An experienced specialist on governance and public administration reform in “economies in transition,” Jak Jabes’ current interests cover corruption, professional networks and the teaching of public management and administrative reforms. Prior to joining the School, he held senior positions at the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In these organisations his work focused on assisting governments in building partnerships, promoting regional capacity development initiatives, establishing knowledge networks and providing policy advisory and capacity building support.

At ADB, he was specifically involved in leading the ADB-OECD Anticorruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, endorsed by 28 countries of the region as well as launching a Network of Public Administration Schools for Asia (NAPSIPAG). Jak Jabes started his career at the University of Ottawa in Canada, where he did research which focused on rewards, motivation and organisational culture leading to The Vertical Solitude, a coauthored book comparing managerial attitudes in the public and private sectors. He has been Editor of Optimum, and Associate Editor of the International Review of Administrative Sciences.