Principal Country Specialist

Job Vacancy | Friday, February 27, 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 Country Specialist is assigned to the Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Islamabad, Pakistan, and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Country Director (CD), PRM. You will work in close coordination with the Deputy County Director (DCD), the Country Operations Head (COH), and the Senior Economist, PRM. You will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As the Principal Country Specialist, you will support the CD, PRM in leading the planning and implementation of country operations with overall responsibility for country programming, knowledge planning and management, and related work, with a focus on proactive client engagement and partnerships. You will lead and support the preparation and implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), Country Programming, and other engagements to promote development partnerships between ADB and Pakistan. You will also be part of business development and project identification for sovereign as well as nonsovereign operations, in close collaboration with the ADB's sectors departments, thematic groups, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), and the Office of Market Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP).

You will do:

• Country Strategy and Programming
  • Lead the formulation and implementation of country strategies, programs, and annual pipeline development in close coordination with government clients, other development partners, the private sector, and other external stakeholders; and with CWRD and other Headquarters (HQ) Departments and Offices.
  • Lead the planning and implementation of knowledge products, events, solutions, and services; ensure efficient coordination with the CWRD's knowledge work and the federal and provincial governments.
  • Support the origination and identification of sovereign, nonsovereign, and PPP operations.
• Country and Development Partnership Relationships
  • Establish and maintain relations with government officials and serve as the communication link between the Government of Pakistan and ADB.
  • Represent ADB in conferences, seminars, and media interviews. Perform outreach on ADB's strategy and engagements to stakeholders.
  • Be the focal point in Pakistan for coordination and cooperation with development partners on ADB's strategy, program, and operations.
• Operational and Other Support
  • Support sector departments and thematic groups, ensuring that ADB's strategic and cross-cutting considerations are appropriately incorporated.
  • Lead the design, processing, and administration of technical assistance activities.
  • Lead and provide input on strategic and operational issues in ADB, including special initiatives and support management on strategic and country engagement related topics; lead and support the preparation of documents for the Board and management, ensuring that these are prepared in line with the consultation and quality assurance requirements of ADB; lead and support quality assurance.
  • Oversight of the finance and administration (F&A) team and other units, as required; supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear directions and regular monitoring and feedback on performance, and encourage ongoing learning and development of staff.
  • Undertake other tasks assigned and required, demonstrating high degree of responsiveness, team approach, capability, and capacity.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree, or equivalent, in economics, finance, policy studies, engineering, or related subjects; 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 economics; or strategics; development planning and programming; sector work; or and policy formulation, implementation, and coordination, including international experience working in development in several countries, including developing countries.
• Familiarity with ADB's operations, policies, and procedures, with strong operational experiences on leading ADB operations, country programming, and country partnership strategies an advantage.
• Experience collaborating with senior staff, management, and senior government officials.
• Experience supporting management, such as leading speech and briefing notes preparations.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Please refer to the link 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.

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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