IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

Close relatives (refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle) of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.  
 

This is a senior staff fixed-term appointment for a period of 3 years.  This vacancy is open to internal and external applicants.

If the selected candidate is an external hire, the appointment may be extended for a period of up to 3 years per extension, or not renewed. In case of extension, staff may continue in the position for another term of up to 3 years, or be reassigned to any suitable position in ADB.  

The same terms and conditions also apply to a selected internal candidate. In addition, if the staff selected has a regular appointment, staff will retain the regular appointment and his/her selection will be considered an assignment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. If the staff selected has a fixed term appointment, his/her appointment will cease, and he/she will be given a new fixed term appointment for an initial term of 3 years. 

Fixed-term appointments or assignments are subject to Section 3 of Administrative Order (AO) 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment) and Section 8 of AO 2.03 (Selection, Talent and Position Management) and its Appendices.  

Whether the selected candidate is internal or external, and regardless of the type of appointment, any extension of staff beyond age 60 shall be subject to such terms and conditions determined by ADB, including, where relevant, those provided in Section 10 of AO 2.05 (Termination Policy) and its Appendices. 

 

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.  ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned within Office of the General Counsel (OGC).  OGC is responsible in protecting the legal interests of ADB and advises on methods to limit ADB’s risk exposure appropriately.  It prepares or reviews documents which create, define, modify or limit the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including loan contracts, agreements and registration statements in relation thereto, and other contractual documents. 

Parenthetical title is only for advertisement purposes. Upon appointment of staff, his/her title is Assistant General Counsel.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

 

The position provides leadership to OGC’s Institutional and Administrative team and oversees other institutional, operational and advisory work as required. Supports the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in the planning, implementation and supervision of the Office of the General Counsel’s (OGC) vision, goals, strategies and work plan. Oversees the provision of legal support services by a team of lawyers in assignments relating to OGC’s institutional and administrative projects. Works directly with client departments and provides guidance on day-to-day operational issues and complement with ADB polices.

The incumbent will report to the General Counsel and will supervise International, National, and Administrative staff.  

 

Responsibilities

a.    Leadership and Strategic Management

• Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and supervising work plans, as well as monitoring the quality of output and the achievement of OGC’s long-term goals and objectives. 
• Provide leadership in professional and operational matters, taking the lead in contributing new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues.

b.    Division Operations Management

• Oversee effective day-to-day operations and provide guidance on operational issues and ADB policies. 
• Inform and provide recommendations to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on significant developments, emerging opportunities and challenges in the institutional and administrative areas of responsibility.
• Facilitate effective coordination and cooperation with other ADB departments and internal stakeholders.
• Manage budget and resource allocation for the team, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources, including staffing and training requirements.
• Contribute to improvements in the operations and business processes of OGC and undertaking special projects to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Office.

 c.    Legal Advice and Support

• Lead a team that provides advice and support on the following matters: 

• ADB’s overall governance structure, expressed in ADB’s Charter, By-Laws, Rules of Procedure and ADB’s policies and procedures, and relevant principles of international law.
• External litigation and arbitration, including assessing and overseeing the application of ADB’s privileges and immunities matters (P&I), ensuring ADB’s P&I’s, including exemption from taxation in member countries, are effectively and appropriately asserted as applicable. Litigation and arbitration matters involving ADB, including coordinating and overseeing the defense of ADB’s interests.
• Matters concerning ADB’s membership, Board of Governors and the legal aspects of ADB’s Annual Meetings.
• ADB’s Staff Regulations, personnel, employment, HR and staff benefit policies, including legal advice on managing associated legal risks.
• Staff grievances, disciplinary procedures, and lead the representation of ADB’s interests before ADB’s Administrative Tribunal   
• Legal aspects of the code of conduct applicable to ADB staff, ADB Board Members and other applicable standards of ethical and workplace conduct.
• Policies relating to practices and ADB strategy, including those relating to gender, non-discrimination, anti-corruption and integrity, institutional procurement and other matters arising in connection with the administration or operation of ADB.
• Administrative matters and legal issues affecting ADB Headquarters, Resident Missions and Representative Offices in ADB member countries, including advice on legal aspects of leases, real estate, personnel, policy and procedures.
• ADB’s intellectual property, including copyright and trademark matters, and data protection and privacy policies.
• Legal review of institutional partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and third parties.
• Other projects and initiatives that arise from time to time that fall within the responsibilities of the institutional and administrative team.
• Preparation and review of legal documentation, memoranda and advice addressing any of the matters described above.

• Other matters as the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel may set forth in the on-going development of OGC’s vision and work plan

d.    External and Internal Relations

• Engage with ADB’s Office the President, Vice-Presidents, Board Members, senior management and staff across ADB’s operational and departments, and ADB’s field offices in providing OGC’s legal advice and support.
• Manage relationships with external parties, including external counsel and counterparts in member governments.
• Manage relationships between OGC and its clients to ensure client orientation in delivery of services while maintaining integrity of ADB operations.
• Contribute to meetings with Management and Senior Staff in areas under the Assistant General Counsel’s supervision and participate in working groups and task forces related to institutional and administrative law.

e.    Knowledge Management

• Lead or contribute to the writing and review of policy papers, legal research, and dissemination of policy and best practices in a given field.
• Guide and mentoring staff, and substantively contribute to the design of professional and operational training or development activities in field of expertise.

f.     Staff Supervision

• Oversee and lead a team, ensuring the overall quality of its work, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to the team and individuals and ensure on-going learning and development.
• Oversee and provide support in the recruitment of OGC positions.

 

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree or Master's Degree, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB’s member countries. Alternatively, university degree in Law combined with specialized professional experience in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. 
• At least 15 years of relevant legal experience, with emphasis on either litigation, public international law and ideally with experience in employment and/or administrative law.  Able to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
• Understanding of the operational policies and programs of ADB or at a minimum, of similar multilateral development organizations with hands-on knowledge of / exposure to ADB's / other MDB operations is desirable but not a pre-requisite.
• Proven leadership capabilities.
• Able to work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Able to inspire trust and confidence and to promote a strong culture of honesty, trust and openness
• Excellent interpersonal skills required to lead and manage a team of highly skilled professionals and creating / maintaining an environment that encourages responsible information and knowledge sharing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.  Must be able to present and defend complex legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence and confidence.
• International experience working in several countries
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 7.

 

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.