Principal Private Sector Development Specialist

Job Vacancy | Thursday, July 23, 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 Private Sector Development Specialist is assigned to the Office of the Director General, SARD (SAOD) within the South Asia Department (SARD). You will be outposted to Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM) in Dhaka, Bangladesh for an initial assignment of three years. After this period, subject to business needs, the role may be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines or at another resident mission office. Relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Regional Head, Private Sector Development of the South Asia Department and oversee junior team members.

Your Role

The Principal Private Sector Development (PSD) Specialist will lead SARD's efforts to accelerate PSD including public-private partnerships (PPP) through all modalities of ADB's assistance including sovereign financing, non-sovereign financing and advisory operations. The position will be involved in (i) the development of country partnership strategies and project pipeline with PSD components for sovereign operations, (ii) the conceptualization, screening and identification of opportunities for supporting private sector led growth and private sector participation (including public-private partnerships) in ADB's assistance program, (iii) the support to ADB's PSD operations including PSD-related capacity building, creating enabling environment for the private sector, project preparation and transaction advisory services, and non-sovereign financing, (iv) the upstream works of creating long-term value and bankable projects for ADB's advisory and non-sovereign operations including providing private sector feedback for policy reforms supported by ADB's sovereign operations, (v) the support to ADB's knowledge services from the perspective of investment climate, private sector development, and public-private partnerships, and (vi) the development and management of relationship with existing and potential clients in the public and private sector.

You will:

Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of PSD-related strategies and approaches in South Asia with relevant partners.
• Lead PSD-related inputs to Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), including the development of private sector assessment and PSD roadmap, and annual regional work programs.
• Contribute to the development of ADB's strategies and policies to support private sector development with other departments.

Business Development

• Monitor the development needs for private sector and identifies opportunities for ADB's assistance to PSD through its sovereign, non-sovereign, and transaction advisory service operations.
• Conduct policy dialogue with governments, development partners, the private sector, and other partners to identify and address challenges to scaling up private sector development and PPPs.
• Lead and help identify suitable activities for capacity building and creating enabling environment for PSD through upstream policy/regulatory/institutional reform that facilitate private sector intervention and PPP activities.
• Lead and help with origination of project preparation support and transaction advisory services in important sectors with efficient marketing, negotiation and due diligence of market development and PPP-related issues and projects.
• Facilitate and coordinate the sourcing of new investment opportunities and build a high-quality investment pipeline, including by using professional networks and relationships.
• Lead the development of new approach for private sector financing or programmatic approach to allow private sector financing.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for collaboration between public and private sectors, between ADB, development partners, and/or private sector investors, and between ADB's sovereign, non-sovereign, and transaction advisory service operations.

Investment and Operation

• Review and evaluate proposals for sovereign, non-sovereign and advisory operations identifying and strengthening PSD components in sovereign operations promoting integrated approach and ensuring consistency across different modalities.
• Assist Sectors Group (SG), Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP), and other relevant departments and offices in project processing and implementation.
• Co-lead, guide or contribute in ADB's PSD operations including capacity building, creating enabling environment, project preparation and transaction advisory services, and sovereign and non-sovereign financing.
• Lead processing and administration of technical assistance to support PSD activities.
• Lead coordination with SG, PSOD and OMDP, with a focus on PSD including non-sovereign and advisory operations, and the development of systems and tools for overall pipeline and portfolio management.

External Relations and Coordination

• Build and manage relationships with relevant government agencies, development partners, civil society, and other important partners in the public sector.
• Network and work with entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and other important partners in the private sector, and build relationships with major commercial lenders, institutional investors, insurers, and the multilateral and bilateral agencies.

Knowledge Services

• Lead or assist ADB's knowledge services related to private sector development, public-private partnership, investment climate, reforms to foster private sector led growth, market trends, and other relevant topics to accommodate issues and challenges related to private sector investment and PPP with innovative solutions.
• Maintain and share knowledge of emerging best practices in the market including the regional and global markets.
• Prepare, review, and provide comments on policy, knowledge, and project papers related to private sector development, PPP and other ADB operations.
• Organize, participate in, and contribute to relevant knowledge-sharing events.

Staff Supervision and Team Building

• Lead the establishment of a task team on private sector development and take the role of task team leader.
• Develop and implement a capacity development program.
• Oversee the performance of reporting staff, provide clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent in economics, business administration, finance, accounting, public policy or other related areas; or University degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years' work experience in developing and implementing Private Sector Development (PSD) programs and/or projects, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project development, multi-sector infrastructure transaction advisory and/or commercial finance transactions (including project, corporate or bank finance as well as equity or guarantees) in collaboration with the government, private sector investors and banks, and international and bilateral organizations.
• Experience in building and managing new teams, including setting-up and capacity development processes.
• Diversified international experience working in the development institutions and private sector operating in developing countries (e.g., development finance institutions, development agencies, commercial banks, investment funds, advisory firms, and/or corporate) in several countries.
• Please refer to the link 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)
• 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 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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