Urban Development Specialist

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 Urban Development Specialist is assigned to the Water and Urban Development Sector Office (SD2-WUD) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Director, Water and Urban Development and will oversee Junior team members.

Your Role

As an Urban Development Specialist, you will contribute to the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on water and urban development sector in the developing member countries (DMCs). You will be responsible for enhancing quality of policy dialogue, operations, and knowledge solutions delivery by working closely with DMC clients. You will provide support in identifying, developing, processing, implementing and administering loans, grants, technical assistance (TA) projects in DMCs, and provide relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge for projects.

You Will

• Process and administer sub-regional and DMC-specific loan, grant, and TAs in urban sector development, with due attention to countrys development policies and projects impacts on climate change.
• Develop new lending projects and programs in the sector including water supply, wastewater management, sanitation, drainage, solid waste management, affordable housing, sustainable tourism, urban and regional planning, municipal governance/finance, climate- and disaster-resilience, and sector restructuring/utility management and reforms.
• Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to DMC needs.
• Identify and introduce innovative and smart solutions and international best practices in the design and administration of loans, grants, and TAs. Propose appropriate contract modalities and lead discussions on procurement issues including review of bidding documents, bid evaluation reports, and consultant recruitment.
• Closely coordinate with Regional Departments (RDs), Resident Missions (RMs), Office of Safeguards (OSFG), and Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD) in identifying, developing, implementing, and administering loans, grants, and TAs for the water and urban development sector.
• Continuously assess water and urban development sector development policies, strategies, and programs with a view of ensuring comparability to international best practices, smart and digital solutions and technological advance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, private sector development, and responsiveness to development needs of DMCs.
• Identify the priority areas in the water and urban development sector in the region/countries assigned, undertake upstream and analytical sector work, and propose the modality and nature of the required loans and TA support.
• Assist the team and RDs with guidance on inquiries related to urban sector development, urban environmental improvement, and relevant sector governance reforms.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries as needed.
• Generate and disseminate knowledge solutions from ADB operations, international best practices and country or region specific cross-learning in water and urban development, and on the areas related to livable cities.
• Lead relevant in-house studies and seminars and prepare reports or policy briefs on topics crucial to ADBs water and urban development sector operations.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentors junior staff and supports their learning and integration into SD2-WUD and SDs in effective ways.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.
  
  

You will need:

• A University degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or economics or other relevant areas; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in water and urban development and municipal service improvement, and in project preparation and administration of projects, practical knowledge, and experience in integration of financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard requirements and issues in project design and execution.
• Strong core technical skills and sufficient practical experience in the field with demonstrated ability to engage in policy dialogue with clients, prepare knowledge solutions with colleagues and development partners, and develop capacity in DMCs.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Broad experience in the preparation of investment projects and analysis of relevant development policies, including knowledge of procurement and consultant recruitment.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of ADBs operations (economic, sector, or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
• Please refer to the link for ADB for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International 1 (TI1).
  
  

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 (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 position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADBs in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staffs particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staffs performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

• Multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening.
• The actual position title and grade will be based on your qualifications, experience and job scope that will be assigned to the selected applicants.
• Location: Manila, Philippines
  
  

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 members—50 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.


Primary Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Sectors Department 2

Division: Water and Urban Development Sector Office

Staff Category: Technical International (Multiple Vacancies)

Position Level: TI1

Job Posting: 31-Mar-2026, 6:34:15 PM

17-Apr-2026, 2:59:00 AM

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