Principal Environment Specialist

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is seeking a Principal Environment Specialist in Mandaluyong, Philippines, to lead biodiversity and ecosystem management initiatives. This full-time position requires strategic leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a Master's degree or equivalent, with at least 12 years of relevant experience, including international exposure in the Asia-Pacific region. The role focuses on sustainable development and environmental resilience.
On-site - Mandaluyong | 3-5 Yrs Exp | Bachelor | Full-time

Job Description

Description

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on 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 Environment Specialist is assigned to the Climate Change, Resilience and Environment Cluster (CCRE) within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. You will report to the Director, Environment, and oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Environment Specialist, focused on biodiversity and ecosystem management, you will be responsible for leading one of the key pillars of the Environment team and making contributions to ADB’s Organizational Resilience by providing expert advice, technical support, and strategic guidance on biodiversity and ecosystem management, including conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources.

Key Responsibilities
• Strategic development: Provide strategic leadership in expanding the biodiversity and ecosystem management portfolio at ADB, including guiding development and implementation of relevant approach papers, operational plans, and other strategic documents supporting nature-positive and nature-mainstreaming investments.
• Lead assessments and diagnostics related to biodiversity and ecosystem management initiatives, including economic and climate impacts.
• Support the preparation of country or sub-regional assessments to inform strategies and identify investment opportunities.
• Technical leadership: Develop and implement technical assistance, support project development, and promote innovative research and practices.
• Develop financial mechanisms to scale investments, such as biodiversity bonds, credits, and other innovative financing methods.
• Implement regional technical assistance projects to promote cooperation and deliver global and regional environmental benefits.
• Promote collaborative solutions across departments and partners to address complex development issues related to the environment.
• Support development of metrics, tracking, and reporting frameworks for environmental projects.
• Knowledge management: Synthesize and disseminate scientific knowledge, develop knowledge products, and organize capacity-building activities.
• Partnerships: Manage and establish partnerships with MDBs, donors, UN agencies, private sector, academia, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Support corporate reporting, briefing, and communication efforts related to the environment.

Minimum Requirements
• Master's Degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related fields, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including international work experience in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Demonstrated expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem management within a development context.
• Experience with international science/policy processes on biodiversity.
• Leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, strategic, and conceptual skills.

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation, health benefits, retirement plans, and allowances, including expatriate benefits for international staff.

About Us

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Committed to sustainable and inclusive growth, ADB operates in 69 member countries, primarily in Asia and the Pacific. We promote a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable region through finance, knowledge, and partnerships.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.