Principal Urban Development Specialist

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is seeking a Principal Urban Development Specialist to join its Water and Urban Development Sector Cluster within the Sectors Department 2. This role will be based at the Pakistan Resident Mission in Islamabad for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of relocation to ADB headquarters in Manila or another resident mission thereafter. The successful candidate will report to the Country Director of the Pakistan Resident Mission and the Director of Water and Urban Development, leading junior team members and playing a pivotal role in shaping urban and water sector policies and projects in Pakistan. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in the Asia-Pacific region by supporting government policy dialogue, project formulation, and implementation.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the processing and administration of loans, grants, and technical assistance (TA) projects related to water and urban development, ensuring alignment with Pakistan’s development policies and sector reforms. Develop and design new lending projects and programs covering areas such as affordable housing, sustainable tourism, urban and regional planning, municipal finance and governance, water supply, sanitation, wastewater management, solid waste management, and climate resilience. Collaborate with other ADB sector offices and departments to deliver integrated solutions tailored to the Pakistan Resident Mission’s needs. Assess sector policies and programs to ensure they align with international best practices, incorporate smart and digital technologies, and address climate mitigation and resilience. Identify priority areas for support and determine appropriate loan and TA modalities. Ensure coordination between headquarters and the Pakistan Resident Mission to maintain consistency and promote continuous improvement. Oversee quality control and compliance of sector lending and non-lending operations. Facilitate effective coordination with development partners on program loans and investment projects. Build and maintain strategic partnerships for knowledge sharing and project opportunities, responding to external inquiries as needed. Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products and organize knowledge-sharing events. Supervise and support the professional development of reporting staff, ensuring ongoing learning and performance management. Perform other duties as assigned in line with the workplan.

Required Qualifications
A Master’s degree or equivalent in civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, urban and environmental management, economics, or a related field is required. Candidates with a university degree and at least five years of specialized experience may also be considered. A minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience in the water and urban sector, municipal service improvement, and project preparation and administration is essential. Experience should include integrating financial, economic, social, institutional, and safeguard considerations into project design and execution, preferably with international exposure across multiple countries. Proven expertise in preparing investment projects and analyzing development policies, including knowledge of procurement and consultant recruitment processes, is necessary. Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills with experience leading teams and missions in technical matters and project implementation are required. Strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes housing and education allowances (where applicable), expatriate benefits, retirement plans, medical and health coverage, paid leave including parental leave, life and other insurance plans, and opportunities for staff development. This is a fixed-term appointment initially for three years, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. ADB is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of background, and strongly supports gender equality. The bank hires nationals from its 69 member countries and fosters an inclusive work environment.

This role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful urban development projects and policies that promote sustainable growth and resilience in the Asia-Pacific region.