The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has opened applications for its Young Professional position, offering an opportunity for talented early-career professionals to join one of the world’s leading multilateral development banks.
The position, referenced as 260870, is based at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, and is part of the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department under the Talent Acquisition Division. The position is classified at YP1 level and is designed for motivated professionals seeking to build careers in international development.
Applications are open to eligible candidates from ADB’s member countries, with the application deadline set for 30 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Manila time.
About the ADB Young Professionals Program
The ADB Young Professionals Program (YPP) is an entry-level recruitment programme for highly motivated individuals interested in contributing to international development across Asia and the Pacific.
Young Professionals recruited through the programme have the opportunity to develop their professional capabilities, gain an understanding of ADB’s operations and contribute to the implementation of Strategy 2030.
Depending on their background and suitability, successful candidates may be assigned to an operations department or a direct operations support department.
Potential assignments may include departments such as the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Private Sector Operations Department, Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership, Economic Research and Development Impact Department, Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department, or relevant sector departments.
The successful candidate will be based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, and relocation will be required. ADB states that reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.
What Will the Young Professional Do?
The Young Professional will contribute to ADB’s development mission and support the delivery of its major operational instruments, including loans, technical assistance, grants, policy advice and knowledge activities.
Key responsibilities will include supporting strategy development, project management, research, analysis and knowledge sharing.
Under strategy and planning, the Young Professional may assist with the development of ADB policies and strategies. The role will also involve applying specialised knowledge to research and analysis, including assessing the development impact of ADB operations.
For project management, the successful candidate will assist with the development, processing and administration of non-complex loans, grants and technical assistance projects. They will also support the integration of ADB policies and guidelines into project design and implementation.
The position will additionally contribute to ADB’s knowledge-sharing, advocacy and capacity-building activities.
Who Can Apply?
The ADB Young Professional opportunity is targeted at qualified professionals with academic and professional backgrounds relevant to the bank’s operations.
Applicants should have a university degree in an area such as:
- Economics
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Environment
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Public Policy
- Other disciplines relevant to ADB operations
A postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
Candidates should also have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Relevant fields include macroeconomics and development economics, climate change, commercial or investment banking, corporate investment, education, energy, environment, financial services, public health, public-private partnerships, rural development, transport, urban planning, water operations, agriculture and natural resources.
Importantly, a PhD may be considered in lieu of the required work experience.
International experience in areas connected to ADB operations will be considered an advantage.
Age and Language Requirements
Applicants must be no more than 32 years old upon joining ADB.
Strong written and verbal English proficiency is also required because the Young Professional will work in an international, multicultural environment and contribute to professional communications, research, project work and stakeholder engagement.
Candidates should ensure that they meet the age, education, professional experience and nationality requirements before submitting their applications.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to participate in a multi-stage selection process.
The process begins with an online assessment. Candidates who successfully progress may then be invited to complete a video interview in which they record responses to pre-set questions at a time convenient to them.
Candidates who advance beyond the video interview stage will be invited to panel interviews, which are scheduled to take place during the first quarter of 2027.
Because the programme is competitive, applicants are encouraged to carefully demonstrate their academic qualifications, relevant professional experience and understanding of international development in their application.
Documents Required
Applicants are required to upload key supporting documents in the application system.
The application checklist includes:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Most recent university transcript
Candidates should ensure that their documents are current, accurate and clearly demonstrate their suitability for the position.
Contract and Benefits
The selected candidate will initially be appointed for a three-year fixed-term period, with the possibility of renewal in accordance with ADB’s applicable policies and organisational requirements.
ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package based on its standards, comparator markets, qualifications and experience.
Potential benefits include:
- Housing and education allowance, where applicable
- Expatriate benefits, where applicable
- Relocation support
- Retirement plan
- Medical and health benefits
- Paid leave, including parental leave
- Life and other insurance plans
- Staff development opportunities
The position provides an opportunity to gain international development experience within an institution working across Asia and the Pacific.
About the Asian Development Bank
The Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region. The institution works with governments, development partners and other stakeholders to address complex development challenges through financing, technical assistance, policy advice, knowledge and strategic partnerships.
ADB’s work spans areas including infrastructure, climate change, economic development, health, education, agriculture, finance and other sectors important to sustainable development.
Important Details
- Organisation: Asian Development Bank
- Position: Young Professional
- Reference Number: 260870
- Programme: Young Professionals Program
- Position Grade: YP1
- Location: Manila, Philippines
- Department: Budget, People, and Management Systems Department
- Division: Talent Acquisition Division
- Employment: Fixed-term, initially up to 3 years
- Minimum experience: 3 years relevant professional experience
- Age requirement: Not more than 32 years old upon joining
- Education: University degree; postgraduate qualification preferred
- PhD: May be considered in lieu of work experience
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. Manila time
- Panel interviews: First quarter of 2027
How to Apply
Eligible candidates interested in building a career in international development are encouraged to apply through the official ADB Career and Employment System (ACES).
Apply for the ADB Young Professional Position
Applicants should submit their applications before 11:59 p.m. Manila time on 30 September 2026. ADB only hires nationals of its 69 member countries.
The ADB Young Professionals Program provides an opportunity for early-career professionals to contribute to development initiatives while gaining valuable experience within a major multilateral development institution. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to prepare their CV, transcript and application materials early and submit their applications before the deadline.
