Counsel (Institutional and Administrative Law)

Job Description - Counsel (Institutional and Administrative Law

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 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 Junior team members.

The position title on the appointment is "Counsel".

Your Role

The Counsel supports OGC in achieving its key result areas by providing legal advice and documentation support to institutional and administrative matters and other operational and other advisory work as required.

You will:

a. Legal Advice and Support

• Provide legal advice and support on primarily institutional and administrative matters such as: ADB's personnel policies, which may include policies on employment conditions, compensation and benefits, pension governance and administration matters. Personnel matters, which may include staff grievances, disciplinary procedures, appeals to the Appeals Committee, and applications to the ADB Administrative Tribunal.
• Administrative law matters and legal issues affecting ADB Headquarters, Resident Missions and Representative Offices in ADB member countries.
• Privileges and immunities of ADB and its personnel in member countries, asset forth in the ADB Charter and in host country agreements. Matters arising in relation to ADB's membership, decision-making organs, and ADB's Annual Meetings.
• Implementation of treaties and other agreements concluded by ADB on institutional matters. Data privacy and data protection policies, and legal aspects of the management of ADB's information technology systems.
• Reviewing laws and regulations applicable to specified matters.
• Preparing legal documentation and conducting legal research on the above matters, and performing other duties as assigned, including special projects supporting OGC's overall operations.

b. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in and contribute to relevant internal and external training, conferences and other activities for advocacy, knowledge building and dissemination.

c. Staff Supervision

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

You will need:

• A University degree in law and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB's member countries.; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent
• At least 6 years of relevant legal experience, including at least 3 years of legal experience working in international organizations on human resources, employment, governance, and administrative law matters.
• Advance written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present and defend legal arguments, demonstrate core competencies, and collaborate within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Able to inspire trust and promote a culture of trust, and openness.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Grade 1 (TI1).

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.

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

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.

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.

: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Office of the General Counsel

Division: Office of the General Counsel

Staff Category: Technical International (HQ)

Position Level: TI1

: 27-Jun-2025, 7:44:49 AM

: 11-Jul-2025, 5:59:00 PM