Counsel/Senior Counsel (Sovereign Operations)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank founded in 1966 and headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. ADB works collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background, gender, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Job Overview:
The Counsel/Senior Counsel position is situated within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at ADB, which is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the bank's Board of Directors, Management, and client departments. The role involves supporting the origination, processing, and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in ADB's sovereign operations. The Counsel/Senior Counsel will also engage in designing and implementing TA projects under OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program, contributing to policy development, and participating in knowledge-sharing activities. This position requires relocation to Manila, Philippines, and covers all reasonable relocation expenses. The successful candidate will report to an Assistant General Counsel and oversee junior team members, playing a crucial role in ensuring that ADB's legal frameworks and operations align with its mission to foster prosperity in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Counsel/Senior Counsel include:

• Providing legal advice and support for ADB's sovereign operations, including loan reviews, financing structures, legal agreements, due diligence, negotiations, procurement reviews, and project administration.
• Supporting technical assistance projects for development, transactional support, and knowledge-building in alignment with ADB's Strategy 2030 Midterm Review.
• Contributing to the development of ADB policies related to sovereign operations, including financing, safeguards, financial management, and procurement.
• Supporting OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program in areas such as climate change, gender equity, digital economy, commercial law, judicial capacity, and anti-money laundering.
• Promoting policy and law development through TA projects, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building efforts at both bilateral and regional levels.
• Monitoring global regulatory changes that impact ADB's climate-related activities and participating in training, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Preparing knowledge papers and articles on legal issues pertinent to OGC's priority areas.
• Leading and supervising reporting staff, providing clear guidance, performance monitoring, feedback, and development opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University degree in Law (or equivalent) with lawyer admission in an ADB member country, preferably at a post-graduate level or its equivalent. For the Counsel position, a minimum of 6 years of relevant legal experience in transactional work, project formulation, international financing agreements, or sovereign project financing in multilateral institutions is required. For the Senior Counsel position, at least 10 years of relevant legal experience is necessary, including a minimum of 5 years working in international organizations in sovereign project financing or related areas. Proficiency in English is essential for presenting and defending legal arguments, both in written and verbal forms. Candidates should also demonstrate experience working in multicultural teams, fostering a culture of cooperation and openness, and possess international experience across multiple countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University degree in Law or an equivalent qualification. A post-graduate degree in Law is preferred, as it provides a deeper understanding of legal principles and frameworks relevant to the role. Candidates must also have legal admission in an ADB member country, which is crucial for practicing law within the jurisdiction of ADB's operations.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies based on the title. For Counsel, at least 6 years of relevant legal experience is necessary, focusing on transactional work, project formulation, and international financing agreements. For Senior Counsel, a minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience is required, with at least 5 years specifically in international organizations dealing with sovereign project financing or related areas. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of legal frameworks and the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a multilateral context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language used for legal documentation and communication within ADB. Candidates must be able to present and defend legal arguments effectively in both written and verbal formats. While English is the primary language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to ADB's member countries or operations.

Additional Notes:
This appointment is a fixed-term position 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 staff member's performance. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. The actual position title and grade will depend on the qualifications, experience, and job scope assigned to the selected applicants. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans.