Senior Counsel (Sovereign Operations & Public-Private Partnerships)

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a prominent 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. With 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, ADB plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities. 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.

Job Overview:
The Senior Counsel position is situated within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at ADB, which provides legal and policy advice to the Board of Directors, Management, and client departments on operational and administrative matters. The role involves supporting OGC in achieving its main result areas, particularly in transaction advisory services for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and providing legal advice for loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in ADB's sovereign operations. The Senior Counsel will be responsible for overseeing junior team members and will report to an Assistant General Counsel. The position requires relocation to Manila, where all reasonable relocation expenses will be covered. The Senior Counsel will engage in various activities, including legal support for PPP projects, advising on sovereign operations, and contributing to law and policy reform initiatives.

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

• Providing legal support for public-private partnership (PPP) projects throughout the project cycle, from pre-feasibility analysis to commercial or financial close.
• Preparing bidding documents and core project agreements for PPPs and other infrastructure projects, such as concession agreements and land use/lease agreements.
• Engaging in advocacy and capacity development for PPP arrangements and new market development.
• Advising operations departments on relevant policies, ADB strategy, and business processes related to PPP operations.
• Leading legal advice and support for ADB's sovereign operations, including loan review, financing structures, legal agreements, due diligence, negotiations, procurement review, and project administration.
• Supporting TA projects for development and knowledge-building in line with ADB's Strategy 203
• Contributing to policy development on sovereign operations, covering financing, safeguards, financial management, and procurement.
• Supporting OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program in areas such as climate change, gender equity, and anti-money laundering.
• Monitoring global regulatory changes affecting ADB's climate-related activities and participating in training and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 1
• Leading and supervising reporting staff, providing guidance, performance monitoring, and development opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in law or an equivalent qualification, with lawyer admission in an ADB member country. Alternatively, a University degree in law with lawyer admission and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. A minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience in infrastructure development projects, including project finance or PPP experience, is required. Candidates should have experience in preparing and negotiating international financing agreements and advising governments on complex infrastructure projects. Relevant legal experience in sovereign operations is desirable. Proficiency in English is essential for presenting and defending legal arguments, both written and verbal. Experience working in multicultural teams and fostering a culture of cooperation is also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree in law or an equivalent qualification, with lawyer admission in an ADB member country. Alternatively, candidates with a University degree in law and at least 5 years of specialized experience may be considered. The educational qualifications should align with the legal expertise necessary for the role, particularly in the context of infrastructure development and public-private partnerships.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in the formulation and implementation of infrastructure development projects. Candidates should have experience in project finance or public-private partnerships, as well as in the preparation and negotiation of international financing agreements. Experience advising governments on the development and implementation of complex infrastructure projects is essential, along with legal analysis of multilateral development and financing institutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as candidates must be able to present and defend legal arguments effectively, both in written and verbal forms. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region.

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 years or conversion to a regular appointment based on performance and organizational needs. The position is full-time and requires relocation to Manila, Philippines. ADB offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including housing and education allowances, expatriate benefits, retirement plans, medical and health benefits, paid leave, and staff development opportunities. ADB encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women, and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.