance, project management or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in project processing, project administration or portfolio management, including as mission leader, covering multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region. International experience working in several countries. Demonstrated experience in solving difficult implementation challenges, supervising complex project review missions, and supporting loan processing. Familiarity with country programming Experience in the procurement and administration of large works and goods contracts. Demonstrated experience in liaison with government officials, non-government agencies, technical specialists, and staff from development partners. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 1
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 developmentAdditional Information
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.
This appointment is open to internal and external applicants
About Us
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under our Strategy 2030.
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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