Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure)

Asian Development Bank (ADB); Manila; On-site; PHP 5,653,000 - 9,422,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Medical and health benefits

Paid leave (including parental)

Life and other insurance plans

Staff development

Job summary

Asian Development Bank in Manila is seeking a Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure) to support the Philippine Country Office and SERD in processing and implementing flagship infrastructure loans and TA projects in the Philippines.

The role involves coordinating with government agencies, leading due diligence, and mentoring junior local staff while ensuring timely delivery within ADB policies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Development Economics, Management, Engineering or relevant fields.
• Bachelor's degree in related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation, and at least 7 years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
• Ability to quickly grasp ADB policies, procedures, and lending modalities pertaining to country programming; development priorities and programs of the Government.
• Sound knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures.
• Ability to mentor junior Local Staff to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review.
• Experience liaising and working with government officials.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL8.

Responsibilities

• Support PHCO and sector groups in the identification, processing, and implementation of all projects, particularly high-profile flagship projects.
• Co‑lead the processing and implementation of flagship project loans and technical assistance grant projects with managing internal processing and government approvals.
• Be a team member for administering flagship ADB‑supported projects in the Philippines, with planning and advising on processing steps and procurement support.
• Co‑lead and support the preparation of technical assistance and loan projects in collaboration with SERD sector divisions.
• Participate in portfolio reviews and reporting on portfolio performance; coordinate results monitoring and reporting.
• Support monitoring and analysis of developments in the Philippines affecting infrastructure operations.
• Lead assessments of oversight agencies involved with ADB programs and advise on improving systems.
• Assist government agencies to strengthen capacities for operations implementation.
• Establish coordination with key counterparts and liaise with multilateral/bilateral partners.

Skills

Project management

Staff mentoring

Liaising with government officials

Policy understanding

Due diligence

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in related fields

Job description

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 Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure) is assigned to the Philippine Country Office (PHCO) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. You will report to the Country Director, PHCO or designated international staff and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure), you will support the Country Operations Head in PHCO, and sector groups in processing and implementation of key infrastructure operations initiatives of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), Country Programming Mission (CPM), and Country Portfolio Review Mission (CPRM), and in ADB SERD. You will also support sector groups and mission leaders on aspects of processing and implementing infrastructure loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in the Philippines and participate in dialogue with the government on identifying and enacting ways to accelerate processing and implementation in the context of ADB and Government of Philippines implementation and procurement systems.

You Will

• Support PHCO and sector groups in the identification, processing, and implementation of all projects, particularly high-profile flagship projects, providing detailed, hands‑on advice to mission leaders on all government steps and agencies involved in relation to ADB processing and implementation.
• Co‑lead the processing and implementation of flagship project loans and technical assistance grant projects with responsibilities for managing internal processing, facilitating with government for its approvals through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, and Monetary Board among others, and leading due diligence of implementing agencies financial management and procurement capacities.
• Be a team member for administering flagship ADB‑supported projects in the Philippines, with support for planning and advising on processing steps in ADB and Government, and procurement and assessment support for pre‑project start‑up to ensure capacity strengthening of government implementing agencies.
• Co‑lead and support the preparation of technical assistance and loan projects in close collaboration and coordination with SERD sector divisions and undertake TA projects and studies related to the Philippines as assigned.
• Participate in portfolio reviews, and periodic reporting on the performance of the portfolio in general, as well as coordinate results monitoring and reporting for operations in the Philippines.
• Support the monitoring and analysis of economic, social, and political developments in the Philippines that impact ADB infrastructure operations implementation.
• Lead assessments of oversight agencies directly involved with ADB's program and projects, particularly in project processing, procurement, and project implementation systems; and advise government, ADB, and SERD sector divisions on ways to accelerate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of systems.
• Assist relevant government agencies to strengthen capacities for operations implementation, including advising on capacity development training as needed.
• Establish and maintain strong coordination and communication with key counterparts in the Government, in particular, the oversight agencies (e.g., Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, and Department of Budget and Management), and major line agencies implementing flagship projects (e.g., Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transport).
• Liaise with multilateral and bilateral aid agencies for improvement of project portfolio management and other project administration matters and lead the coordination and exchange of information on project implementation with multilateral and bilateral official development partners, private sector associations, and civil society.

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Development Economics, Management, Engineering or relevant fields. Bachelor's degree in related fields and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in project management and implementation, and at least 7 years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
• Ability to quickly grasp (i) ADB's policies, procedures, and lending modalities pertaining to country programming; (ii) development priorities and programs of the Government, especially in sectors of relevance for ADB, and the various economic, political, and social challenges it faces; (iii) infrastructure development programs of various donor partners; and (iv) the overall infrastructure prospects of the country.
• Sound knowledge of government administrative systems and procedures.
• Ability to mentor junior Local Staff to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review.
• Experience liaising and working with government officials.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL8.

Benefits

• 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 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 Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium‑term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's 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.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

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.

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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.

Primary Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Staff Category: Technical Local - HQ

Job Posting: 24-Sep-2026, 12:32:05 AM08-Oct-2026, 9:59:00 AM