Principal Transport Specialist

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, March 24, 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 Transport Specialist is assigned to the Transport Office Division (SD1-TRA) within the Sectors Department 1 (SD1). 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, Transport and will oversee junior team members

Your Role

As a Principal Transport Specialist, you will lead in the articulation and implementation of policies and strategies for the transport sector in developing member countries (DMCs). You will ensure project identification, preparation, appraisal, and documentation. You will also ensure compliance with ADB policies, operations manuals, project administration instructions, and assistance-related documentation. You will do this during the development and implementation of loans, TA, and non-lending products and services (NLPS) for transport projects. You will perform three main tasks. The first task is to identify, develop, implement, and administer selected loans, grants, and TA projects with higher levels of complexity. The second task is to manage the project portfolio. You will identify implementation problems and implement corrective actions. The third task is to lead the development of the assistance project pipeline. You will do this by using the sector's experience in project processing and portfolio management. You will work with our teams and resource departments, and externally with clients and oversee critical tasks, as management assigns from time to time.

You will:

• Lead the development of policy and strategies for the transport sector in DMCs in coordination with relevant government agencies, other stakeholders, and resident missions (RMs).
• Conduct dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders on transport sector issues and projects related to regional cooperation and integration, trade logistics and cross-border transport facilitation.
• Participate in the network activities in the transport sector and regional cooperation and integration. Focus on trade logistics facilitation and cross border transport areas. Participate in knowledge sharing and staff mentoring. Stay informed about the latest developments and issues.
• Lead the development, processing, implementation and administration of loan, grant and TA projects which require policy, institutional and operational reforms and use of innovative approaches in advancing sector transformation.
• Administer complex loan/grant and technical assistance projects with sectoral and thematic area of focus.
• Lead the monitoring, periodic review and progress reporting of project implementation, compliance with covenants, achievement of division's annual portfolio targets, and the achievement of the desired project/sector outcomes.
• Provide guidance to improve portfolio performance and identify actions needed to resolve project implementation issues. Oversee the execution of actions to address project implementation problems.
• Lead country programming activities for the transport sector and ensure that you adequately reflect operational strategies and programs for the sector in the resulting country programming documents.
• Collaborate with other development partners in the transport sector for consistency and harmonization of approach, exchange of experience, partnership and cofinancing.
• Communicate lessons learned in project administration to key stakeholders and reflect them in the design of new projects.
• Ensure quality and consistency of reports, project documents and communications related to the division's portfolio management.
• Provide advice on ADB guidelines and practices on project administration.
• Oversee reporting staff, including their performance and development, providing clear directions and regular monitoring and feedback. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Mentor junior staff and support their learning and integration into SD1-TRA.
• Perform other duties as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree in Transport/Civil Engineering, Transport Economics, or other related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years' specialized experience relevant to the position in similar organizations can be considered
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in the transport sector at senior technical or management level, preferably working for international organizations, governments, and consulting firms, including international experience working in several countries.
• Experience in preparing written technical and other reports (including at short notice and under mission travel conditions) on sustainable transport project concepts, technical scope and feasibility, project implementation arrangements, and policy and institutional change proposals.
• Technical expertise in the planning and operation of sustainable transport projects in developing countries.
• To share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community and DMCs, including supporting the expansion of ADB's sustainable transport support and operations in DMCs.
• To contribute substantially to the development of sector policy, processing and administering loans and technical assistance in the transport sector.
• Experience dealing with all types of internal and external clients.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Experience as a mission/team leader, exercising supervision coordination, and planning responsibilities over the assigned team, with oversight from the Director of Transport Sector Office.
• Develop the capabilities/potential of junior team members on sustainable transport.
• 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

Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion and for lateral transfer must have served at their position for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (A.O. 2.03)

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e., from TL to TI) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new grade, they will return to the grade occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.

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.

Staff who are currently under regular appointments will retain their regular appointment status.

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.

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