Associate Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and comprises 69 member countries, with 49 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development through financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. ADB aims to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuously striving to eradicate extreme poverty. The institution combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under Strategy 2030, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and inclusive growth across the region.

Job Overview:
As an Associate Legal Officer at ADB, you will play a crucial role in providing legal and technical support to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This position is integral to ADB's operations, as you will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and finalizing legal documents related to ADB's finance and funds operations. You will work closely with counsel on various legal matters, including bond issuances, derivatives transactions, and regulatory approvals. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring compliance with ADB's Charter, policies, and applicable laws, as well as in supporting negotiations and finalizing agreements with various departments. The role also involves conducting legal research and assisting in responding to inquiries on global financial regulatory reforms and policy changes. You will have the opportunity to mentor new staff and contribute to special projects, making this position both dynamic and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Legal Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Finance Operations: Supporting counsel in drafting, reviewing, and finalizing legal documents related to ADB's bond issuances, derivatives transactions, and regulatory approvals. This includes reviewing agreements and documents from the Treasury Department and assisting in negotiations and finalization. You will also monitor global regulatory changes affecting ADB's Treasury operations and provide legal guidance on compliance matters.
• Funds Operations: Assisting counsel in legal matters related to cofinancing partnerships, knowledge partnerships, and ADB's involvement in global and regional funding initiatives. This involves reviewing and negotiating agreements such as MOUs, cooperation arrangements, and affiliation agreements, as well as drafting and finalizing related documents and communications.
• Legal Research and Support: Conducting legal research and assisting counsels in responding to internal and external inquiries on global financial regulatory reforms, policy changes, and jurisdiction-specific legal matters.
• Others: Assisting in training and mentoring new staff and consultants, supporting special projects, and performing non-project-specific tasks and additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Associate Legal Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Law and be a member of the Philippine Bar or have equivalent work experience in a multilateral financial institution, preferably with advanced training. Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge in documenting bond and swap issuances and derivative transactions. Experience working with legal and financial documents in a collaborative team setting is essential, as is the ability to review and interpret technical content to support decision-making. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required to effectively convey legal concepts and facilitate collaboration across teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Law. Candidates must also be a member of the Philippine Bar or possess equivalent qualifications. Advanced training in relevant legal fields is preferred, particularly in areas related to finance and international law, which will enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates for the Associate Legal Officer position should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include a strong background in documenting bond and swap issuances and derivative transactions, as well as familiarity with legal and financial documents. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a collaborative team environment, where they have successfully reviewed and interpreted complex technical content to support informed decision-making.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is strong proficiency in English, both written and verbal. This is essential for conveying legal concepts and facilitating effective communication across teams and stakeholders. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region.

Additional Notes:
The Associate Legal Officer position is a full-time role based at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. The closing date for applications is set for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Manila Time. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes paid leave (including parental leave), medical and health benefits, life and other insurance plans, staff development opportunities, a retirement plan, and housing and education allowances if applicable. Expatriate benefits are available for international staff. ADB is committed to hiring nationals of its 69 member countries and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.