The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 of them from the region.
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship: The position of Principal Partnerships Specialist is assigned to the Strategic Partnerships Division (SPSP) within the Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships Department (SPD). The role is based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required; all reasonable relocation expenses will be covered. The post reports to the Director, SPSP and oversees junior team members. Position Grade: TI3.
Your Role: You will help deliver ADB's strategic partnership management activities with non-regional member shareholders and other relevant partners. You will lead engagement with key ADB partners, drive the development of ADB partnership strategy and policy, explore new partnership instruments, and ensure support for ADB operational departments and Senior Management. You will lead the preparation of briefing materials for senior Management, drawing on excellent drafting skills, understanding of the political context in capitals, and experience with global development issues, working within a framework of broad policies, principles and goals and independently selecting work methods.
You will: lead the development and update of strategy and policies concerning ADB financing and non-financing partnerships aligned with Strategy 2030 midterm review's emphasis on resource mobilization and knowledge partnerships; establish networks across ADB and develop relationships with capitals or ministries of shareholders; communicate with sovereign and other concessional partners to understand the authorizing environment and partners' priorities and concerns; engage with key global fora such as the G20, G7 and the MDB Heads' Group; act as main liaison for ADB's Chief Partnership Officer (CPO); prepare for high-level consultations with shareholders; map and understand the political economy in shareholder countries; develop intelligence-based products to support senior management's strategic engagement in high-level fora; prepare briefing materials for senior management; contribute to ADB's Work Program and Budget Planning Process and other corporate operational processes; market ADB's strategies, operational plans, and administration of funds; identify prospective partners for financing partnerships and establish new cooperation or financing partnerships; and manage junior team members, monitoring and giving feedback on their performance, learning and development.
Qualifications: Master's degree in international development, public/government relations, economics or relevant fields, or a university degree with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position; at least 12 years of experience in strategic relationship management and public or government relations at a senior level; understanding of international development institutional architecture and major global development issues, preferably with experience working in an international development institution; experience writing briefing materials for high-level officials and raising positions in high-level meetings; experience implementing development programs in the Asia and Pacific region; and written and verbal proficiency in English.
Benefits: ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package, based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account qualifications and experience.
Closing date: 28 August 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the ADB careers portal at https://www.adb.org/careers/260816 (Reference Number 260816) by the closing date of Friday, 28 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT).