Principal Investment Specialist

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 Investment Specialist is assigned to the Equity Investments Unit (OPSD-EIU) in the Office of the Director General (OPSD) within the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Advisor, PSOD and Head, Equity Investments Unit and will oversee Junior team members.

Your Role

As a Principal Investment Specialist, you will will lead direct equity investments. This includes reviewing and advising teams and management on all direct equity deals in the processing and administration stages. You will also provide strategic advice on various aspects of private sector operations involving direct equity investments and will be a member of the equity investment committee.

You will:

a. Origination and Processing

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the PSOD equity operational framework and business plan, comprising (i) the rationale for the scaling up of the direct equity investment business (i.e., development impact and financial objectives); (ii) investment strategy (e.g., key themes, sectors, and markets); (iii) resources required; and (iv) improvements to current operational practices in processing and portfolio management.
• Lead the origination of new investment opportunities and provide structuring advice for all direct equity investments.
• Market ADB's direct equity business to Intermediaries and companies to build a pipeline of attractive investment opportunities.
• Advise and establish best practice approaches for structuring, valuations, pre-IPO pricing, and bidding strategies.

b. Management of Key Accounts

• Lead primary account and relationship responsibilities for assigned key accounts.
• Lead in reviewing or approving covenant compliance reports, waivers and amendments, annual reviews, ratings, valuation reports, exit proposals and other documents in connection with primary or secondary account relationships.

c. Portfolio Management

• Lead and oversee the monitoring of the financial health and development impact of the portfolio, ensuring that key issues like portfolio and prudential exposure limits are considered, and strategic objectives are attained.
• Monitor periodic review and progress reporting of project implementation, compliance with financial covenants, in compliance with Environmental and Social safeguards standards.
• Monitor payments of fees, loan servicing, receipt of income/dividends from equity investment and equity divestment.
• Monitor the tools being used for financial analysis, risk evaluation and review, and measures to mitigate the identified risks.
• Monitor PSOD's portfolio regarding composition, size, quality, concentration risk, diversification, credit quality migration, valuation movements, and other criteria.
• Lead in ensuring quality and consistency of reports and communications related to portfolio management.
• Compare exit alternatives and implement approved exit options, which include sell down, hedging, and other exit management measures.
• Assess the impact of prospective new financings on existing portfolios.
• Lead the quality of project records management systems in ADB's online document management system or other equivalent systems.
• Lead in identifying emerging risks and project implementation problems and identify action plans to mitigate such risks and in restructuring, or workout activities.

d. Strategy and Planning

• Prepare and monitor annual portfolio management plans.
• Lead the development of a sound portfolio management strategy.
• Design tools, instruments and models to optimize PSOD's portfolio or a specific component of the portfolio and implement its optimization strategy.
• Lead and participate in new initiatives and change projects.

e. Knowledge Center for Governance, Risk Advisory, and Development Impact

• Lead the coordination and expansion of programs introducing international best practices at investee companies with regard to corporate governance, credit procedures, risk management, internal controls.
• Measure expected development, environmental and social safeguard outcomes in existing and proposed interventions in close liaison with the Private Sector Transaction Support team (PSTS).
• Lead the portfolio review, credit review, and extended annual review reports (XARRs) of the portfolio.

f. External Liaison and Knowledge Sharing

• Lead and facilitate active relationships with financial intermediaries in the region, institutional investors, and other commercial partners.
• Maintain and share knowledge of emerging best practices in project / corporate financing, private equity, corporate social responsibility, and overall investment management.
• Analyze on market and investment trends.

g. Staff Supervision

• Supervise the performance of your team members providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance and ensure overall quality of work.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent, in business administration, finance, or related fields; or University degree in business administration, finance, or related fields; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 12 years of combined professional financial and emerging markets experience in the private sector with remarkable work in project processing, administration of private sector projects covering capital markets, financial institutions, corporate finance, project finance, privatization, financial structuring etc.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Knowledge and understanding of how to conduct advanced credit and valuation analysis in respect of one or all of project & corporate finance transactions, financial institutions and private equity funds, in addition to a deep understanding of debt and equity markets and products is essential.
• Strong risk management expertise, including rating methodologies, risk categories (market risk, credit risk, operational risk), etc.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of loan, investment and credit products, including underwriting, pricing, servicing, accounting, exiting, etc. and with particular experience in developing markets.
• Ability to lead negotiations with investee companies, borrowers, fund managers, existing and prospective shareholders, sponsors, co-lenders and co-investors.
• Experience in dealing with distressed assets is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and structuring capabilities.
• Proven leadership qualities and interpersonal skills.
• Supervisory and team management skills are essential, along with the ability to drive a high-performance culture and lead by example.
• Experience managing a team with diverse interdisciplinary skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively to developing member countries.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, in particular strong ability in business writing.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff grade TI3.

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)
• Relocation (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• 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 its69 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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Primary Location

Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Private Sector Operations Department

Division: Equity Investments Unit

Staff Category: Technical International (HQ)

Position Level: TI3

Job Posting

10-Sep-2026, 3:32:28 AM

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

24-Sep-2026, 3:59:00 PM