Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, Asian Development Bank

Senior Private Sector Development Specialist

Reference Number: 260972
Position Grade: TI2
Department: Central and West Asia Department
Division: Private Sector Development Unit, CWRD
Location: Asian Development Bank
Date Posted: Friday, October 30, 2026
Closing Date: Monday, November 16, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

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 Senior Private Sector Development Specialist is assigned to the Private Sector Development Unit (CWPS) within the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). You will be outposted to our Kazakhstan Resident Mission office in Astana, Kazakhstan and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the Country Director, KARM and Regional Head, CWPS and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, you will lead ADB's work in the Central and West Asia Region to support ADB's private sector development priority with primary responsibility for Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, while also providing support to private sector development activities in other CWRD countries, as needed. You will work closely with country teams, governments, private sector stakeholders, development partners across the region.

You will:

• Work with Country Management Teams to enhance synergies between sovereign and non-sovereign operations, support policy reforms that promote private sector development, and contribute to the design of policy-based lending operations.
• Contribute to the development of ADB's strategies and policies to support private sector development in collaboration with other departments.
• Conduct policy dialogue with governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to promote private sector development, private investment, and public-private partnership opportunities, including reforms that strengthen the enabling environment for private sector participation.
• Lead early-stage advisory engagements with public and private clients and investment-like engagements where ADB contributes time and funds to develop projects for future investments. Advance early-stage private sector development opportunities, including policy, institutional, market-building, and project development interventions that can contribute to future investment and advisory operations.
• Contribute to the development of the private sector nonsovereign and transaction advisory portfolio by identifying investment and advisory opportunities, participating in internal approval processes and other related activities in collaboration with ADB solutions, PSOD and OMDP in particular, with whom CWPS collaborate closely.
• Prepare and manage technical assistance projects, including contributions to regional programs that promote private sector development. In partnership with PSOD and OMDP, deliver private sector development (PSD) training and capacity-building programs for DMC counterparts in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan. Organize and contribute to relevant knowledge-sharing activities.
• Support the development and execution of private sector development priorities in the assigned countries, while contributing to regional initiatives, including the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, and supporting other private sector development activities across CWRD.
• Identify, design, process, implement, and evaluate projects, and other interventions to promote innovative and structured financing solutions using new approaches and modalities in ADB's developing member countries in the CWRD region.
• Lead the selection and management of individual consultants and consulting firms, including designing the terms of reference for specialized consulting services.
• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff - where applicable, manage their performance, provide clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance and ensure their ongoing learning and development.
• Build and maintain relationships with prospects, clients, and government officials.
• Perform other tasks as assigned and reflected in your workplan.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's degree or equivalent, in business or finance related field; or University degree in finance, business and/or related fields combined with at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in commercial finance, investment banking, or transaction advisory working with private sector investors, banks, governments or international organizations.
• Extensive expertise in private sector development advisory and investment operations, demonstrate broad experience, and work independently across varied assignments, while closely collaborating with the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) and the Office of Market Development and Public Private Partnerships (OMDP).
• Two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years is required. Years as an ADB-engaged consultant or contractor are considered experience outside of ADB.
• International experience working in several countries, experience working in Central and West Asia would be an advantage.
• Experience developing innovative financing structures, particularly in transition economies.
• Familiarity with multilateral development institutions' processes, financing products and modalities.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Russian language would be an advantage.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.

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)
• Retirement plan (if applicable)
• 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 position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

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.

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