Senior Safeguards Officer (Social)

Job Vacancy | Friday, February 6, 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 Senior Safeguards Officer (Social) is assigned to the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

You will report to the designated international staff and have matrix reporting line to Country Operations Head, Pakistan Resident Mission.

Your Role

As a Senior Safeguards Officer (Social), you will independently provide technical support to (i) ensure that sovereign and nonsovereign projects under processing and implementation comply with ADB's social safeguard requirements under the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) and the Environment and Social Framework (ESF) 2024, and other relevant social requirements such as the Gender and Development Policy, Social Protection Strategy, Access to Information Policy, as updated from time to time, and their respective operations manuals, related procedures and mandates; (ii) contribute to the interdepartmental policy discussions in the area of social safeguards, social development, social protection, gender and development, consultation and participation and engagement with civil society, and (iii) develop related knowledge products and services for use by ADB's borrower and clients.

You will:

• Ensure the application of ADB's safeguards and social policies into projects by conducting due diligence, independent and comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the project design and implementation, review of safeguard documents and overall safeguards performance of projects through all stages of the project cycle. Manage all social safeguards requirements in project processing and implementation as a OneADB Team member.
• At concept review stage, support and contribute as a team member to the OneADB Team by assessing the safeguards and social impacts at project identification, conducting social due diligence, preparing social safeguards categorization forms, and preparing the social dimensions section of preliminary poverty and social analysis and concept review papers, and preparing terms of reference of consultants.
• During due diligence, conduct a preliminary and detailed review of environmental and social impact assessment reports, resettlement plans, indigenous peoples plans, social development plans, labor management and retrenchment plans, stakeholder engagement plans, environmental and social management systems, social compliance audits, and specific gender and social impact aspects of social safeguards plans and frameworks.
• Advise and effectively support borrowers/clients on incorporating social safeguard dimensions in the design and implementation of capital markets, financial and infrastructure sector projects, and on requirements and methods to enhance the quality of various social plans to ensure compliance.
• Advise and effectively support ADB project teams in proactively identifying and addressing social safeguard requirements and resolving issues.
• During project administration, lead safeguard review missions for assigned projects by compiling relevant project data, visiting the project site, documenting meetings with the borrower/client, consultants and affected persons, providing inputs in the preparation of back to office reports, conducting a desk review of progress reports, monitoring reports, recommending actions, and measuring and evaluating compliance of projects.
• Participate in country portfolio review missions to identify systemic social safeguards issues, propose solutions to improve portfolio performance, and provide inputs to background papers and reports.
• Participate in joint and country management team meetings, as required.
• Review relevant ADB policies, operations manual, staff instructions, guidelines, and handbooks and suggest measures to ensure consistency with SPS and or ESF requirements (as applicable).
• Lead the development of knowledge products and services, including the formulation of policies, guidelines and preparation of handbooks, best practice manuals, etc., by reviewing project design and implementation experiences, liaising with project practitioners and social science experts, and external stakeholders including civil society.
• Manage the safeguards team's database of projects on compliance status of projects, contributes to the online project data sheets and information document as required , and liaises with line division staff in uploading social documentation of various projects in ADB website.
• Participate in various communities of practice and networks (e.g. Social Development Community of Practice, Social Safeguards Networks), and the guidelines and processes of other development banks and share information with OSFG on developments when necessary.
• Contribute to the preparation of budget, activity plans and work program.
• Manage the engagement of staff consultants required to support OSFG in reviewing and monitoring compliance with ADB's social requirements.
• Support the administration of TA projects related to social development / social safeguards by monitoring progress of TA implementation, contracting consultants, supporting the organization and implementation of conferences and workshops by formulating budget, activity plans and work programs, among other tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in the incumbent's workplan or as needed.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in social, community or international development, gender and development, labour and social protection, or related fields; preferably with Master's degree or equivalent.
• At least 8 years work experience in the field of social development, gender and development, social protection, and social safeguards; and at least 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in social impact analysis, social assessments, and participatory development, and knowledge of social policies, involuntary resettlement planning, indigenous peoples development planning, stakeholder engagement, labour and social protection; familiar with gender and development, project complainrts handling a, stakeholder engagement, community driven development, public communications among others.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current and alternative approaches and methodologies in addressing social issues into projects.
• Strong understanding of statistics
• Capability to structure multiple workload, set clear timelines and complete all deliverables on agreed timeline.
• Experience fostering teamwork, building rapport internally and externally in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and local language (as applicable)
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL6.

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 opening is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan.

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 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.

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