Principal Communications Specialist / 260915

Asian Development Bank; Philippines; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and education allowance

Expatriate benefits

Retirement plan

Medical and health benefits

Paid leave

Life and other insurance plans

Job summary

Asian Development Bank seeks a Principal Communications Specialist to drive the President's communications and engagement strategy. Based at Manila HQ, you will coordinate with the President's Office and DOCK, shaping messages, speeches, media outreach, and digital content across platforms.

You will lead editorial quality, guide junior staff, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities, eventually overseeing crisis communications and strategic reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a university degree in related fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at the international level, with a demonstrated understanding of development issues, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Experience in preparing and implementing strategic communications plans in a large international organization is desired.
• Proven track record of mentoring and guiding junior team members is desired.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the President's communications and engagement strategy and plan.
• Serve as a focal point for cross-departmental collaboration with OPR, DOCK, and other departments on the President's C&E plan and messaging priorities.
• Oversee drafting, editing, and production of communications products, including speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and video scripts.
• Conduct quality control to ensure coherence, accuracy, and consistency of materials.
• Facilitate media relations by coordinating interviews, press conferences, and other engagements, and prepare news releases and briefs.
• Contribute to the President's social media presence, including content planning and scheduling.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of C&E activities to compile reports and briefings.
• Assist in navigating issues and crisis communications to protect ADB's brand.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by Head of the President Support Unit.

Skills

Communications strategy

Media relations

Copy editing

Team mentoring

Education

Master's degree in communications or related field

Job description

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Reference Number

Reference Number 260915

Position Grade

Position Grade TI3

Department

Department Department of Communications and Knowledge Management

Division

Division Office of the Principal Director, DOCK

Location

Date Posted

Date Posted Thursday, September 17, 2026

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 Principal Communications Specialist is assigned to the President Support Unit within the Department of Communications and Knowledge Management (DOCK). 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 the Head of the President Support Unit and may oversee junior staff.

Your Role

As the Principal Communications Specialist, you will contribute to the President's communications and partner engagements. You will help ensure the President's positioning and messages align with his leadership vision, and are consistently executed across all platforms, including speeches, media engagements, social media, videos, publications, and internal and external events. Working closely with the Office of the President (OPR) and departments across ADB, you will provide operational coordination, strategic support, and rigorous quality assurance to ensure that the President's communications are timely and aligned with ADB's institutional priorities.

You will:

• Support the development and drive the implementation of the President's communications and engagement (C&E) strategy and plan.
• Serve as a focal point for cross-departmental collaboration, liaising with OPR, DOCK, and other relevant departments on the President's C&E plan, engagement requests, messaging priorities, and follow-up actions.
• Oversee the drafting, editing, and production of communications products, including speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and video scripts, ensuring strict alignment with C&E priorities.
• Conduct rigorous quality control to ensure the strategic coherence, accuracy, and consistency of all external and internal-facing materials.
• Facilitate media relations for OPR by coordinating interviews, press conferences, and other engagements, while overseeing the preparation of news releases, media briefs, and background materials.
• Contribute to the President's social media presence, including content planning, copy development, scheduling, and trend monitoring.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of C&E activities using performance data and audience insights to compile comprehensive reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Assist in navigating issues and crisis communications related to the President's engagements to ensure ADB's brand and reputation are protected.
• Perform other related tasks that may be assigned by the Head of the President Support Unit.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree in related fields combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at the international level, with a demonstrated understanding of development issues, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Experience in preparing and implementing strategic communications plans in a large international organization is desired.
• Proven track record of mentoring and guiding junior team members is desired.
• Please refer to the link for the ADB Competency Framework for TI3.

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package . The salary will be based on ADB's 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

Additional Information

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 Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

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.

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.