Counsel or Senior Counsel

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 Counsel/Senior Counsel is assigned to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), ADB's legal department. OGC provides legal and policy advice to ADB's Board of Directors, its Management, and client departments on operational and administrative matters and advises on methods to limit ADB's risk exposure. It prepares the legal arrangements that facilitate ADB's operations, and create the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including through financing and investment contracts. 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 an Assistant General Counsel and will oversee junior team members. The position title on the appointment is "Counsel/Senior Counsel". Your Role As a Counsel/Senior Counsel, you will support OGC in achieving its main result areas by providing legal advice and support for the origination, processing and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in ADB sovereign operations. You may also focus on designing and implementing TA projects under OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program and participate in knowledge-sharing activities. You will: a. Sovereign Operations • Lead in providing legal advice/support for ADB's sovereign operations in Asia-Pacific, including loan review, financing structures, legal agreements, due diligence, negotiations, procurement review, and project administration. • Support TA projects for development, transactional support, and knowledge-building following Strategy 2030 Midterm Review (Strategy 2030 Midterm Review: An Evolution Approach for the Asian Development Bank | Asian Development Bank). • Contribute to ADB policy development on sovereign operations, covering financing, safeguards, financial management, and procurement. b. Law and Policy Reform • Support OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program under Strategy 2030 in areas like climate change, gender equity, digital economy, commercial law, judicial capacity, and anti-money laundering. • Promote policy and law development through TA projects, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building efforts at bilateral and regional levels. c. Knowledge Sharing • Monitor global regulatory changes affecting ADB's climate-related activities. • Participate in training, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. • Prepare knowledge papers and articles on legal issues and OGC priority areas. d. Staff Supervision • Lead reporting staff with clear guidance, performance monitoring, feedback, and development opportunities. Qualifications You will need: • A University degree in Law (or equivalent) with lawyer admission in an ADB member country, preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent. • For Counsel: At least 6 years of relevant legal experience in transactional work, project formulation, international financing agreements, or sovereign project financing in multilateral institutions. • For Senior Counsel: At least 10 years of relevant legal experience, including at least 5 years of legal experience working in international organizations in sovereign project financing or related areas of work within such organizations. • Proficiency in English language to present and defend legal arguments, both written and verbal. • Experience working in multicultural teams, inspire trust, and foster a culture of cooperation and openness, with international experience across multiple countries. • Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for technical International Staff grades TI1 and TI2. Benefits 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) • Relocation (if applicable) • Retirement plan • 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. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment. 1) Multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. 2) The actual position title and grade will be based on your qualifications, experience and job scope that will be assigned to the selected applicants. 3) Location - Manila, Philippines • International staff - Manila, Philippines About Us 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. ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members. To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here. ADB wants 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. Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information. Stay up to date Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest issues, news, events, jobs and data in your e-mail inbox.