Counsel (Institutional and Administrative Law)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth 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 ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities in an inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The 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 Board of Directors, Management, and client departments on operational and administrative matters. The Counsel will play a crucial role in supporting OGC's objectives by offering legal advice and documentation support on institutional and administrative matters, as well as other operational advisory work. This role requires collaboration with various teams across ADB and involves overseeing junior team members. The Counsel will be expected to engage in knowledge sharing through participation in training and conferences, thereby contributing to advocacy and knowledge dissemination within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing legal advice on institutional and administrative matters such as ADB's personnel policies, which encompass employment conditions, compensation, benefits, and pension governance; addressing personnel matters including staff grievances, disciplinary procedures, and appeals; advising on administrative law issues affecting ADB's operations in member countries; ensuring compliance with privileges and immunities of ADB personnel; implementing treaties and agreements related to institutional matters; reviewing applicable laws and regulations; preparing legal documentation; conducting legal research; and performing special projects that support OGC's overall operations. Additionally, the Counsel will lead and supervise junior staff, providing guidance, performance monitoring, and development opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law and be admitted as a lawyer in one or more of ADB's member countries, preferably at the post-graduate level or its equivalent. A minimum of 6 years of relevant legal experience is required, including at least 3 years of experience in international organizations focusing on human resources, employment, governance, and administrative law matters. Candidates should demonstrate advanced written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present and defend legal arguments effectively. The role also requires the ability to inspire trust and promote a culture of openness within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, along with international experience working in various countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in law, with a preference for candidates who have attained a post-graduate degree or its equivalent. Admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB's member countries is essential, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary legal qualifications to operate within the framework of ADB's legal requirements.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant legal experience, with a specific emphasis on having a minimum of 3 years of legal experience in international organizations. This experience should focus on areas such as human resources, employment law, governance, and administrative law matters, providing the candidate with a solid foundation to navigate the complexities of legal issues within ADB's operational context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary for the role. The ability to present and defend legal arguments effectively is crucial. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication within ADB's diverse and multicultural environment.

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 housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits, relocation assistance, a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), and life and other insurance plans. ADB is committed to hiring nationals from its 69 member countries and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.