Counsel (Nonsovereign)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Close relatives¹ of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.

¹Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle

Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion must have served at their position for at least one year and must have normally served at their personal level for at least two years immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date. Applicants for lateral transfer must have served at their position and personal level for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (reference A.O. 2.03, paragraphs 5.8 and 5.9).

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e. from AS to NS, or from NS to IS) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new level, they will return to the level occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.

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 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 Counsel 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

• Lead in providing legal services in the processing, negotiating and administering of venture capital investments under the platform of ADB Ventures, ADB’s venture capital arm.
• Provide legal services on other ADB investments, including debt transactions (focusing on corporate finance transactions across a range of sectors and jurisidictions, and financial intermediary financing) and direct equity investments, including convertible instruments.
• Draft 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.
• Resolve complex issues and mitigate legal risk for ADB.
• Assist with credit approval and other internal processing matters, technical assistance, and portfolio management.

b. Knowledge Development & Management

• Develop template documentation, guidance notes, and/or internal “know how” for both OGC and other relevant departments, including specific template documentation and guidance notes for ADB Ventures.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant internal and external training and other activities for advocacy, dissemination and knowledge building.

c. Staff Supervision

• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Ensure 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 specialized professional experience 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.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience advising on corporate finance, financial intermediary and venture capital transactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Must be able to present and defend legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
• Able to work in multi-cultural and multi-skilled teams.
• Able 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 – please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 4.
• Experience advising multilateral and/or development finance institutions.
• International experience working outside the home jurisdiction.
• Experience working in an in-house environment.

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.