Senior Human Resource Specialist

Job Vacancy | Wednesday, March 4, 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 Human Resource Specialist is assigned to the Talent Management Division (BPTM) within the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department (BPMSD). 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 Director, BPTM and will supervise junior team members.


Your Role
As Senior Human Resource Specialist, you will oversee a broad range of human resources functions to provide support for the development, implementation, and improvement of personnel policies and programs to achieve goals of the Strategic HR Framework to support Strategy 2030. As Talent Management HR Business Partner of assigned client departments and team leader for a Talent Management Team, you will take the lead in initiatives related to strengthening talent management focusing on managing, retaining, and developing staff.


You will:

• Serve as primary contact of client departments for advice, implementation support, and internal communication on HR policies and procedures on non-vacancy driven promotion, performance management, employment life cycle actions, reassignment and transfers, outposting, mobility, talent reviews, succession planning, and learning and development

• Lead engagement with client departments to identify and develop their talent pipeline; provide advice on addressing skills and leadership gaps; advise on promotion, deployment, and reassignment; and guide succession planning and other talent management activities

• Provide advice on workforce planning and analysis, position management, organizational review and design, and staffing plan, in close collaboration with Workforce Planning Division

• Participate in client department management team meetings to understand their priorities; respond to queries on non-recruitment related policies and procedures; and facilitate participation of relevant BPMSD divisions/units

• Ensure timely action on non-vacancy driven staff actions, management-initiated transfers, outposting and return to duty station, employee lifecycle staff actions, special leave without pay (SLWOP) and return from SLWOP, and oversee/manage update of records in HR systems

• Support client departments on initiatives that have HR components including coordination within BPMSD

• Lead or contribute to the establishment, continuous improvement and implementation of systems related to non-recruitment staff actions

• Guide client departments in implementing performance management programs and tools, build capacity to manage performance, and help resolve complex employee relations issues

• Provide on-demand career development advice and counselling to staff, including facilitating access to coaching and individual training interventions, as appropriate

• Contribute to the design and development of HR policies and initiatives led by Policy, Analytics and Legal Services Division such as gender action plan, job architecture, and staff engagement survey, and lead the implementation of related actions in client departments

• Contribute or implement talent management programs such as Country Director and Deputy Country Director selection and placement and batch outposting

• Support implementation of talent acquisition programs such as Young Professional Program, Internship Program, and secondments/sponsor-funded programs

• Work seamlessly with Talent Acquisition Division and ensure effective coordination within BPMSD in the areas of responsibility

• Lead recruitment selection panels in partnership with client departments and ensure that ADB recruitment policies and procedures are properly implemented, as needed

• Provide leadership, support, and guidance to reporting staff. Set clear goals, provide feedback on performance and ensure on-going learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in human resources, business or public administration, economics, social sciences or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. Affiliation with and/or certified/accredited by recognized professional HR associations, such as CIPD, IPMA, SHRM, etc. will be an advantage.

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in talent retention and employee relations; experience in talent acquisition and knowledge on position management is an asset.

• International experience working in several countries or experience in international development finance institutions or multinational organizations

• Ability to undertake new initiatives, with sound judgment and decision-making capacity

• Ability to deal effectively with staff, Management, Board Members, staff of other international organizations, and external counterparts

• Ability to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community

• Strong interpersonal, conceptual, and analytical abilities

• Act as a mentor to more junior team members, providing guidance and develop their capabilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Knowledge and understanding of a multilateral institution's operational and administrative procedures.

• Experience working on human resource management.

• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff grade 2.
  
  

Benefits
ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Paid leave (including parental)

• Medical and health benefits

• Life and other insurance plans

• Staff development

• Retirement plan

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)

• Expatriate benefits
  
  
  

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.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

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