Senior water resources specialist

Job Purpose

To lead the identification, development, implementation and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in agriculture and natural resources management sectors in CWRD countries to contribute to ADB's developmental directions and the overall goal of reducing poverty. Lead and contribute to the development of policy, strategies and country programs. Lead and monitor the development impact of the portfolio and ensure key issues are considered and proper risk management is applied. Work within general policies, principles and goals, working directly with clients. Lead and contribute to the development of water sector road maps. 

Expected Outcomes

Strategy and planning

- Develop strategies for the water resources sector in assigned DMCs, in consultation with relevant government agencies and Resident Missions.
- Conduct comprehensive water resources sector analysis for the relevant CWRD countries, particularly as they relate to analyses of development constraints and opportunities, and identification of relevant innovative technologies for water resources development/management.
- Lead the identification of necessary and appropriate water sector interventions, including investments, policy and institutional reforms, and capacity building, for consideration by ADB, in accordance with the relevant sector strategies and road map, based on close collaboration and consultation with the governments, civil societies and other key stakeholders, and reflecting the best technical judgment on the components and activities under the proposed interventions to ensure effective and sustainable development results. 

Project development and management 

- Lead the development, processing and administration of loan and TA projects in the agriculture and natural resources sector, including water resources development, irrigation and drainage, and flood/disaster risk management, responding adequately to the concerns and expectations of the client governments, ADB Management and the Board of Directors, and with adequate attention to due diligence and delivery of development results.
- Identify investment opportunities in the water resources sector for sustainable economic growth.
- Liaise and coordinate with development agencies on development of program loans and investment projects.
- Ensure key technical, economic, financial and crosscutting issues are incorporated into projects.
- Ensure technical, procurement, disbursement, and contract administration issues are resolved timely during loan and TA implementation.

Knowledge sharing 

- Lead the strengthening and updating of the Division's collective knowledge on issues and topics related to water resources management and development relevant to CWRD countries.
- Identify and share relevant lessons, innovations and good practices from own and others, including outside ADB.
- Participate in sector works around the water resources sector and related issues to keep abreast of latest development and issues.

Staff supervision

- Take the role of mission leader and supervise the work of mission members.
- Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providingclear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
- Ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.

Educational Requirements

- Master's Degree or equivalent, in water resources engineering and/or other relevant fields of expertise in engineering. University degree in water resources engineering and/or other relevant fields of expertise in engineering, combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree. 

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements

- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in water resources sector. International experience working as a water resources/related field engineer in several countries, with varying cultural values and norms. Experience in Central and West Asian countries is an advantage.
- Good knowledge of water resources development and management issues, including integrated water resources management, irrigation sector policy reforms, capacity building and institutional strengthening, irrigation/drainage services cost recovery, and/or integrated flood risk management, that are relevant to CWRD countries
- Strong technical skills and experience in reviewing the engineering designs of water resources (e.g. flood management, water resources development, irrigation and drainage, etc.) and associated rural infrastructure facilities, prepared/proposed by consultants or the government agencies, including cost estimates, implementation arrangements and other relevant technical aspects
- Ability to synthesize technical, institutional, economic, social, and safeguard outputs into a coherent project design
- Skills and experience in overseeing implementation of large-scale water resources projects, including procurement and construction supervision
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including interpersonal skills, necessary to forge consensus among diverse stakeholders over various, and often contentious, development issues 

Core Competencies

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

- Provides supervision to others in completing their technical tasks
- Called upon for advice and guidance based on expertise gained by working in different countries and organizations
- Contributes advanced knowledge and expertise to different parts of the Department 

Client Orientation

- Proposes effective services and solutions to staff beyond presenting issues and past challenges
- Assists colleagues adapt to the cultural and business norms of diverse clients and country situations
- Gains respect for the breadth and depth of expertise demonstrated in effectively managing diverse clients and country situations
- Called upon to resolve client situations that may impact their long-term ADB relationship 

Achieving Results and Problem Solving 

- Resolves situations where client needs are not being met
- Shares past experiences from different projects, organizations, and countries to help achieve quality results
- Ensures that thorough analysis includes current and relevant factors from different countries and contexts
- Sought out for guidance and experience in overcoming the most challenging situations
- Draws on long-term relationships with stakeholders to help plan for and achieve results 

Working Together

- Addresses team members not contributing to required standards
- Commits to delivering timely and high quality work to assist in the team's success
- Develops and maintains good internal and external peer and senior level relationships
- Helps teams understand common features to build rapport and overcome challenges 

Communication and Knowledge Sharing 

- Provides stakeholders with the level and quality of information required to achieve outcomes
- Encourages others to seek long-term solutions to address feedback opposed to focusing on immediate concerns or reactions
- Uses breath of multi-country and multi-client knowledge to equip clients and staff for more effective outcomes
- Designs and implements project and program knowledge and services 

Innovation and Change

- Consistently seeks more effective and practical ways for the Departmental delivery of services, products, and processes
- Proposes new ways to improve the quality and relevance of products and services
- Includes the core benefits and reasons for change when developing comprehensive change roll out plans
- Influences and persuades decision makers by presenting business cases supporting the proposed changes 

Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information

- Supervisor: Director, CWER
 
- The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
• Administrative Staff
• National Staff 

- Women are encouraged to apply.