Senior Legal Officer

Job Vacancy | Friday, November 14, 2025

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 position is assigned within Office of the General Counsel (OGC). OGC is responsible in protecting the legal interests of ADB and advises on methods to limit ADB's risk exposure appropriately. It prepares or reviews 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 report to the relevant Assistant General Counsel and/or designated International Staff and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will provide independent legal advice and technical support to counsel with respect to ADB's finance and treasury operations.

You will:

a. Finance Operations

• Provides independent advice, support and assistance to counsel in all legal matters handled by the Finance team in drafting, reviewing, commenting, and processing ADB's bond issues in major and local currencies, and swap confirmations, call notices, and other documents in connection with ADB's derivatives transactions. Reviews letters of application for government and other approvals.
• Review of any agreements and documents provided by the Treasury Department and other relevant departments for comment, and assist in undertaking negotiations on, and in finalizing such agreements and documents. Prepares draft documents and advice on any agreements, documents or communications relating to legal matters handled by the Finance team.
• Analyzes and monitors global regulatory changes, including relevant laws and regulations, impacting ADB's Treasury operations, and requests from external counterparties on certification or documentation requirements.
• Identifies law, policy and reform (LPR) issues and contributes to the development of LPR proposals and solutions.
• Provides legal advice on ADB's Charter and policies, and relevant laws and regulations applicable to specific transactions.
• Contributes to OGC's advice on enhancing ADB's operational policies and participates in interdepartmental analysis and complex legal issues.
• Conducts research on legal and policy matters and handles queries on global financial regulatory reforms, capital markets, and derivatives across jurisdictions.

b. Supervisory Functions

• Plans work assignments and provides guidance to junior staff.
• Coordinates and delivers training/briefings.
• Mentors new staff and consultants of the team

c. Others

• Performs non-project tasks as directed by supervisor.
• Undertakes special projects in support of OGC operations.

Qualifications

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Law and Philippine Bar membership, preferably with Master's degree or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience and with expertise in bond, swap, and derivatives documentation; and at least 4 years of supervisory experience
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and promote trust and openness.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical Local staff grade 6 (TL6).

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.

• 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.

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