Senior Safeguards Officer
Job Vacancy | Monday, February 2, 2026
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- Reference Number 260125 Position Grade TL6 Department Office of Safeguards Division Office of Safeguards Location Asian Development Bank Headquarters Date Posted Monday, February 2, 2026 Closing Date Monday, February 16, 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 Senior Safeguards Officer is assigned to the Regional Operations Services 1 (OSR1) within the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
OSFG was established to implement and monitor ADB's safeguards policy and procedures. It advises and supports ADB management operational departments, and relevant parties, including borrowers/clients in delivering development solutions in compliance with ADB's safeguards policy. The Office of Safeguards has five teams: (i) Policy and Technical Services, (ii) Regional Operations Services 1, (iii) Regional Operations Services 2, (iv) Regional Operations Services 3, and (v) Regional Operations Services 4.
You will report to the Director/Country Director and/or Designated International Staff and will oversee junior team members.
Your Role
As a Senior Safeguards Officer, you will lead and contribute to implementing the safeguards policy across OSFG, by providing/ensuring timely, quality and reliable safeguards input to development projects across development sectors during project processing, administration and supervision and monitoring, supporting the resolution and tracking of complaints, and supporting the capacity building of executing/implementing agencies on safeguards and complaint handling.
You will:
- Support the implementation of ADB safeguards policy across OSR1 projects by advising Government agencies, project sponsors, consultants and non-governmental organizations on ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009) and ADB's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), including differences between SPS and the ESF and adjustments needed to meet the new ESF requirements
- Orient government agencies, project sponsors, consultants and non-governmental organizations on procedures, safeguards readiness filters and best practices and assists them in preparing appropriate frameworks, plans and actions (i.e. resettlement frameworks, resettlement plans, indigenous peoples plan, labor management plans, livelihood restoration plans, environment and social management systems, program safeguard system assessments and program action plans, grievance redress mechanisms, stakeholder engagement and communication plans, etc.) to meet the SPS and ESF requirements and address related issues during project preparation and implementation.
- Review safeguards readiness of proposed projects and advise project teams on actions needed to meet safeguard readiness requirements.
- Actively support the One-ADB teams that are processing projects and provide support to address social issues, particularly those related to resettlement, indigenous people development, labor standards, and stakeholder engagement and communication, .
- Supervise the safeguards implementation of projects by monitoring the progress of the implementation of relevant plans, actively identifying issues and taking necessary actions to address them.
- Ensure the proper tracking and reporting of safeguards compliance of projects under implementation, timely provide input on safeguards to the quarterly project performance review and quarterly tripartite portfolio management review, and promptly alert project teams on emerging issues and safeguards non-compliance risks that require prompt attention from the project and country management teams (CMT).
- Supervise the project complaint tracking (PCT) system and those complaints that's reach the accountability office, ensure regular tracking of the status of complaint resolution and its reporting to the project team. Regularly review the operations of the grievance redress mechanisms in projects and advise on measures/actions needed to address gaps in the mechanisms.
- Develop and oversee a plan for improving awareness on complaint handling mechanism
- Liaise with relevant units and teams within OSFG, OSPF, and sector teams on safeguards implementation, policies and standards compliance requirements.
Qualifications
You will need:
- Bachelor's Degree in applied social science, environmental science, development studies or other related fields preferably with Master's degree or equivalent
- At least 8 years work experience; and at least 4 years of supervisory experience
- Good understanding of environmental and social safeguards policies, and procedures of multilateral development organizations.
- Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil societies and other stakeholders.
- Effective judgement in identifying issues and determining appropriate actions at the field office level.
- Strong skills in complaint handling, tracking and management.
- Effective planning and organizing capabilities to manage and deliver multiple tasks within given timelines.
- Proficiency in computers, especially Microsoft Office Applications such as Word Document, Excel Spreadsheets and Outlook email.
- Proficiently communicates in English across report-writing, emails and verbal interactions.
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical Local Staff Grade 6.
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
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 Manilan 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 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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