Senior Counsel (Nonsovereign)

Job Vacancy | Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you looking to have a lasting impact 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 Senior 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 appropriately. It prepares or reviews documents that create and define the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts.

You will be assigned at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. You will report to an Assistant General Counsel and will oversee Technical Local Staff.

The position title on appointment is “Senior Counsel”.

Your Role

The Senior Counsel will support OGC in achieving its key result areas by focusing on the Trade Finance Program and Supply Chain Finance Program (together, the TSCFP) undertaken by ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department. You will be responsible for the processing, negotiating, and managing of nonsovereign transactions under the TSCFP, handling credit and legal risks, supporting technical assistance projects, aiding OGC in policy reviews and operational efficiency initiatives, and resolving disputes and claims. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to contribute to OGC’s Law and Policy Reform program alongside main responsibilities.

You will:

a. Operational Support

• Lead processing, negotiation, and administration; advise on global standards for financial institution and corporate risk documentation; manage legal risk in transaction processing; draft legal agreements; and resolve complex legal issues.
• Help develop new TSCFP product lines, particularly those involving technology; contribute to cross-functional and industry initiatives; support credit approvals, technical assistance, and portfolio management; and manage external counsel engagements.

b. Dispute and Claims Management

• Lead in providing legal advice in the resolution of disputes and management of claims arising under the TSCFP product.

c. Knowledge Development & Management

• Track regulatory changes affecting ADB’s climate-related activities; contribute to training, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Develop templates, guidance notes, and best practices; establish legal expertise in a specific country, sector, or operational area within OGC.

d. Staff Supervision

• Lead reporting staff with clear guidance, performance monitoring, feedback, and development opportunities.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB’s member countries, with primary admission in a common law jurisdiction. Alternatively, university degree in Law and at least 5 years specialized professional experience relevant to the position in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience with experience advising on (i) trade and supply chain finance on a cross-border basis (traditional trade products), including transactions in the secondary market (under BAFT form or otherwise); (ii) bank regulatory capital regulation; and (iii) risk transfer arrangements, and (iv) product standards and governance.
• Participation in global trade industry bodies, and experience contributing to industry publications and standards, preferred.
• Knowledge of multilateral and development finance institutions; experience advising such institutions or working in-house or in private practice; advanced written and verbal communication in English; ability to present and defend legal arguments.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff (TI2)

Benefits

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

• Paid leave (including parental)
• Medical and health benefits
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development
• Retirement plan
• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (for international staff)

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 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.

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