Digital Technology Specialist, Data Governance & Cybersecurity

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 Digital Technology Specialist, Data Governance & Cybersecurity is assigned to the Digital Sector Office (DIG) within the Sectors Department 2 (SD2). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to Director, SD2-DIG and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role as a Digital Technology Specialist, Data Governance & Cybersecurity

As a Digital Technology Specialist, Data Governance & Cybersecurity, you will support ADB operations by providing hands-on technical expertise on data governance, digital skills, cybersecurity, privacy, and operational resilience across digital and infrastructure projects. You will work with operational teams to ensure digital investments are secure, compliant, interoperable, and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

You will ensure that procurement processes for digital projects are fit-for-purpose, technically sound, vendor-neutral, interoperable, and aligned with market best practices, particularly in areas such as system integration, software development, managed services, digital standards, and performance-based contracting. You will further ensure DIG's work is implemented effectively by supporting end-to-end procurement planning, TOR/specification drafting, bid document preparation, technical evaluation, and implementation oversight.

Your role is critical for establishing DIG as the center of excellence on digital procurement within ADB, improving project quality and accelerating execution across the Bank's digital transformation portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Data Governance, Data Skills and Cybersecurity Design Across DIG
• Provide technical guidance on data governance frameworks, including data ownership, stewardship, classification, access control, and cross-border data considerations.
• Help integrate cybersecurity-by-design and privacy-by-design principles into project preparation and implementation.
• Advise teams on IT–OT cybersecurity risks, for energy, transport, water, and smart infrastructure systems.
• Ensure agreement on international standards (e.g. ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR-aligned principles where relevant).
• Support Execution of Digital Procurement Activities
• Review TORs, bidding documents, and contracts to ensure explicit cybersecurity, digital skills, data governance, and resilience requirements.
• Support technical evaluation of proposals focusing on security architecture, data management models, and risk mitigation plans.
• Advise on incident response planning, security testing, acceptance criteria, and post-deployment monitoring.
• Strengthen Digital Procurement Capacity Across ADB and DMCs
• Build capacity of ADB staff and DMC counterparts on data governance, digital skills, cybersecurity risk assessment, privacy, and digital resilience.
• Develop guidance notes, templates, and checklists for cybersecurity risk assessments, data protection impact assessments, and governance models.
• Support institutional strengthening for regulators and line ministries on digital trust and cyber readiness.
• Provide Cross-Cutting Support Across DIG Initiatives
• Support all DIG workstreams—DPI, digital skills, cybersecurity, AI readiness, data centers, digital governance, and sectoral digitalization—with procurement expertise for both project design and execution stages.
• Work with operational departments to ensure digital procurement is integrated early in project preparation, reducing delays and improving implementation quality.
• Provide advisory support to project teams during implementation to resolve procurement and contract management issues for digital projects.
• Ensure procurement approaches avoid fragmentation and promote interoperability across regions.
• Knowledge, Partnerships, and Continuous Improvement
• Lead or contribute to the development of knowledge products and case studies on digital procurement, vendor management, and digital contracting models.
• Maintain an understanding of global digital market trends, supplier ecosystems, pricing structures, and latest procurement models relevant to digital government and infrastructure.
• Engage with global partners (e.g., WB, ITU, OECD, UNDP, GovTech agencies, cybersecurity centers) to harmonize digital procurement approaches and share best practices.
• Talent Development & Representation
• Mentor junior staff working on digital procurement and digital system implementation.
• Represent DIG in internal and external forums on digital procurement, digital systems implementation, and technology contracting.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A University degree in information technology, cyber security or relevant fields; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
• At least 6 years of experience in data governance, cybersecurity, digital risk, digital risk management, or secure digital systems.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Experience with technical solution design, systems architecture, data standards, integration frameworks, and digital safeguards related to procurement design.
• Experience reviewing vendor proposals, solution architectures, implementation methodologies, and contract structures.
• Experience supporting operational teams on procurement in developing country contexts, in Asia and the Pacific.
• Work with governments to design procurement plans, develop bidding documents, and navigate implementation challenges.
• Proficient in expressing ideas and negotiation skills with the ability to advise executing agencies, ministries, and senior partners on digital procurement.
• Identify procurement risks, assess vendor capabilities, and propose technically sound and compliant solutions.
• Experience contributing to or leading diverse teams and working across departments to solve procurement and implementation challenges.

Benefits at ADB

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. Multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

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 members—50 from the region.

Key skills/competency

• Data Governance
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Risk Management
• Procurement
• System Integration
• Compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR)
• Risk Mitigation
• Digital Transformation
• Capacity Building
• Stakeholder Management