Intern (SG) - Sectors Group Water and Urban Development Sector Office

Intern (SG) – Sectors Group Water and Urban Development Sector Office

Background:

For the first time, ADB is setting up a dedicated team to focus on emerging business areas in the water and urban development space. Among others, a key focus area of this team will be to expand ADB’s footprint in subnational/ municipal finance. As part of this, ADB would like to undertake an internship-supported research activity.

1. Internship Topic: Unleashing Potential – Financial Solutions for Subnational Entities in Asia

Subnational entities (SNEs) are those below the level of national government which can contract and obtain financing independently from the related sovereign. These include regional, provincial, or local governments, but also corporate entities such as utility companies responsible for urban services provision. As SNEs implement public policies and act as interlocutors between communities and the state, most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be achievable without their full involvement. Most SNEs in Asia and the Pacific are heavily dependent on central government transfers to fund their priority investments. This funding has often not kept up with SNEs increasing need to finance crucial infrastructure, which is driven by trends of decentralization, sustainability, and urbanization. If SNEs are not given the appropriate fiscal responsibilities and adequate resources, broader decentralization will be doomed to fail, and its economic and developmental benefits will not fully materialize.
The overarching objective of this assignment is to assess how SNEs can further expand and accelerate development of local public infrastructure. More specifically, it will assess impediments or gaps that SNEs face in accessing direct market-based financing from development finance institutions and commercial banks and provide recommendations on how access to finance could be improved.

2.Summary of Job Description

Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on financing mechanisms used to finance subnational entities in select ADB developing member countries (DMCs). Identify best practices, case studies, and success stories from selected DMCs and other developing countries to inform alternative solutions. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including development partners, and private sector representatives, to gather inputs on innovative financing solutions for subnational entities. Conduct a rapid literature review, including that of analytical and operational work done by institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Data Management: Collect, organize, and analyze data related to subnational financing, including debt profiles and revenue generation. Develop data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of financing mechanisms for subnational entities.
Project Support: Where required, assist in the coordination and implementation of ongoing technical assistance and financing projects related to subnational entities. Support project teams in drafting terms of reference, developing financial models, and analyzing risks and benefits of different financing options.

Reporting and Documentation: Prepare reports, presentations, and other relevant documents to communicate research
findings, project progress, and key outcomes. Contribute to the development of knowledge products to disseminate
lessons learned.

3. Period of Assignment

Duration: 8-11 weeks

Timing: January 2024

4. Location

ADB HQ, Manila, Philippines

5. Expected Outcomes:

The expected outcome of the internship is to contribute to the advancement of financing solutions for subnational entities through
detailed analysis and generation of data-driven insights. The assignment will provide valuable learning and professional
development opportunities for the intern.
More specifically, the outcomes of the assignment will be as follows:
1. Develop a comprehensive repository of knowledge on innovative financing mechanisms for subnational entities.
This will include an analysis of different financing options in select DMCs, as well as best practices from comparable
developing and middle income and transition countries. The outcome will be a well-documented and organized collection
of research findings that can inform future decision-making and project development.
2. Develop data-driven insights that contribute to the design and implementation of effective financing strategies for
subnational entities in select DMCs. By collecting, organizing, and analyzing data related to subnational financing, the
intern will generate insights and recommendations on suitable financing mechanisms.
3. Develop knowledge sharing material to communicate research findings and key outcomes. The intern will derive
well-documented, pointed presentations that capture the key outcome of the assignment to disseminate knowledge and
inform decision-making processes.
4. Personal and professional growth, expanded knowledge, and improved capabilities in working within a
multicultural environment. The intern will have the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical experience in the field of
financing for subnational entities, deepen his/her understanding of international development, and enhance his/her
analytical and research skills.

Qualifications

6. Education Requirement:

Currently enrolled in a master’s degree or a Phd program in economics, finance, public policy, or a related field.

7. Relevant Experience:

• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct thorough research and data analysis.
• Familiarity with financing mechanisms for subnational entities, including public-private partnerships, blended finance, land
value capture, and others is desirable.
• Ability to work with complex financial data and financial statements. Proficiency in financial modelling techniques.
• Knowledge of subnational government structures and fiscal management is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Upload the following documents in the “Attachments” section of your application:

-Curriculum vitae (CV)

-Proof of enrollment to a Masters or PhD program. Inclusive dates should confirm that you will be enrolled during the intended period of assignment.

-Essay in MS WORD or PDF document, maximum of 1500 words per question. (Please see essay questions below)

1.Describe one example of your experience that demonstrated your interest in working in ADB.       

2. Highlight your qualifications that will help accomplish this internship assignment (e.g., coursework, research, work experience, etc.).