Reference Number: 230196

Position Level: IS 4

Department: Office of the General Counsel

Division: Office of the General Counsel

Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Date Posted: Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Closing Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

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.

This position is assigned within Office of the General Counsel (OGC), ADB’s legal department. OGC is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to ADB’s Board of Directors, its Management and client departments on all aspects of ADB operational and administrative matters.

Parenthetical title is only for advertisement purposes. Position title upon appointment is “Counsel”.

Job Purpose

The Counsel (Nonsovereign) will support OGC in achieving its key result areas by processing, negotiating, and administering nonsovereign (private sector) projects. The incumbent may also participate in OGC’s Law and Policy Reform program alongside the Counsel’s core responsibilities.

The incumbent will report to the Assistant General Counsel and will supervise National and Administrative Staff.

Responsibilities

a. Operational Support

•  Leads in providing legal services in the processing, negotiating and administering of nonsovereign financing transactions with a particular focus upon debt transactions (focusing on corporate finance transactions across a range of sectors and jurisdictions, and financial intermediary financing).
•  Provides legal services on other types of ADB nonsovereign financing as required, including debt capital markets (bonds and debentures), convertible instruments and equity investments.
•  Drafts legal documentation for all such investments, including as necessary mandate documents and loan, guarantee and equity documentation; instruct and liaise with external counsel on all relevant aspects of the investments and documentation process.
•  Resolves complex issues and mitigates legal risk for ADB.
•  Assists with credit approval and other internal processing matters, technical assistance, and portfolio management, including waivers, consents, amendments and restructurings as required.
•  Supports the development and update of ADB policies, procedures and guidelines through the provision of legal advice in relation to same.

b. Knowledge Development & Management

•  Develops template documentation, guidance notes, and/or internal “know how” for both OGC and other relevant departments. Participates in and contributes to relevant internal and external training and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.

c. Staff Supervision

•  Supervises the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
•  Ensures the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

•  Master’s degree, or equivalent. Alternatively, university degree in Law combined with at least 5 years specialized professional experience relevant to the position may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
•  Admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB’s member countries, with primary admission in a common law jurisdiction.
•  At least 8 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience advising on international debt finance transactions. Exposure to limited recourse, financial intermediary and/or debt capital markets transactions is an advantage.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to present and defend legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
•  Ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-skilled teams.
•  Ability to inspire trust and confidence and promote a strong culture of honesty, trust and openness.
•  Demonstrated ability to meet the core competency requirements of the position.
•  International experience working in several countries.
•  Experience working in an in-house counsel role is preferred.
•  Experience advising multilateral and/or development finance institutions is preferred.
•  Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 4.

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.