Principal Evaluation Specialist

Job Vacancy | Friday, April 10, 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 Evaluation Specialist is assigned to the Evaluation Knowledge Management Unit (EKMU) within the Independent Evaluation Department (IED). 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 the Advisor and Head, EKMU and will oversee junior team members as needed on specific activities.

Your Role

As a Principal Evaluation Specialist, you will contribute to evidence-informed decision-making and institutional learning within ADB and IED. You are expected to:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership on evaluation methodologies to strengthen the rigor, credibility, and usefulness of evaluations across ADB.
• Be a trusted advisor on quantitative and qualitative methodological design, quality assurance, innovation, and capacity building, ensuring alignment with international evaluation standards and ADB's corporate priorities.
• Lead drafting guidelines and document methodological standards for evaluation and supporting rollout and uptake of such outputs, working with evaluation teams, sector and thematic departments across ADB.
• Support Advisor and Head in exploring knowledge-related evaluation partnerships with independent evaluation offices across the Evaluation Cooperation Group and the broader global evaluation community to ensure ADB remains at the forefront of methodological innovation within evaluation.

You will:

• Provide expert methodological advice on the design and implementation of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods evaluations, ensuring methodological rigor and ethical standards.
• Lead or contribute to quality assurance reviews of evaluation designs, data collection instruments including survey design, analytical approaches, and evaluation reports, providing clear and applicable feedback throughout the lifecycle of the evaluation.
• Help apply internationally recognized evaluation frameworks and standards, including the Evaluation Cooperation Group and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development-Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) evaluation criteria, and promote good practice across ADB evaluations.
• Develop and update methodological guidance notes, toolkits, templates, and technical briefs to support high-quality evaluation practice.
• Design and deliver training, workshops, and coaching to build staff capacity in evaluation methods, with the EKMU Evaluation Capacity Development lead.
• Promote methodological innovation by introducing and advising on emerging approaches and tools, blending traditional methods with agile and innovative techniques.
• Engage with all partners including operational departments, senior management, development partners, and consultants, to ensure evaluations are relevant, credible, and actionable, and to identify areas where further methodological guidance may be needed.
• Support IED evaluation teams to translate complex methodological and analytical findings into clear, accessible insights for decision-makers and non-technical audiences.
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned or as reflected in the work plan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in social sciences, statistics, economics, public policy, development studies or a related field, preferably PhD.
• At least 12 years of international experience working in several countries with substantial professional experience designing and conducting evaluations in international development, social or public policy contexts. International experience working in several countries.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods evaluation approaches, including theory-based methods.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills are required, including proficiency in relevant software and languages, such as R, Stata, SPSS, Python, NVivo, and MaxQDA, and experience with econometric methods, counterfactual design, complex datasets, and sampling strategies.
• Proven experience in developing methodological guidance, quality assurance processes, and evaluation standards or frameworks.
• Experience in capacity building and mentoring staff or counterparts on evaluation methods and evidence use.
• Knowledge of evidence/evaluation synthesis best practices and methods are desirable (e.g., systematic searches, screening against eligibility criteria, data extraction and critical appraisal), and familiarity with relevant software packages, particularly those related to reference management or systematic review management is desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating complex technical concepts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally, to diverse and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across multi-disciplinary diverse teams and with senior management.
• Familiarity with ADB's development operations, project cycles, portfolio management, and evaluation processes is desirable but not essential.
• Please refer to link the for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 3.

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)
• Relocation (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• 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.

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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