Counsel (Operational Business Risk and Compliance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the region, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering prosperity in Asia. ADB collaborates with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives and build quality infrastructure. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Counsel position is situated within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at ADB, specifically in the Operational Business Risk and Compliance Unit (OBRCU). This role is pivotal in providing legal and policy advice to ADB's Board of Directors and Management, focusing on operational and administrative matters. The Counsel will be responsible for identifying, managing, and mitigating operational business risks, including the handling of material non-public information (MNPI), managing conflicts of interest, and ensuring compliance with ADB's client confidentiality obligations. The position requires collaboration with various departments within ADB and involves leading due diligence, advising on compliance matters, and formulating policies and procedures. The Counsel will also oversee junior team members and contribute to internal training and capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing operational support by advising on business risk and compliance matters related to ADB's non-sovereign and sovereign operations, including transaction advisory services.
• Identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest, including ethical walls and disclosure matters.
• Analyzing MNPI risks and assisting ADB in implementing its requirements and procedures for handling such information.
• Advising on compliance with ADB's confidentiality obligations while adhering to public disclosure and reporting requirements.
• Leading due diligence efforts and advising internal clients on complex legal issues, collaborating with external counsel as necessary.
• Developing, drafting, and reviewing ADB's policies, procedures, and guidelines related to operational and business risks.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and best practices relevant to OBRCU, and designing internal training programs.
• Supervising junior staff, providing direction, feedback, and support for their professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law or a relevant field, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent. Admission to practice as a lawyer in an ADB member country is required, or alternatively, a professional qualification relevant to the position may be considered. A minimum of 6 years of relevant post-qualification legal or compliance experience is essential, particularly in advising on financial services regulation or operational business risk and compliance matters. Candidates should demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present and defend legal arguments competently. Experience working in multicultural teams and international settings, particularly in ADB developing member countries, is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Law or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding a post-graduate degree or its equivalent. Admission to practice as a lawyer in an ADB member country is a prerequisite, or a relevant professional qualification may be accepted in lieu of a law degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant post-qualification experience in legal or compliance roles, specifically in financial services regulation or operational business risk and compliance matters. Experience in an in-house counsel role or in financial services regulatory compliance is preferred, as well as familiarity with multilateral or development finance institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary for the role. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The role is part of ADB's Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), aimed at enhancing in-house expertise. Successful candidates may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and life insurance plans. ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.