Senior Water Resources Specialist

Job Vacancy | Thursday, March 26, 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 Water Resources Specialist is assigned to the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector Office within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2-AFNR). 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 Senior Director or Director, SD2-AFNR and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Water Resources Specialist, you will coordinate and communicate projects and activities in AFNR sector, and participate in the identification, development, implementation, and administration of loan and TA projects in DMCs. You will support the preparation of sector road maps, strategies, and contribute to sector assessments. You will guide technical, institutional, and policy options in the regional member countries and integrate them into ongoing and pipeline projects. You will lead policy dialogue and deliver projects focused on knowledge solutions. Delivery of the requirement of the position would require candidates to have skills and sub-sectoral expertise in any of or a combination of the following: modernization of irrigation, drainage and command area development systems, groundwater management and recharge, river engineering, flood risk management (rural and urban context) and mitigation measures, integrated water resource management, integrated river basin management, and climate change adaptation in water resources. Additional desirable expertise includes the application of nature-based solutions, digital innovations (such as remote sensing, GIS, and decision-support systems), water-energy-food nexus planning, and water use efficiency improvement.

You will:

• Lead policy dialogue, engage with stakeholders to discuss and develop water resource policies that align with environmental and organizational goals, and ensure that all water resource policies are communicated clearly and effectively to all relevant parties.
• Initiate and lead regional AFNR initiatives on water by engaging government counterparts, development partners, civil societies, and ADB sectors group as needed, and contribute to strategic planning, coordination, and knowledge sharing.
• Represent AFNR in meetings and consultations with ADB stakeholders including government counterparts and local partners and actively contribute to new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues which incorporate climate change adaptation in water resources management, especially integrated and innovative solutions.
• Contribute to country programming and project development by supporting the preparation of relevant analytical work in the water resources sector, particularly through a programmatic approach to enhance development effectiveness.
• Identify necessary and appropriate AFNR sector interventions, particularly those for water resources management. This can include modernization of irrigation, drainage and command area development systems, groundwater management, river engineering, flood risk management (rural and urban context) and mitigation measures, integrated water resources management, and river basin management, including investments, policy and institutional reforms, and capacity building for increased knowledge and resilience which may be considered by ADB. Promote ecosystem-based and inclusive approaches that integrate gender equality, social inclusion, and indigenous peoples' participation.
• Develop, process, and administer grant, loan, and TA projects in the SD2-AFNR, including interventions in modernization of irrigation, drainage and command area development systems, water system management, ground water management, river engineering, flood risk management (rural and urban context) and mitigation measures, integrated water resources management, and river basin management. Provide adequate attention to due diligence and delivery of development results.
• Ensure key technical, social, economic, financial, and crosscutting issues such as climate change, biodiversity, poverty, social, and gender are appropriately incorporated into projects design. Ensure technical, procurement, disbursement, and contract administration issues are resolved timely during loan and TA implementation. Support the mainstreaming of innovative financing instruments such as climate funds, blended finance, and green bonds to enable water-related investments.
• Lead missions, lead on specific sector-related areas and serve as SD2-AFNR focal in country management team and assigned by the sector director.
• Prepare regular project updates and periodic reporting to supervisor and other project staff, teams, and project administration unit. Coordinate and work with Climate Team to develop innovative and project designs and pipeline contributions.
• Lead in the preparation of consultant terms of reference and bid documents both for project preparation and implementation and coordinate consultant activities as appropriate.
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, provide clear directions and regular monitoring and feedback on performance. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.
• Collaborate with staff at ADB Headquarters, including relevant climate, disaster resilience, natural capital, agribusiness, private sector department focal, and RMs in preparing suitable designs and implementation of climate resilient water resources projects, including meeting project readiness and quality at entry requirements
• Develop knowledge products and organize/participate in relevant knowledge events to capture and share best practices and lessons learned in water resource management. Provide training and support to employees and stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to manage water resources.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology and Water Resources Management, or other related fields; or University degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the water resources sector, including international experience as a water engineer or water resources specialist. This should cover multiple expertise areas such as modernization of irrigation, drainage and command area development systems, river engineering, flood risk management, integrated water resources management, and river basin management across multiple countries.
• 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.
• International experience working in several countries. Experience working in Asia and the Pacific Countries.
• Good knowledge of integrated water resources management, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and water resources development, including basin-wide approaches, nature-based solutions, flood risk management, community resilience and participation, water resources infrastructure modernization, capacity building and institutional strengthening, integrated approaches to resource management. Knowledge of digital innovations and global water policy frameworks (e.g., SDG 6, UN Water Action Agenda, COP outcomes).
• Strong technical experience in water resources sector. Ability to contribute to reviewing planning and designs of water resources interventions and associated rural infrastructure facilities, prepared/proposed by consultants or the government agencies, including cost estimates, implementation arrangements and other relevant technical aspects.
• Summarize technical, institutional, economic, social, and safeguard outputs into a consistent project design.
• Proficiency in expressing ideas in both spoken and written formats in English.
• Good interpersonal skills, necessary to forge consensus among diverse stakeholders over various, and often contentious, development issues are preferred. Experience working in diverse teams and with regional knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.

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 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

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

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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