Principal Urban Development Specialist

Asian Development Bank (ADB); Islamabad; On-site; PKR 24,924,000 - 41,540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and education allowance (if in

Expatriate benefits (if applicable)

Retirement plan (if applicable)

Medical and health benefits

Job summary

Asian Development Bank (ADB) invites applications for Principal Urban Development Specialist to lead policy formulation and sector reforms in Pakistan’s water and urban development domain. The role requires directing lending projects, coordinating with country offices, and driving knowledge sharing to support sustainable development goals.

Based out of the Pakistan Resident Mission in Islamabad, the position involves outposting for an initial three years with relocation support and potential

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field and 12+ years of professional experience.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Broad experience in preparing investment projects and policy analysis.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on water and urban development.
• Oversee development and design of lending projects and programs in the sector.
• Coordinate with HQ and PRM for consistency of approach and knowledge sharing.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and knowledge products.

Skills

Team leadership

Policy dialogue

Project design

English proficiency

Education

Master's Degree or equivalent in civil/environmental engineering, urban planning, economics

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 Principal Urban Development Specialist is assigned to the Water and Urban Development Sector Cluster (SD2-WUD) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). You will be outposted to Pakistan Resident Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan (PRM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) for an initial period of three years. After this period, subject to business needs, the role may be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines or at another resident mission office. Relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

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

Your Role

As Principal Urban Development Specialist, you will lead and oversee the formulation and articulation of policy and strategies on water and urban sector, engage with the government in policy dialogue, and conduct ADB's activities to support sector policies and reforms in Pakistan. You will lead in identifying, developing, processing, implementing and administering loans, grants, and TA projects, and provide relevant stakeholders with necessary technical support and knowledge projects.

You Will

• Lead the processing and administration of loans, grants, and TAs on WUD, with due attention to the country's development policies and projects' impacts on private sector participation, sector restructuring, and reforms.
• Lead the development and design of new lending projects and programs in the sector, including affordable housing, sustainable tourism, urban and regional planning, municipal finance/ governance, creditworthiness, sector restructuring/utility management and reforms, water supply, sanitation and wastewater management, drainage, solid waste management, and climate- and disaster-resilience. Collaborate with other sector offices, PSOD/OMDP and departments in ADB to propose integrated solutions in response to PRM's needs.
• Lead the assessment of WUD sector policies, strategies, and programs with a view to ensuring comparability to international best practices, smart solutions and technological advance including digital technologies, climate resilience and mitigation needs, and responsiveness to development needs of Pakistan. Contribute in PRM's CPS process.
• Identify the priority areas of WUD in the country or region, as applicable, and the modality of the required loans and TA support.
• Ensure coordination between HQ and PRM for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices and integration of WUD sector policy commitments to the management of projects.
• Oversee and ensure quality and compliance of WUD sector lending and non-lending products and operations.
• Oversee and facilitate effective liaison and coordination with development partners on program loans and investment projects.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external partners for knowledge and project opportunities. Respond to external inquiries.
• Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products, and organization and implementation of knowledge-sharing events and workshops on specialized topics on WUD.
• Lead, supervise, and support reporting staff, including their performance and development. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

You will need

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, or economics; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban sector 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. International experience working in several countries.
• Broad experience preparing investment projects and analysis of relevant development policies, including knowledge on procurement and consultant recruitment process.
• Demonstrated team leadership or managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and missions for technical matters and projects processing/implementation.
• Significant expertise within a specific area of ADB's 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.
• Please refer to the link for ADB for ADB Competency Framework for TI3.

Benefits

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
• 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 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.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

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.

Primary Location

Pakistan Resident Mission-Pakistan-Islamabad

Division

Water and Urban Development Sector Office

Staff Category

Technical International (Field Office)

Job Posting

18-Sep-2026, 1:44:21 PM02-Oct-2026, 11:59:00 PM