Senior Legal Operations Assistant

Important Information

This change does not involve any modifications to the appointment terms.

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 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 Operations Assistant will provide analytical, technical and support coordination to OGC by performing all or a combination of the following activities described below including supporting OGC’s special practice groups and teams. The incumbent will report to designated two or more International Staff and senior National Staff.

Responsibilities

Correspondence and Documentation Production (with emphasis on institutional and administrative matters)

• Assists in the preparation of various documents such as submissions for internal dispute resolutions, interpretation of ADB policies and procedures, Administrative Orders and Circulars, Host Country Agreements, Notes Verbales, ADB Board papers, loan documents, back-to-office reports and effectiveness letters for public/private sector loans, and other routine correspondences. • Assists in research on previous advice rendered, case law of international administrative tribunals, or other specific legal topics with guidance from Counsels. • Assists in the preparation of materials and powerpoint presentations for seminars and workshops.

Support on Dispute Resolution Matters • Assists in the preparation of documentation for pleadings before the Administrative Tribunal in accordance with the applicable rules of procedure and timely submission of pleadings. • Maintains records of case files including all ADBAT notices and pleadings on digital platforms such as iManage database and SharePoint and as needed, in hard copies.

Legal Documents and Information Monitoring • Maintains updated filing system primarily on digital platforms. Selects and uploads memoranda and signed loan documents, minutes of lawyers' meetings, Law and Policy Reform (LPR) technical assistance (TA) into iManage database and SharePoint. Monitors incoming documents and e-mails for action or reassignment (in the absence of the responsible counsel) and updates counsel's schedule of mission/leave for the OGC Deskbook.

Research • Provides jurisprudential research on topics related to institutional reforms, tribunal cases, and other documentation in support of ongoing litigations and undertakes internet and data-base research or obtains documents from various sources for legal and/or background materials for TA, project and non-project matters.

Project Processing • Assists in the drafting and facilitation of documents for loans, guarantees and technical assistance (TA) projects, co-financing and cooperation agreements, and other ADB-generated project documents, ensuring consistency with any applicable model documents. • Liaises with regional departments to facilitate efficient operations of the project cycle from the initial preparation and review, to signing of loan documents, to transmittal to concerned parties and to uploading in iManage database.

Law, Policy and Reform (LPR) • Provides assistance and coordinates with other legal operations assistants in LPR activities, including preparation; coordination with other relevant ADB departments as well as external parties including Governments and TA development partners; administrative functions and logistical arrangements for consultant engagement, TA workshops, large conferences and OGC-sponsored seminars.

Others • Schedules and coordinates appointments and group meetings; performs coordination and logistical tasks including mission travel arrangements, etc. • Supports newly hired and/or temporary assistants on application/interpretation of office systems/procedures, guidelines, and formats. • Acts as temporary assistant to other counsel(s) when necessary and assists OGC staff consultants on short-term assignments. • Assists counsels in preparation of budgetary allocations. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the General Counsel (or his/her designate) and as reflected in the incumbent’s workplan, such as assisting in preparation of various policy papers/briefing notes/speeches, organizing annual meeting seminars, and participating on the OGC secretariat for ADB-sponsored symposia/seminars.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in law, business administration, commerce, management, accounting or other relevant discipline. • At least 5 years relevant professional experience, with experience in dispute resolution or other institutional and administrative matters being an asset • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English • Excellent analytical skills; attention to details; and strong professional ethics including in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters • Good memo composition, editing and proofreading skills • Proficient in ADB standard software applications • Ability to work independently and maintain composure under pressure, and manage priorities and workload with general schedule of work, instructions and standardized practices. • Ability to take initiative to identify and implement process improvements and contribute to business efficiency in outcome-oriented manner • Ability to work with individuals from different cultural and national backgrounds • Ability to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member. Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Administrative Staff Level AS5.

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.