ADB’s New Operating Model Offers Opportunity to Accelerate Change, but Greater Clarity and Responsiveness Needed: Independent Evaluation Report – EQ
In Short : An independent evaluation report on the Asian Development Bank’s new operating model highlights its potential to drive significant institutional change. While the model aims to enhance development impact and adaptability, the report stresses the need for greater clarity in roles and improved responsiveness. Strengthening coordination and aligning operations with evolving regional priorities will be key to achieving intended outcomes.
In Detail : MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Ambitious reforms introduced through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) New Operating Model (NOM) show promise in enhancing cross-regional collaboration and country-focused operations. However, clearer communication, streamlined processes, and a more inclusive approach to implementation are essential for the reform to succeed, according to a new evaluation by ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department (IED).
Launched in June 2023, NOM aimed to position ADB to better respond to the region’s evolving development challenges. The evaluation focused on NOM’s design and early implementation of the four shifts—solutions, ways of working, private sector development, and climate change—and is intended to inform real-time learning and strategic course correction.
“ADB’s reform, based on a sound organizational review that identified the future challenges to be a more effective organization, was far-reaching. But for transformation to truly take hold, greater clarity on direction and open, two-way communication with staff will be key,” said IED Director General Emmanuel Jimenez.
The report found that while NOM successfully increased collaboration and opened new professional development pathways for many international staff, it also introduced unintended complexity. Local staff feedback indicated mixed experiences with mobility, and increased coordination requirements contributed to administrative burdens.
“Staff shared that while the NOM encourages cross-border work and knowledge-sharing, the current structure often slows processes and contributes to confusion around accountability,” said evaluation Team Leader Erik Bloom.
Despite these challenges, the evaluation notes early gains, particularly in strengthening climate capacity and fostering collaboration across regions. However, it underscores the need to address ongoing gaps in decision-making and quality assurance mechanisms.
“This evaluation gives voice to the experiences of ADB’s staff during a major institutional shift,” said Co-Team Leader Gloria Paniagua. “Our hope is that it will help ADB refine the path forward to make NOM work better for everyone—from staff to stakeholders to the communities we serve.”
The evaluation offers five forward-looking recommendations, including the need to update the NOM’s scope and timeline, align incentives with corporate objectives, and simplify approval and accountability systems.
About Independent Evaluation at ADB
ADB’s Independent Evaluation, reporting to the Board of Directors through the Development Effectiveness Committee, contributes to development effectiveness by providing feedback on ADB’s policies, strategies, operations, and special concerns in Asia and the Pacific.
