Principal Country Economist
Job Vacancy | Tuesday, January 6, 2026
SHARE THIS PAGE
- Reference Number 250944 Position Grade TI3 Department Southeast Asia Department Division Viet Nam Resident Mission Location Viet Nam Resident Mission Date Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Closing Date Tuesday, January 20, 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 Principal Country Economist is assigned to the Viet Nam Resident Mission (VRM) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). You will be based at our Resident Mission Office in Hanoi and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.
You will primarily report to the Country Director, VRM and will have a matrix reporting line to the Regional Lead Economist for Southeast Asia, Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI). You will oversee junior team members.
Your Role
As a Principal Country Economist, you will lead VRM's economic sector work, including dialogue with the government, coordination with development partners and other stakeholders, and preparation and dissemination of knowledge solutions. This includes the conduct of regular economic analysis, monitoring, and country diagnostics. You will lead the preparation and implementation of the Viet Nam Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) under the guidance of the Country Director, which is aligned with Viet Nam's development plans, ADB's Strategy 2030, and the development program for the country. You will also lead the assessment of the country's economic developments and undertake economic, sector and thematic work for ADB's operations.
You will:
Strategy and Programming:
- Lead the development of the country partnership strategy (CPS), support its implementation, and apprise Management of its progress.
Economics and Knowledge Operations
Contribute to innovation and knowledge solutions in VRM operations. Lead ADB-wide economic analysis on Viet Nam including Asian Development Outlook (ADO), ADO Update chapters, and other thematic diagnostics. Lead economic, sector and thematic work to prepare periodic reports on the economy and updates on development issues, including briefing materials for ADB Management and Board. Lead the assessment of macroeconomic, social, and sectoral developments in Viet Nam considering ADB's development of strategies and programs, including policy reforms, institutional improvements and investment programs. Be the VRM's focal point for the macroeconomic working group. Identify and conceptualize important policy issues to be addressed in ADB's policy dialogue and recommendations on macroeconomic management and structural reform issues. Lead or conduct the required policy dialogue with senior government officials in the country.Project and TA Processing and Implementation Support
Contribute to the processing and administration of operations, including promoting close relationships and dialogue with central Government agencies including Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Viet Nam and Office of Government. Coordinate with other development partners, funding agencies, and the government to explore cofinancing opportunities, including grants, concessional loans and green financing. Lead in the processing and implementation of country-level technical assistance projects in areas related to priorities under the CPS.People Management
Provide technical advice and mentor staff and long-term consultants under the VRM's economics team. Manage reporting staff, including their performance evaluation plans. Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff. Take the role of a mentor to develop the capabilities and potential of reporting staff. Perform other duties that may be assigned and as reflected in your workplan.Qualifications
You will need:
Master's degree, or equivalent, in economics with expertise in either of the following fields: economic development, macroeconomics, public finance, international economics, social sciences, public administration or other related fields. University degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered. At least 12 years work experience in economic research, development planning, sector policy formulation and operations, climate change, private sector development, or related areas including international experience working in development in several countries. Experience with multilateral development bank policies. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 3.
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
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under our Strategy 2030.
ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.
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
Stay up to date Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest issues, news, events, jobs and data in your e-mail inbox.