As the Country Operations Head, you will: (i) assist the country director and the deputy country director in the sound management of ADB operations and engagement in Pakistan, (ii) coordinate country programming, business planning, quality assurance, and portfolio management, and (iii) provide operational services to project teams.
Country Portfolio Management and Programming:
Lead the country portfolio performance review and management. Responsible for monitoring and reporting on sovereign and non-sovereign operations (programming, pipeline, and portfolio management) to achieve country results. Provide guidance on PRM-related operational issues and compliance with ADB policies.
Guide project teams on country-specific project and portfolio management issues. Oversee project-related communication and coordination with government and stakeholders. Consult with clients to swiftly resolve project issues, in collaboration with the solutions departments/offices.
Support CD and DCD in assuring project and technical assistance implementation arrangements are designed to meet country context. Guide sectors in the design and processing of projects to ensure that they are effectively delivered to advance ADB's regional and country priorities, meet PRC's needs, and fit the local context.
Lead and/or support the country programming team on the allocation of operational resources in the country in collaboration with sector groups, private sector Operations Department (PSOD) Office of Market Development and Public Private Partnerships (OMDP) and the regional operations coordination office. Support and advise the country management team (CMT) members to ensure a portfolio of well-prepared and innovative projects that meet client needs and advance ADB's priorities, e.g. climate change and private sector development.
Monitor pipelines and the development of lending and non-lending operations to ensure delivery of the country program and smooth implementation. Liaises with development partners on co-financing opportunities. Provide inputs into CPS and CPS reviews from a programming, pipeline and portfolio management perspective.
Advise the CD and support the DCD and ROC to enhance the quality of project-level documentation, concurrences and decisions for sovereign operations and technical assistance, as determined by SIs and PAIs. Liaises closely with ROC on all matters of quality assurance. Provide guidance and functional oversight on project management, including project readiness, procurement and Procurement Review System (PRS), consultant selection, and compliance with ADB policies.
Review and endorse Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs) of PRM-led operational missions, outgoing communications, and documents related to project administration and portfolio management, and ensure the quality and consistency with Project Administration Instructions (PAIs), Operations Manuals (OM) and other relevant guidelines, instructions and policies. Performs quality assurance for projects in the Pakistan portfolio, including coordination of PRM inputs into concept papers, Reports and Recommendations of the President (RRPs), TA reports, etc.
Initiate and carry out analytical and quantitative assessment on portfolio performance and underlying constraints/factors and lessons learnt. Proposed strategies and actions to improve portfolio performance, including upstream strategies for incorporation in the project design. Maintain the RM's collective experience and knowledge gained through portfolio management.
Work Planning :
Support CD, DCD and the country management team in preparation of PRM's work plan and alignment with regional department KPIs, and set standard operating procedures for effective functioning.
Organize and advise on the provision of operational services (e.g., safeguards, procurement, financial management) and thematic services (e.g., climate change, gender), to ensure adequate support to project teams delivering operations in the country.
Capacity Development :
Provide operational capacity development to staff and external clients on both sovereign and non-sovereign operations management, manage the performance of teams and individuals, and provide coaching and mentoring, and undertake other activities as designated by CD, DCD and ROC. Coordinate with ROC and Regional Head, PSD.
Qualifications:
You will need:
Master's Degree or equivalent, in engineering, project management, finance, economics, business administration or related fields. University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered
At least 12 years relevant professional experiences; including at least 6 years operational experience in ADB or similar development institutions. Experience in the procurement and administration of works, goods contracts, and consulting service contracts.
International experience working in development in several countries.
Ability for solving difficult implementation problems, supervising complex project review missions, and supporting loan processing.
Familiarity with country programming
Experience in the procurement and administration of large works and goods contracts.
Demonstrated experience in liaison with government officials, non-government agencies, technical specialists, and staff from development partners.
Great team player, client oriented, and collaborative.
