Senior Legal Officer

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 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 its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). OGC is responsible for providing 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 appropriately. It prepares or reviews documents that create and define the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose

The Senior Legal Officer will provide independent and in-depth legal and analytical advice and technical expertise to counsel in the processing and administration of sovereign operations and technical assistance projects relating to ADB-financed programs.

The incumbent will report to the relevant Assistant General Counsel and/or designated International Staff and will supervise Administrative staff.

Responsibilities

Project Processing and Administration

• Provides independent and in-depth advice and assist counsel on legal aspects relating to sovereign operations, such as preparation of loan agreements and project implementation.

• Prepares draft documents and advice on legal aspects related to sovereign operations, both for project preparation and administration. Supports counsel in processing and reviewing legal aspects of the project, including conducting legal due diligence and preparing legal documents consistent with ADB’s internal law, lending and other operational policies.

• Obtains and reviews legal documents and administration matters, including legislation that may affect the project. Leads the team in identifying legal issues that may arise from project design, including issues related to environmental and social safeguards.

• Reviews complex agreements and Report and Recommendation of the President (RRPs), and assesses legal issues/risk that may be involved and/or any legal issues that needs to be factored in designing the project. Supports the process of signing and making loan documents effective, including reviewing legal opinions and other documents received for loan effectiveness.

• Identifies law and policy reform (LPR) issues and contributes to the development of LPR proposals and solutions.

• Provides guidance, coaching and mentoring to members of the team on OGC functions, major policies and procedures and legal resources. Conducts orientation sessions and briefings to the team members.

• Provides support and advice on all legal aspects of financing partnerships, fund managements and cofinancing operations. Analyzes relevant regulatory developments in fund practices and approaches, and advises on the legal aspects of structuring, negotiating and documenting agreements between project entities.

• Advises on potential risks of failure or weakness in assigned ADB operations and recommends preventive action. Contributes to OGC’s advice on enhancing ADB’s operational policies, and participates in interdepartmental analysis and complex legal issues.

Legal Research and Support

• Conducts research on legal and policy matters.

• Carries out research work on legal precedents in ADB, including supporting the formulation of legal views on sovereign project-related issues that can serve as a basis for formulating legal views.

Supervisory Functions

• Plans and schedules work assignments and provides advice to subordinate staff. Coordinates training and briefing sessions to members of the team.

Others

• Performs other duties that may be assigned. Undertakes special projects in support of OGC’s operations.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks 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.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.