Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development)

Job Vacancy | Thursday, April 16, 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 Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development) is assigned to the Gender Equality Division (CCGE) within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila.

You will report to Director, Gender Equality and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

The Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development) will provide strategic leadership and senior technical oversight in mainstreaming gender equality and women's empowerment across all aspects of ADB's corporate policies and strategies, operations, knowledge, and partnerships. This role will ensure the effective implementation of bank-wide standards for gender mainstreaming in both sovereign and non-sovereign operations, offering technical support and guidance and maintaining quality oversight. Additionally, the position will support knowledge building by spearheading cutting-edge research and thought leadership on priority and emerging gender equality issues in Asia and the Pacific, with the objective of informing and supporting future ADB operations in developing member countries (DMCs).




You will

a. Strategy and Planning:

• Assist the Director, Gender Equality Division, in advancing ADB's policy and strategic commitments on gender equality and women's empowerment.

• Provide high

‑quality technical advice and inputs to mainstream gender equality across ADB operations, including country partnership strategies, country gender assessments, gender‑responsive programming, project quality assurance, and inputs to sector portfolios, roadmaps, and midterm reviews.

• Lead the monitoring and reporting system for gender equality results at the project, sector, country, and/or regional levels, providing technical support and ensuring adherence to gender equality commitments.

b. Project Preparation and Implementation support

• Lead (as assigned project team member or peer reviewer) mainstreaming gender equality and women's empowerment in project design, implementation and completion.

• Lead development and implementation of technical assistance projects (TAs) on current and emerging gender issues in regions and/or sectors/themes of ADB operations to influence and support innovative gender equality and women's empowerment designs across operations and knowledge initiatives.

• Act as a CCGE focal for sector, themes, regions or the private sector, as assigned, and coordinate with counterpart focals in other divisions/departments, including on key performance indicators and targets on institutional efforts on gender equality and women's empowerment.

c. Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building and Partnerships:

• Lead, participate in and contribute to design and delivery of knowledge events and/or capacity development on gender equality with internal sector/thematic teams and external partner clients, as well as other activities for advocacy and knowledge dissemination.

• Build and maintain partnerships and networks, including with bilateral and multilateral agencies, trust funds and nontraditional donors, DMC governments, think tanks, academia and civil society organizations (CSOs), focused on gender equality and women's empowerment.

d. Management Support

• Provide technical support to Director, Gender Equality in gender-related corporate initiatives and cross-sectors and regional department coordination.

• Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the Director, Gender Equality.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, international development, public policy or other related fields, including an emphasis on gender and development; or University degree in relevant fields and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years work experience in gender and development, with field-level experience of mainstreaming gender equality and women's empowerment into country/regional and/or sector operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in building capacity for implementing gender equality initiatives with stakeholders from the public and private sector and other development partners, including CSOs.
• Demonstrated experience in leading innovative knowledge products or initiatives in gender equality and women's empowerment (including events).
• International experience working in several countries with a multilateral development bank or other international development organization.
• Proven experience in effectively managing budgets and teams.
• Proven experience in donor relations and partnership development.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• 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)

● 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 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.

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