Counsel (Sovereign Operations) (6 positions)

Join to provide legal advice on sovereign operations and policy reform.

This opening expired 8 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

Application deadline 8 months ago: Friday 12 Sep 2025 at 12:00 UTC

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Overview

Join to provide legal advice on sovereign operations and policy reform.

You have:

  • Provide legal advice and support for loan and technical assistance projects in ADB sovereign operations.
  • Experience in law and policy reform related to development finance.
  • Ability to supervise junior team members effectively.
  • Engage in knowledge-sharing activities within the organization.

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Counsel is assigned to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), ADB's legal department. OGC provides legal and policy advice to ADB's Board of Directors, its Management, and client departments on operational and administrative matters and advises on methods to limit ADB's risk exposure. It prepares documents that create the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts. You will be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to an Assistant General Counsel and will oversee Junior team members.

The position title on the appointment is "Counsel".

Your Role

As a Counsel, you will support OGC in achieving its main result areas by providing legal advice and support for the origination, processing and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in ADB sovereign operations. You may also focus on designing and implementing TA projects under OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program and participate in knowledge-sharing activities.

You will:

a. Sovereign Operations

b. Law and Policy Reform

c. Knowledge Sharing

d. Staff Supervision

Qualifications

You will need:

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff's particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff's performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

1) Multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening.

2) The actual position title and grade will be based on your qualifications, experience and job scope that will be assigned to the selected applicants.

3) Location: ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under our Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB wants to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time you provided legal advice that impacted a project. To understand your problem-solving skills and practical legal experience. Discuss a specific instance, your role, and the outcome.
How do you approach supervision and mentorship of junior team members? This evaluates your leadership and interpersonal skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain your experience with policy reform in development projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for effective collaboration with stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a conflict between legal compliance and project objectives? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your approach to keeping updated with legal changes in finance? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a complex contract negotiation you were involved in and your role. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of a successful knowledge-sharing initiative you led. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: adb.org