Senior Digital Transformation Specialist at Asian Development Bank

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

27 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Digital Procurement Design, System Integration, Software Development, Managed Services, Digital Standards, Performance-based Contracting, Procurement Planning, Technical Evaluation, Agile Delivery, API-based Integration, Vendor Lock-in Mitigation, Open Standards, Staged Deployments, Contract Negotiation, Capacity Building, Digital Governance

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) 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 Senior Digital Transformation Specialist, you will serve as DIG's central technical resource for digital procurement design, execution, and implementation support across all regions and thematic areas. You will provide hands-on expertise to operational teams and DMC counterparts in preparing, designing, structuring, and executing procurement activities for digital technologies, including digital public infrastructure (DPI), cloud and data platforms, cybersecurity solutions, AI-enabled systems, GovTech platforms, and sectoral digital systems. You will ensure that procurement processes for digital projects are fit-for-purpose, technically sound, vendor-neutral, interoperable, and aligned with market best practices, particularly in areas such as system integration, software development, managed services, digital standards, and performance-based contracting. You will ensure DIG's work is implemented effectively by supporting end-to-end procurement planning, TOR/specification drafting, bid document preparation, technical evaluation, and implementation oversight. You will: Lead Digital Procurement Design Across DIG Provide specialized technical guidance to regional and sector teams on designing procurement strategies for digital systems, ensuring alignment with technology lifecycles and market realities. Support the preparation of functional and technical specifications, system architecture requirements, interoperability standards, data governance requirements, and cybersecurity considerations. Advise on the appropriate procurement modalities for digital investments (e.g., framework agreements, multi-stage bidding, QCBS, turnkey, SaaS procurement, managed services contracting, PPP/PPP-lite). Ensure procurement packages reflect modern digital implementation realities: agile delivery, API-based integration, vendor lock-in mitigation, open standards, and staged deployments. Support Execution of Digital Procurement Activities Lead or support the drafting of bidding documents, RFPs, TORs, and evaluation criteria for digital and AI solutions across projects. Provide technical support to evaluation committees, including evaluation of solution design, architecture, vendor capabilities, financial models, and implementation proposals. Guide executing agencies and ADB teams through the entire procurement process—from planning through contract negotiation and award—ensuring compliance with ADB policies while maintaining technological relevance. Troubleshoot and advise on the resolution of procurement bottlenecks, vendor performance issues, testing and acceptance concerns, data migration challenges, and system integration risks. Strengthen Digital Procurement Capacity Across ADB and DMCs Build DMC and ADB staff capacity on digital procurement methods, including agile procurement, service-level contracting, digital safeguards, cloud procurement, and cybersecurity standards. Develop standard templates, checklists, guidance notes, and training materials to institutionalize good practices in digital procurement and implementation. Promote the adoption of market-informed procurement models (e.g., innovation challenges, prequalification, modular procurement, digital framework agreements). Provide Cross-Cutting Support Across DIG Initiatives Support all DIG workstreams—DPI, cybersecurity, AI readiness, data centers, digital governance, and sectoral digitalization—with procurement expertise for both project design and execution stages. Work with operational departments to ensure digital procurement is integrated early in project preparation, reducing delays and improving implementation quality. Provide advisory support to project teams during implementation to resolve procurement and contract management issues for digital projects. Ensure procurement approaches avoid fragmentation and promote interoperability across regions. Knowledge, Partnerships, and Continuous Improvement Lead or contribute to the development of knowledge products and case studies on digital procurement, vendor management, and digital contracting models. Maintain an understanding of global digital market trends, supplier ecosystems, pricing structures, and emerging procurement models relevant to digital government and infrastructure. Engage with global partners (e.g., WB, ITU, OECD, UNDP, GovTech agencies, cybersecurity centers) to harmonize digital procurement approaches and share best practices. Talent Development & Representation Mentor junior staff working on digital procurement and digital system implementation. Represent DIG in internal and external forums on digital procurement, digital systems implementation, and technology contracting. 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 of work experience, with at least 8 years of relevant experience designing and executing procurement for digital solutions, including IT systems, cloud services, data platforms, cybersecurity, digital identity, DPI components, or major system integration projects. Familiarity with procurement of software development, agile contracting, managed services, digital PPP models, master services agreements, and performance-based ICT contracting. Understanding of technical solution design, systems architecture, data standards, integration frameworks, and digital safeguards related to procurement design. Experience reviewing vendor proposals, solution architectures, implementation methodologies, and contract structures. Experience supporting operational teams on procurement in developing country contexts, in Asia and the Pacific Ability to work with governments to design procurement plans, develop bidding documents, and navigate implementation challenges. Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to advise executing agencies, ministries, and senior stakeholders on digital procurement. Ability to identify procurement risks, assess vendor capabilities, and propose technically sound and compliant solutions. Experience contributing to or leading diverse teams and working across departments to solve procurement and implementation challenges. International experience working in several countries. 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 serve as the central technical resource for digital procurement design, execution, and implementation support across all regions, providing hands-on expertise for technologies like DPI, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI systems. Key duties include leading digital procurement design, supporting execution activities like drafting bidding documents, and strengthening digital procurement capacity across ADB and member countries.