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Job Description - Deputy General Counsel

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference in 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 Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is responsible in protecting the legal interests of ADB and advises on methods to limit ADB's risk exposure. It prepares documents which create, define, modify or limit the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including loan contracts, agreements and registration statements in relation thereto, and other contractual documents. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required. All reasonable relocation expenses will be covered.

You will report to the General Counsel and will oversee assigned International and Local Staff

Your Role

As Deputy General Counsel, you are the focal point for the planning, implementation, and supervision of OGC's vision, goals, strategies, and work planning to support ADB's overall goals. You will provide high-level policy advice and support to the General Counsel in carrying out the work program of OGC.

You will:

• Support the General Counsel in the implementation of OGC's work plan.
• Support the General Counsel in the provision of legal services and advice to Management, operating and administrative departments and offices, the Board of Directors and, by appropriate procedures, the Board of Governors, including through interpretation of the Agreement Establishing the ADB, the By-Laws of the ADB and other relevant governing agreements and applicable laws, regulations and policies.
• Mitigate legal risk to ADB and ensure consistency and accuracy of legal advice by OGC.
• Monitor and supervise, in consultation with the General Counsel, OGC's work on public and private sector operations, financial and institutional/administrative matters, and law and policy reform; it includes the supervision of the distribution of cross-regional assignments among lawyers and other OGC staff.
• Coordinate with Assistant General Counsels about their work and responsibilities.
• Prepare or oversee OGC's contributions to the inter-departmental preparation of new or revised ADB policies and coordinating OGC's contributions to ADB's strategy development and other inter-departmental projects.
• Manage OGC's recruitment of staff, vacancy management, performance reviews, and other personnel management matters, including periodic performance reviews of OGC staff and regular monitoring and feedback on staff performance.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals that report to the position, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Lead improvements in the operations and business processes of OGC and undertaking special projects to enhance the efficiency of the Office.
• Counsel, including overseeing the training and continuing legal education of OGC's staff.
• Create and lead teams for special projects in OGC and ADB.
• Provide mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning, performance improvement and professional development.
• Oversee the budget and general administration of OGC.

You will need:

• Juris Doctorate degree or Master's Degree, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB's member countries. Alternatively, university degree in Law combined with at least 10 years of specialized professional experience in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.
• In principle, at least 20 years of relevant professional work experience is required.
• The strategic vision, innovative thinking and sound judgment needed to adapt to complex environments while integrating ADB's long-term development goals into OGC priorities and implementing them.
• A deep understanding of the operational policies of ADB, or at a minimum, of similar multilateral development organizations. Exposure to and hands-on knowledge of ADB's legal and administrative framework and operations are desirable.
• Integrity, sensitivity, and people‑centered leadership needed to inspire trust, foster openness, and manage a diverse team of international and local staff.
• Ability to present and defend complex legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence and confidence.
• International experience working in several countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Managerial Staff Grade (M2)

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation 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)
• Relocation (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 a managerial position, initially for a period of 3 years or up to Staff's Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, in accordance with Administrative Order No Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional fixed-term period of up to 3 years or allow it to expire. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including, but not limited to, ADB's medium- to long-term plans for the organizational unit, the relevance of the staff's skills to those plans, and the staff's managerial and behavioral competencies. Notwithstanding the length of the initial or any subsequently renewed FT-M, the expiration date of any fixed-term appointment will not exceed the Staff's NRD. There is no limit on the number of renewals up to Staff's NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.

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 its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information.

: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Office of the General Counsel

Staff Category: Managerial International (HQ)

Position Level: M2

: 12-Jan-2026, 9:13:32 AM

: 26-Jan-2026, 9:44:00 PM