Programs Officer
Job Vacancy | Friday, March 20, 2026
| Reference Number | 260266 |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | TL5 |
| Department | South Asia Department |
| Division | Sri Lanka Resident Mission |
| Location | Sri Lanka Resident Mission |
| Date Posted | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Closing Date | Monday, April 6, 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 Program Officer is assigned to the Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM) within the South Asia Department (SARD). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
You will report to the designated international staff and/or officer.
Your Role
As a Programs Officer, you will support Country Operations Head (COH) in SLRM by providing technical expertise in programming of ADB-financed and administered projects for Sri Lanka.
You will:
- Support the country programming cycle and pipeline management, including CPS, Indicative Country Program, CPM, and maintenance of project and TA pipelines.
- Integrate portfolio management lessons into country programming and support development of cross‑cutting and innovative operations aligned with ADB priorities.
- Assist the COH in managing the Country Management Team (CMT).
- Review projects and documents to support SLRM's quality control under ADB's New Operating Model.
- Contribute to Country and Tripartite Portfolio Review Meetings with the Government, development partners, and executing agencies (EAs) on Sri Lanka's portfolio.
- Administer assigned TA, including consultant recruitment and management, progress monitoring, preparation of TA Completion Reports, and coordination with government counterparts.
- Support capacity development initiatives for executing and implementing agencies.
- Maintain stakeholder coordination and policy engagement, including liaison with government, development partners, and support to policy dialogue and external communications.
- Perform other tasks that may be assigned and reflected in your workplan.
Qualifications
You will need:
- Bachelor's degree in economics, business management, public policy or related field; with advanced training.
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including in programming works with international development organizations. Demonstrated knowledge of multi lateral development institution's operational processes.
- Coordination and liaison with government counterparts, ADB staff, and development partners.
- Sound knowledge of Sri Lanka's government project approval procedures and the administrative, political, and development issues.
- Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, spreadsheets (can maintain complex spreadsheets) analysis and information technology.
- Familiarity with local languages and institutions.
- Written and verbal proficiency in English, including experience in report-writing.
- 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.
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for -Technical Local Staff Level 5.
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 opening is a local staff position. It is open only to nationals and permanent residents of Sri Lanka.
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 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.
ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.
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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.
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