Senior Social Development Specialist (Social Protection)
Job Vacancy | Thursday, June 5, 2025
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- Reference Number 250468 Position Level TI2 Department Sectors Department 3 Division Human and Social Development Sector Office Location Asian Development Bank Headquarters Date Posted Thursday, June 5, 2025 Closing Date Friday, June 20, 2025 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 Senior Social Development Specialist (Social Protection) is assigned in the Human and Social Development Sector Office (SD3-HSD) within the Sectors Department 3. SD3 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADBโs strategic agenda in finance, human and social development, and public sector management and governance in the region and with ADBโs clients. SD3, which is comprised of three sector offices, delivers or supports sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RDs) and resident missions (RMs) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADBโs technical leadership externally and internally.
SD3-HSD leads policy dialogue, initiatives, and solutions in the human and social development sectors (education, health, social protection, and in broader social development initiatives). SD3-HSD is responsible for (i) conceptualizing, processing, and administering lending, grant, and technical assistance (TA) operations; (ii) developing and delivering knowledge services and products to DMCs; and (iii) leading technical work on sector diagnostics and road maps and contributing to business development efforts.
You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
You will report to the designated Director, SD3-HSD or the Senior Director, and will oversee junior team members.
Your Role
As a Senior Social Development Specialist (Social Protection), you will lead the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies in social protection in the DMCs. You will also lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TA projects and provide relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge for projects.
You will:
- Lead the preparation, processing, and administration of sub-regional and DMC specific loan, grant, and TAs in social protection, with due attention to countryโs development policies.
Lead the development and design of new lending projects and programs in social protection. Conduct or lead policy dialogue with government officials and development partners around social protection and other related issues of social care and other human development needs. Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to DMC needs. 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) private sector development, (ii) digital transformation through innovative and integrated solutions, and (iii) new ways of working. Work closely with RDs, RMs, Office of Safeguards, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for social protection. Continuously assess social protection policies, strategies, and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to international best practices, smart solutions, and technological advances, and responsiveness to development needs of DMCs. Provide strategic operational guidance, operational support and technical inputs on social protection and social development issues in country programming strategies (CPS), and projects/programs. Provide information and analyses for the development of policy and strategies for social protection in DMCs in consultation with relevant government agencies and RMs. Identify the priority areas in social protection and the modality and nature of the required loans and TA support. Provide substantive technical inputs and analyses on social protection and cross cutting issues including governance, public sector management, and decentralization in the context of social protection development for country partnership strategies. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries. Develop and maintain linkages with regional and global networks and contribute to high level partnership engagements on social protection and social inclusion. Lead in generating and disseminating knowledge solutions from ADB operations, international best practices and country or region specific cross-learning in social protection. Lead relevant in-house studies and seminars and prepare reports or policy briefs on topics crucial to ADB's social protection operations. Participate in and contribute to internal and external training and conferences on social protection and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building. Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SD3-HSD. Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.
Qualifications
You will need:
Masterโs degree or equivalent in social protection, economics, international development or other social science and related areas; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered At least 10 years relevant experience and international experience working on several countries. Demonstrated operational experience in at least one of the core areas of social protection (social assistance, social insurance, labor market programs). A record on participation in the design and implementation of social protection programs in developing countries. Well-versed on the latest international discourse and practice regarding poverty, social inclusion, and specifically on issues related to social protection. Experience with design, implementation, and evaluation of social protection systems and programs, and as they address vulnerabilities such as gender, disability, and aging. Experience in undertaking research, implementing capacity building and supporting knowledge and evidence uptake. Experience with the design, implementation, or analysis of social insurance, social assistance or safety nets, labor market programs, or other relevant programs, as well as experience managing complex multisectoral tasks. Demonstrated ability to write effectively for various audiences and collaborate with other team members, contribute productively to the teamโs work and outputs and demonstrate respect for different points of view with strong drive for results and ability to work independently and diligently, while prioritizing and meeting deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required 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 ADBโs standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.
Housing and education allowance (if applicable) Expatriate benefits (if applicable) Retirement plan Paid leave (including parental) Medical and health benefits Life and other insurance plans Staff development
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 its Strategy 2030.
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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