Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB was founded in 1966 and currently comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of these members from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development, striving to create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and Pacific. The organization combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to achieve its goals, particularly under its Strategy 2030 framework, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance the quality of life for the people in the region. ADB is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background, and actively encourages women and other underrepresented groups to apply for positions.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Legal Officer at ADB, you will play a crucial role in providing independent legal advice and technical support related to ADB's finance and treasury operations. This position is situated within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which is tasked with protecting ADB's legal interests and advising on risk management strategies. You will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and processing legal documents related to bond issues, derivatives transactions, and other financial agreements. Your expertise will be essential in analyzing global regulatory changes and their implications for ADB's operations, as well as contributing to the development of legal and policy reform proposals. Additionally, you will oversee junior team members, providing guidance and mentorship, and coordinating training sessions to enhance the team's capabilities. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing independent legal advice and support to the Finance team on all legal matters, including drafting and reviewing documents related to ADB's bond issues, derivatives transactions, and other financial agreements.
• Analyzing and monitoring global regulatory changes that impact ADB's Treasury operations and advising on compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Preparing draft documents and providing legal advice on agreements and communications related to finance operations.
• Identifying law, policy, and reform issues and contributing to the development of proposals and solutions.
• Conducting research on legal and policy matters, particularly in relation to global financial regulatory reforms and capital markets.
• Planning work assignments for junior staff, providing guidance, and coordinating training and briefings.
• Mentoring new staff and consultants, ensuring they are well-integrated into the team.
• Performing non-project tasks as directed by the supervisor and undertaking special projects to support OGC operations.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Senior Legal Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Law and be a member of the Philippine Bar. A Master's degree or equivalent is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in bond, swap, and derivatives documentation, along with a minimum of 4 years of supervisory experience. Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and promote trust and openness among team members.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor's degree in Law, which is mandatory, and membership in the Philippine Bar. A Master's degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of legal principles relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in legal practice, specifically with expertise in bond, swap, and derivatives documentation. Additionally, at least 4 years of supervisory experience is required, indicating the ability to lead and mentor junior staff effectively. This level of experience is crucial for navigating the complexities of ADB's finance and treasury operations and for providing sound legal advice.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of ADB. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to ADB's member countries or operations, but they are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years, conversion to a regular appointment, or termination at the end of the initial period based on ADB's needs and the employee's performance. The role is full-time, and ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), life and other insurance plans, and opportunities for staff development. ADB is committed to hiring nationals from its 69 member countries and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.