Public Sector Economist

Job Vacancy | Thursday, February 5, 2026

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 Public Sector Economist is assigned to the Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office (PSMG) within Sectors Department 3 (SD3). SD3 aims to deliver impactful sector strategy, initiatives, and integrated solutions that advance ADB's strategic agenda in the region and with ADB's clients. SD3 which is comprised of three sector offices, delivers or supports sovereign, non-sovereign, and advisory operations; delivers knowledge services; supports regional departments (RD) and resident missions (RM) in engaging with developing member countries (DMCs); and ensures ADB's technical leadership externally and internally.

PSMG leads policy development and dialogue, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance (TA) processing and administration in the public management, public finance, trade and governance sectors.

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 Director, PSMG, and will supervise junior team members.

Your Role

As a Public Sector Economist, you will contribute to the formulation and articulation of public sector policy and strategies and public management issues, engaging ADB's member countries' governments in policy dialogue, conducting ADB's activities to support sector policy and reforms. You will support in identifying, developing, implementing and administering loans, TA projects, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) and engage with DMC governments and other stakeholders on public sector management issues to support fiscal consolidation, inclusive growth, reforms, and initiatives, with the objective of ensuring economic soundness and consistency with sector policies and strategies.

You will:

• Support the strategic and operational development of the PSMG sector covering all major aspects related to project identification, preparation, appraisal, and documentation on public sector management, including but not limited to domestic resource mobilization and debt management, public expenditure management, social security and pension reforms, domestic savings, state-owned enterprises management, digitalization of systems and processes, economic diversification, fiscal decentralization, including strengthening of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem and industrial development, climate change, public investment management, strengthening of institutions for investment and business climate of DMCs, generation of private resources for investment opportunities, and strengthening systems for regional trade integration in consultation with relevant government agencies, and RMs.
• Lead or contribute to strategic planning, identify, and develop core expertise in emerging areas, and solutions delivery to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support teams and colleagues in adapting to the cultural and business norms of diverse clients and country situations and mentor colleagues in the design and delivery of policy-based programs and other projects.
• Support dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders to improve public sector management and enhance government capacity while managing debt and creating more opportunities for private sector investment.
• Lead the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects in public sector management for governments at all levels in DMCs. In this regard, take the role of mission leader and supervise the work of mission members.
• Participate in country teams and provide or peer review inputs for Country Partnership Strategies, Country Operations and Country Programming/Portfolio Review Missions MOUs. Participate in interdepartmental working groups on public sector management issues.
• Coordinate with other sectors and departments for OneADB collaboration to improve development impact.
• Coordinate with other development partners and international agencies for operational synergies to improve assessments and development impact.
• Support in the review of portfolio performance and preparation of initiatives to promote project quality and improve portfolio performance. Lead in providing guidance and advice in identification and implementation of actions items needed to resolve implementation issues and problems.
• Lead and conduct economic, thematic and sector work related to policy, legal, regulatory and institutional framework for public sector management to facilitate sustainable economic development, inclusive growth, green public financial management, and poverty reduction. Facilitate effective evaluation processes for PSMG work. Create high quality knowledge products on contemporary issues including macroeconomic management in the DMCs.
• Effectively handle closure of projects and completion processes and reports, and conduct consultations with governments on results and lessons learned.
• Substantially contribute to activities for advocacy, training, dissemination and knowledge building around public sector management issues. Promote innovation and more effective ways for addressing key development constraints in DMCs, including use of modern technology, cross-country learnings and best practices, and knowledge solutions.
• Manage knowledge products and services work including peer reviews for the sector
• Conduct internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building in the area of public sector management
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.

Qualifications

You will need:

• A University degree in economics, finance, public policy or other related fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in public sector management at the national and sub-national level, preferably in a reputed research institution or in a multilateral agency.
• 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.
• Ability to steer ideas and projects to improve linkages between public sector management and poverty reduction.
• Demonstrate flexibility and aptitude to learn new and emerging issues/topics within the public sector and financial sector.
• International experience working in development in several countries.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI1.

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)
• 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 ADB's 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 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.

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.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

Stay up to date Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest issues, news, events, jobs and data in your e-mail inbox.