How to Apply for ADB Jobs: Asian Development Bank Careers Guide
The Asian Development Bank funds development across Asia and the Pacific. This guide covers ADB's recruitment process, grades, types of contracts, and what makes a strong applicant.
How to Apply for ADB Jobs: Asian Development Bank Careers Guide
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is one of the world's largest multilateral development banks, dedicated to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. Headquartered in Manila, the Philippines, ADB finances projects across 68 member countries — 49 in the region. For development professionals with backgrounds in economics, infrastructure, environment, social development, or finance, ADB is one of the most consequential employers in the Asian development space.
ADB's Areas of Focus
ADB's operations are concentrated in seven key areas:
- Infrastructure (energy, transport, urban development, water)
- Environment and climate change
- Finance sector development
- Health
- Education
- Agriculture and food security
- Social protection and gender
The bank both lends to governments and invests through its private sector operations window (ADB Ventures, ADB's Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme).
ADB's Staff Categories
- International staff (IS): professionally recruited from member countries; most positions are based in Manila HQ
- National staff (NS): recruited locally in country offices and resident missions
- Administrative staff: support functions at HQ and field offices
- Consultants: project-specific technical advisors; a large component of ADB's total workforce
The Recruitment Process
ADB posts all vacancies on adb.org/careers. The typical process for international staff:
1. Online application through ADB's e-recruitment system; attach a CV and complete the online questionnaire
2. Initial screening: HR screens against minimum qualifications; shortlisted candidates proceed to technical review
3. Technical interview: usually conducted by the hiring department; substantive and technical questions relevant to the role
4. Competency interview: separate panel assessing leadership, collaboration, and organisational fit
5. Reference check and offer
What ADB Values
- Economic and sector expertise: ADB is first and foremost an economics-driven institution; strong analytical and policy credentials are highly valued
- Developing country context: experience working in ADB's developing member countries (particularly South and Southeast Asia) is a significant advantage
- Infrastructure and project finance knowledge: for operations roles; understanding project cycle from identification through evaluation
- Multilateral experience: having worked in or closely with other MDBs (World Bank, IADB, AfDB) is valued
ADB Consultant Opportunities
Beyond staff positions, ADB generates substantial consulting demand — individual consultants, consulting firms, and research institutions — to support project preparation, implementation support, and evaluation. ADB consultant opportunities are published through the Consulting Services Recruitment System (CSRS) on the ADB website and aggregated on DevProcure.
Find ADB Opportunities on DevProcure
DevProcure aggregates ADB job postings and consulting opportunities alongside roles from the World Bank, AfDB, UNDP, and 200+ other sources. Set up a free alert for ADB opportunities in your sector to receive new postings by email.