Country Operations Head

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 India Resident Mission (INRM) within the South Asia Department (SARD).

You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in New Delhi, India.

You will report to the Country Director (CD), INRM and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Country Operations Head, you will assist CD, INRM, in the sound management of operations in the India resident missions. You will coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio monitoring and organize the provision of operations services to project teams.

You Will

• Country Portfolio Management and Programming
• Lead the country portfolio performance reviews. Responsible for management and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations (programming, pipeline and portfolio management) at Country level to achieve country Key Performance Indicators. Provide high-level guidance on operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. Take part in operations and portfolio networks, facilitated by Regional Operations Coordination and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department.
• Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues and lead portfolio, programming and pipeline related missions and activities with government. Oversee project related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders.
• Consult with clients to swiftly resolve country-wide issues, and coordinate the resolution of project-specific issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices for India ongoing projects.
• Support CD, INRM in assuring that project/TA implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guide sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are delivered to promote ADBs regional and country priorities, meet country needs, and fit the local context.
• Support the country programming including the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD)/Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnership (OMDP) and the regional operations coordination office. Work with country management team members to create a portfolio of cross-cutting and innovative projects that meet client needs and promote ADBs priorities, e.g. climate change and Private Sector Development.
• Maintain pipelines and oversee progress of lending and non-lending by monitoring, supporting, and facilitating the work of solutions departments for the timely delivery of the country program. Liaise with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Provide inputs into Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for India from a programming, pipeline and portfolio management perspective.
• Advise INRM CD in the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by Staff Instructions and Project Administration Instructions.
• Work Planning
• Support CD, INRM and India country management teams in preparation of the work plans and alignment with regional department KPIs.
• Serve as head of the secretariat to both country management teams, supporting the CD to set standard operating procedures for their effective 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.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Undertake other activities as designated by CD, INRM.
  
  

You Will Need

• Masters Degree or equivalent in engineering, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree in engineering, finance, economics, business administration and related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience managing projects, portfolios (country or sector) and pipelines for development institutions. International experience working in development in several countries.
• Experience in building capacity of staff in projects or processing loans/technical assistance. Proven management and leadership qualities.
• Experience collaborating with individuals and teams from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Technical experience in one or more main sectors of ADB operations preferred
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 3.
  
  

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package . The salary will be based on ADBs standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• 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 Staffs particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staffs performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

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.


Primary Location: India Resident Mission-India-New Delhi

Department: South Asia Department

Division: India Resident Mission

Staff Category: Technical International (HQ)

Position Level: TI3

Job Posting: 31-Jul-2025, 2:20:14 PM

14-Aug-2025, 7:59:00 PM

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