Senior Energy Specialist (Transmission)

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 Energy Specialist (Transmission) is assigned to the Energy Sector Division (SD1-ENE) within the Sectors Department 1 (SD1). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila Philippines.

You will report to the Director SD1-ENE responsible for the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As Senior Energy Specialist (Transmission) your primary role will be the preparation and implementation of energy projects in ADBs Developing Member Countries (DMCs) with a focus on power transmission infrastructure. You will lead technical reviews and due diligence to ensure the projects are technically practical and economically viable and environmentally sustainable. You will support the development of energy sector policy and strategies. You will engage DMC governments in policy dialogue conduct ADBs activities to support sector policy and reforms and identify opportunities in the energy sector following ADBs 2021 Energy Policy (as amended in 2025). You will lead the development processing and implementation of investment and technical assistance (TAs) projects and non-lending products and services (NLPS) that contribute to ADBs goal of reducing poverty. You will oversee and ensure the quality of project development administration and overall results for loans TA projects and non-lending products and services in the energy sector. You will build partnerships with other departments such as the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD) and the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP). These partnerships will also include the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) and the Regional Departments. Moreover you will work with cofinancing units to deliver value-added services to the DMCs.

You will:

• Lead the review of technical documents including pre-feasibility and feasibility studies design and specifications environmental and social impact assessments and power system plans.
• Lead the development of new lending projects. Guide the technical due diligence to ensure projects are technically practical and economically viable.
• Manage projects during construction. You will ensure engagement of expert panels and reviewing reports. Additionally you will lead the preparation processing and administration of sub-regional and DMC specific loan grant and TAs in the energy sector. This requires due attention to a countrys development policies and projects impacts on climate change.
• Lead the development of energy policy and strategies with relevant government agencies and resident missions in the region. Collaborate with other sector offices and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to DMC needs.
• Participate in analytical work knowledge management and coordination with different stakeholders to promote the best practices in sector development.
• Provide guidance advice and comment on sector issues in the initiation development processing 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.
• Lead the teams other energy specialists in their work with governments to identify investment opportunities in the sector including through the use of special funds.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries.
• Contribute to internal and external training and conferences on energy related activities for advocacy and knowledge sharing.
• Create and lead diverse teams and ensure the quality of their work.
• Lead reporting staff and manage their performance and development.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SD-ENE and SD1.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

You will need:

• Masters degree or equivalent in engineering preferably electric engineering or equivalent. Alternatively we will consider a university degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position specifically in project management.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in energy transmission.
• Experience in environmental and social aspects of large infrastructure development.
• Experience in design construction and management of transmission projects in a leadership position both in developed and developing countries.
• Advance knowledge of mechanical and electrical components of transmission projects and their grid connections.
• Knowledge of energy sector reform issues in developing countries.
• Experience as a mission leader or team lead exercising guidance coordination and planning responsibilities over diverse team/unit.
• International experience working in several countries.
• 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 Competency Framework for TI2.

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)
• Relocation (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 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.

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.

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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.

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