Senior Digital Transformation Specialist at Asian Development Bank

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Policy Dialogue, Regulatory Reform, Policy-Based Lending, Digital Transformation, Upstream Diagnostics, Policy Matrices, Institutional Strengthening, Data Governance, Cybersecurity, Digital Economy Frameworks, PBL Pipelines, AI Governance, Cross-Border Data Flows, Digital Public Infrastructure, Capacity Development, Team Management

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

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 Digital Transformation Specialist is assigned to the Digital Sector Office (DIG) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). 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 Director, SD2-DIG and may oversee Junior team members. Your Role As a Senior Digital Transformation Specialist, you will lead high-level policy dialogue, regulatory reform work, and the design of policy-based lending (PBL) programs to accelerate digital transformation across ADB developing member countries (DMCs). You will focus on upstream diagnostics, development of policy matrices, institutional and regulatory strengthening, and advising governments on reforms in digital public infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity, digital economy frameworks, and enabling regulatory conditions for digital markets. You will work closely with operational departments to shape PBL pipelines, prepare policy actions, and guide governments through reform implementation, ensuring coherence with ADB's Digital Transformation Operational Approach (DTOA 2025–2030) and Strategy 2030. You will: Lead Policy Dialogue and Regulatory Reform Drive country-level and regional policy dialogue with senior government officials on digital transformation, focusing on policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms. Lead or contribute to diagnostic assessments (digital economy, DPI, cybersecurity, data governance, competition policy, digital skills) to identify reform gaps and opportunities. Develop and negotiate policy reform programs, including time-bound actions, triggers, and results frameworks for PBL operations. Provide expertise in new digital policy issues (AI governance, cross-border data flows, digital trade, platform regulation). Develop and Structure PBL and Policy-Focused Operations Identify upstream reform needs and convert them into bankable PBL opportunities in collaboration with regional departments. Lead the formulation of policy matrices, due-diligence assessments, and results frameworks for PBLs supporting digital transformation. Coordinate interdepartmental inputs (legal, safeguards, procurement, or sector groups) to ensure high-quality and timely PBL preparation. Ensure understanding of policy actions with DMC priorities, ADB's corporate strategies, and regional cooperation agendas. Strategic Coordination of Digital Transformation Policy Areas Ensure thematic coherence across policy and PBL operations in areas such as: Digital Public Infrastructure (identity, payments, data exchange) Data privacy, data governance, and cross-border data flow frameworks Cybersecurity standards and institutional strengthening Digital economy regulation, competition, digital trade AI governance and new technology regulation Coordinate with other sector/thematic groups to integrate digital policy reforms into multi-sector pipeline planning. Knowledge Solutions, Capacity Development & Regional Integration Produce and communicate knowledge products on digital policy and regulatory reform. Support capacity development for DMC ministries, regulators, and digital economy institutions. Lead or contribute to policy-oriented regional projects and cooperation platforms, including ASEAN, CAREC, and SASEC digital agendas. Engage global partners (OECD, ITU, World Bank, UN agencies) to harmonize standards and strengthen regional policy coherence. Internal Leadership and Team Management Mentor junior staff working on digital policy, regulatory reforms, and PBL preparation. Strengthen ADB's internal capabilities on digital policy by developing tools, templates, and good-practice guidance on PBL design in the digital sector. You will need: Master's Degree or equivalent in Public Policy, Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields.; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. At least 10 years work experience, with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, with an ability to work on digital transformation and business development initiatives. Experience in international development, with a focus on digital technology solutions in developing countries, preferably in Asia. International experience working in several countries. A network of professional relationships within the digital and development sectors. An understanding of ADB's digital strategy and the ability to contribute to its implementation. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International 2 (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 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. 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. #LI-Onsite

Responsibilities

The specialist will lead high-level policy dialogue, regulatory reform efforts, and the design of policy-based lending programs to accelerate digital transformation across developing member countries. This involves upstream diagnostics, institutional strengthening, and advising governments on reforms related to digital public infrastructure, data governance, and cybersecurity.