General Counsel

Job Vacancy | Monday, March 30, 2026

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

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. It prepares documents that create and define the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts. 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 President and will oversee International and Local Staff.

Your Role

The General Counsel (GC), and under the GC the Office of the General Counsel, proactively provides legal advice, counsel and guidance to the various parts of ADB, acting as a legal fiduciary to the Bank as a whole. OGC is the authoritative provider of legal advice to the respective decision-making organs of the Bank, including the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, the President and other senior management, ADB Offices and Departments. You will lead the planning, implementation and supervision of the vision, goals, strategies and work plan of OGC in support of ADB's overall goals, and ensure that OGC contributes to the efficiency, relevance and impact of ADB operations by providing sound and timely legal advice. You will provide advice to Management, Departments and Offices of ADB and to the Board of Governors and Board of Directors, on legal questions relating to the organization, structure, administration, policies or operations of ADB and on the legal aspects of any such matters on which OGC is consulted or it believes such advice is necessary or appropriate. You will oversee the quality of work and ensure the achievement of the objectives of the Office. You will plan resource requirements for OGC and allocate and use budgetary resources in carrying out its work program.

You will:

a. Leadership and Strategic Management

• Establish and cascade OGC's vision, goals, development strategies and key result areas in support of ADB's strategic objectives and in compliance with ADB policies.
• Interpret and facilitate compliance with the provisions of the ADB Charter, Board policies and management directives and regulations.
• Strategically advise the Boards, President and Senior Management on legal, regulatory, governance and reputational aspects of the Bank's work and proposed initiatives.
• Drive legal and policy capacity building programs for the Bank's member countries, including through a Law and Policy Reform Program and associated thought leadership.
• Lead the planning, implementation and supervision of OGC's work plans, and monitor the quality of outputs, achievement of long-term goals, and annual goals for OGC.

b. Operational Work

• Manage the operations and activities of OGC, including the provision of advice on sovereign and non-sovereign operations, institutional and administrative matters and financings.
• Advise Management on ADB policies and procedures.
• Anticipate issues that are likely to create legal risks for ADB, and undertake steps to mitigate those risks.
• Defend ADB in all legal actions in national and international courts, arbitration or other legal proceedings, and the Administrative Tribunal.
• Ensure the provision of advice to the various parties involved in Accountability Mechanism proceedings.

c. Policies and Procedures

• Provide support to several policy initiatives undertaken by ADB to improve ADB operations.
• Contribute to the streamlining of ADB's policies, procedures, and business processes.

d. Office Management

• Undertake the performance management of OGC, including motivation of staff.
• Anticipate requirements for, and efficiently manage, the budget, resource allocation and utilization

e. Internal Relations

• Facilitate coordination and cooperation between Management and the Board of Directors, especially on governance-related issued, and with and among ADB departments and other internal stakeholders.
• Inform Senior Management of developments, new opportunities and challenges, and provide recommendations accordingly.

f. Staff Supervision

• Create and lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure the quality of their work.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their ongoing learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in Law or University degree and at least 10 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered and/or admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB's member countries
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
• At least 20 years of relevant legal experience after bar admission.
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated experience managing large and diverse teams of professionals
• Substantial experience handling high level legal negotiations
• Understanding of the operational policies and programs of ADB or similar multilateral development organizations, and exposure to, or hands-on knowledge of, its operations are highly desirable
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, Management, Board of Governors, Board of Directors, and external counterparts
• Proven abilities as a thought leader on legal, compliance and governance issues, with experience leading externally focused legal policy reform initiatives is desirable
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• International experience working in finance in several countries, with development finance experience and experience in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Managerial Staff Level 3 (M3)

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)
• 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. 2.01 (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

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

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.

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