Reference Number 260807. Position Grade TI1. Department and Division: Office of the General Counsel. Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters, Manila, Philippines.
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. It prepares documents that define the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts. You will be based at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines and relocation is required; all reasonable relocation expenses will be covered. 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 on institutional and administrative matters and other operational and advisory work.
You will provide legal advice and support on: institutional and administrative matters such as ADB's personnel policies, which may include policies on employment conditions, compensation and benefits, pension governance and administration; personnel matters including 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 as set forth in the ADB Charter and host country agreements; matters concerning ADB's membership, decision-making organs, and Annual Meetings; implementing treaties and other agreements concluded by ADB on institutional matters; policies on artificial intelligence, data privacy and data protection, and legal aspects of the management of ADB's information technology systems; and reviewing laws and regulations applicable to specified matters. You will prepare legal documentation, conduct legal research, and perform other tasks as assigned, including special projects supporting OGC's overall operations. You will also participate in relevant internal and external training, conferences and other activities for knowledge building and dissemination, and lead reporting staff with clear guidance, performance monitoring, feedback, and development opportunities.
Qualifications: 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 working in international organizations on human resources, employment, governance, and administrative law matters. Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present and defend legal arguments and collaborate within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. International experience working in several countries.
Benefits: ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Closing date: 28 August 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the ADB careers page for Reference Number 260807 by the closing date of Friday, 28 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT).
https://www.adb.org/careers/260807