Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender Equality)
Job Vacancy | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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- Reference Number 260037 Position Grade TI3 Department Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department Division Gender Equality Division Location Asian Development Bank Headquarters Date Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Closing Date Tuesday, February 10, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)
Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on 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 Social Development Specialist (Gender Equality) is assigned to the Gender Equality Division within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.You will report to Director, Gender Equality Division and will oversee technical local staff.
Your Role
As a Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender Equality), you will be responsible for providing high-level leadership and senior technical oversight on gender equality and women's empowerment programming in operations, policy development and results monitoring, with a strong emphasis on the nexus between gender equality and the strategic focus areas identified under ADB's Strategy 2030's mid-term review, notably private sector development and digital transformation. You will provide senior-level advisory support to designing transformative gender equality designs, developing external knowledge partnerships to deepen impact, and supporting results management and reporting on gender equality. You will provide leadership through cutting-edge innovations on priority and emerging gender equality issues that would open new opportunities for ADB operations to expand its support on gender equality to ADB private sector clients and developing member countries (DMCs). You will extend management support to the Director, CCGE, including acting on her behalf in her absence as required.
You will:
Policy and Systems
- Assist the Director in advancing ADB's policy, corporate and strategic commitments on gender equality and women's empowerment, with a particular focus on private sector development, digital transformation, and areas related to women's economic empowerment (e.g., trade, procurement, public financial management, SME development).
Project Preparation and Administration
Provide senior level leadership on gender equality and women's empowerment programming in sovereign and nonsovereign operations, with a focus on private sector development and digital transformation. Lead the development and implementation of technical assistance projects (TAs) that can introduce new innovations on gender equality approaches in ADB operations and knowledge initiatives. Act as a CCGE focal for sectors and thematic teams, with a focus on private sector development and digital transformation, and coordinate with counterpart focals in other divisions/departmentsPartnerships, Knowledge and Capacity Building
Identify and build new partnerships with external foundations, trust funds, and other development-focused organisations, with the aim to widening ADB's networks and collaborations on gender equality and women's empowerment. Provide leadership on external policy engagement and thought leadership on a range of gender equality topics, and represent CCGE at external knowledge events as assigned. Lead or contribute to the development of gender knowledge products (e.g. research reports, toolkits, policy briefs, case-studies, blogs) and delivery of knowledge events. Lead or contribute to the design and delivery of capacity development on gender equality with internal sector/thematic teams and external partner clients.Management Support
Provide senior-level support to the Director, CCGE in gender-related corporate initiatives, quality assurance, data management, and cross-divisional and departmental coordination, as required. Prepare and deliver management briefings on gender-related topics as required. Provide guidance and mentoring to more junior staff, including supervising the performance, ongoing learning and development of assigned reporting staff. Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the Director, CCGE.
Qualifications
You will need:
โ Master's degree or equivalent in international development, economics, public policy or other related fields, including an emphasis on gender equality and development; or University degree in relevant fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
โ At least 12 years' work experience in gender and development, preferably with experience of programming on gender equality and women's empowerment in ADB developing member countries (DMCs), with experience of working across both private and public sector operations highly desirable.
โ Demonstrated expertise in leading innovative approaches on gender equality, and providing capacity development of clients, partners and other strategic partners.
โ Written and verbal proficiency in English, with a publication track record on gender equality-related topics desirable.
โ International experience working in several countries with a multilateral development bank or other international development organization.
โ Proven experience in effectively managing budgets and teams.
โ Proven experience in donor relations and partnership development.
โ Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI3.
Benefits
ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.
โ Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
โ Expatriate benefits
โ Relocation (if applicable)
โ Retirement plan
โ Medical and health benefits
โ Paid leave (including parental)
โ Life and other insurance plans
โ Staff development
Additional Information
This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.
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.
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 membersโ50 from the region.
ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.
To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.
ADB seeks 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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