Safeguards Officer (Social)
Job Vacancy | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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- Reference Number 260075 Position Grade TL5 Department Office of Safeguards Division Office of Safeguards Location Thailand Resident Mission Date Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Closing Date Tuesday, February 10, 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 Safeguards Officer (Social) is assigned under the OSFG Operational Services - 3 (OSR3) within the Office of Safeguards (OSFG). OSR3 covers the Southeast Asia Region. You will be based at Thailand Resident Mission (TRM) Office in Bangkok, Thailand.
OSFG has the following five teams: the Policy and Technical Services and four regional operations services
You will report to the OSR3 Social Team Head in ADB Headquarters, and to a designated OSFG international staff who is outposted to Thailand Resident Mission (TRM), and will have a matrix reporting line to the Country Operations Head, TRM.
Your Role
As a Safeguards Officer (Social) you will independently provide technical support to (i) ensure that existing and new sovereign and nonsovereign projects under processing and implementation comply with the applicable safeguard policies such as the ADB's indigenous peoples and involuntary resettlement safeguard requirements under the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009, the 10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) under the ADB Environment Social Framework (ESF) 2024, and other relevant social requirements such as the Gender and Development Policy, Social Protection Strategy, Access to Information Policy, Accountability Mechanism Policy as updated from time to time, and their respective operations manuals, related procedures and mandates; (ii) contribute to the interdepartmental policy discussions in the area of social safeguards, social development, social protection, gender and development, consultation and participation and engagement with civil society, and (iii) develop related knowledge products and services for use by ADB's borrower and clients.
You will:
- Ensure the application of ADB's safeguards and social policies into projects by conducting due diligence, independent and comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the project design and implementation, review of safeguard documents and overall safeguards performance of a project at all stages of the project cycle. Manage all social safeguards requirements in project processing and implementation as a OneADB Team member.
- At concept review stage, support and contribute as a team member to the OneADB Team by assessing the safeguards and social impacts at project identification, conducting social due diligence, preparing social safeguards categorization forms, and preparing the social dimensions section of preliminary poverty and social analysis and concept review papers, and preparing terms of reference of consultants.
- During due diligence, conduct a preliminary and detailed review of environmental and social impact assessment reports, resettlement plans, indigenous peoples plans, social development plans, labor management and retrenchment plans, environmental and social management systems, social compliance audits, and specific gender and social impact aspects of social safeguards plans and frameworks.
- Advise borrower/clients on the incorporation of social safeguard and social protection dimensions in the design and implementation of projects, and on requirements and methods to enhance the quality of various social plans to ensure compliance.
- During project administration and /implementation, lead safeguard review missions for assigned projects by compiling relevant project data, visiting the project site, documenting meetings with the borrower/client, consultants and affected persons, providing inputs in the preparation of back to office reports, conducting a desk review of progress reports, monitoring reports, recommending actions, and measuring and evaluating compliance of projects.
- Review relevant ADB policies, operations manual, staff instructions, guidelines, and handbooks and suggest measures to ensure consistency with ADB's safeguards and social policies.
- Review the relevant Thai government laws and regulations related to the social safeguard policies and issues
- Support the development of knowledge products and services, including the formulation of policies, guidelines and preparation of handbooks, best practice manuals, etc., by reviewing project design and implementation experiences, liaising with project practitioners and social science experts, and external stakeholders including civil society.
- Update the safeguards team's database of projects on compliance status of projects, contributes to the online project data sheets and information document as required , and liaises with line division staff in uploading social documentation of various projects in ADB website.
- Participate in various communities of practice and networks (e.g. Social Development Community of Practice, Social Safeguards Networks), and the guidelines and processes of other development banks and shares information with OSFG on developments when necessary.
- Contributes to the preparation of budget, activity plans and work program.
- Support the engagement of staff consultants required to support OSFG in reviewing and monitoring compliance with ADB's social safeguard policy requirements.
- Support the administration of TA projects related to social development / social safeguards by monitoring progress of TA implementation, contracting consultants, supporting the organization and implementation of conferences and workshops by formulating budget, activity plans and work programs, among other tasks.
- Performs other duties as assigned and reflected in the incumbent's workplan.
Qualifications
You will need:
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in social, community or international development, gender and development, labor and social protection; preferably with advanced training.
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in the field of social development planning, gender and development, social protection, and social safeguards
- At least 5 years of working experience with stakeholders (including government agencies, NGOs, etc.) in Thailand on social safeguards or social development issues.
- Proficiency in social impact analysis, social assessments, and participatory development, with strong knowledge of social policies, involuntary resettlement planning, indigenous people's development planning, stakeholder engagement, labor and social protection; familiarity with gender and development, community driven development, public communications among others.
- Strong grasp of current and alternative approaches and methodologies in addressing social issues into projects.
- Foundational skills in statistics, digital mapping and survey/data collection skills
- Skill in developing work plan activities, coordinating timelines and ensuring all deliverables are completed within schedule.
- Proven capability to work with multiple stakeholders and teams.
- Strong capability to develop rapport internally and externally in a multicultural environment.
- Proven capacity to work independently as well as work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
- Proficiency in written and verbal skills in both English and the local language.
- Proven track record on working on social safeguards or social development related projects with international financial institution (World Bank, ADB) or bilateral development agencies and familiarity with ADB safeguard policies or other IFI safeguard policies will be an asset
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TL5
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 India.
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 membersโ50 from the region.
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.
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