Assistant General Counsel Law And Policy Reform

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

You will work in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), ADBs legal department. OGC advised the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, the President and all operations and administrative departments of ADB on legal matters, including ADB policies, procedures and legal risks. Furthermore, OGC manages the Law and Policy Reform (LPR) Program which provides law and policy advice, capacity building and other knowledge services to ADB clients including ADB developing member countries (DMCs). The LPR Team ensures alignment with ADB operations and the needs of DMC clients, manages the LPR portfolio, oversees related processes, implements technical assistance (TA) projects, and delivers advisory services to ADBs client departments.

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 General Counsel and will oversee Assigned International and Local Staff.

The position title on appointment is "Assistant General Counsel".

Your Role

The Assistant General Counsel for Law and Policy Reform (LPR) Team takes the lead in (1) planning, implementation and supervision of OGCs vision, goals and strategies and work plan, (2) oversight of the provision of LPR services (including law and policy reform advice and technical assistance) and ensure the quality of the work being supervised, (3) identifying and managing related legal and operational risks and issues, (4) development of strategies and frameworks for law and policy reform in ADB DMCs, and (5) working directly with client departments and providing guidance on day-to-day operational issues and compliance with ADB policies and procedures. Additionally, you will lead and supports one or more of the following activities: processing, negotiating, and administering of loans, grants, and technical assistance and the resolution of disputes arising from ADB-financed projects.

You WillYou will need:Benefits

• Leadership and Strategic Management
• Provide leadership in planning, implementing and supervising work plans, and monitoring the quality of output and achievement of long-term goals and OGCs annual goals.
• Provide leadership in operational matters, taking the lead in contributing to new approaches to policy and operational issues.
• Law and Policy Reform Management
• Lead the development of strategies and frameworks for law and policy reform in ADB DMCs in line with ADBs overall strategy and recognized constraints for the countries and sectors concerned.
• Mainstream law and policy reforms in ADB operations by actively engage with ADB departments and integrating LPR interventions into relevant institutional documents, country partnership strategy, country and regional programming and work plans of sector or thematic groups.
• Manage the LPR Program to ensure alignment with ADBs strategic and corporate priorities and operational relevance, in particular supporting the private sector development shift.
• Implement the LPR Program in coordination with other ADB departments, and OGC Management.
• Review and respond to LPR requests or proposals, in consultation with relevant ADB departments, and OGC Management.
• Manage the funding process of the LPR Program including with relevant ADB departments, trust funds and co-financiers.
• Leverage and manage strategic partnerships and relationships with DMC clients, development partners, regional bodies and institutions and other stakeholders (including ADB Institute and ADB Center for Excellence) for greater development impact and to scale the LPR Program.
• Oversee the daily operations of the LPR Program and LPR Team and provide guidance on operational and legal issues in compliance with ADB procedures.
• Oversee LPR TAs processed and administered and/or implemented by the LPR Team and LPR counsels from other OGC teams to ensure strategic and operational alignment, effective stakeholders engagement with internal and external clients, quality control and trouble shoot and mitigate risks.
• Ensure that terms of reference for the LPR Team are effectively and efficiently carried out and escalate key issues to the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel, as well as update the LPR operating model as necessary in line with evolving needs of ADB and its clients.
• Supervise the LPR Team by managing the workload of its members and monitoring work performance and undertaking the performance management of the LPR Team including coaching and motivating staff.
• Guide the LPR Team in conducting regular portfolio monitoring and reporting of the LPR Program, as well as handling requests for information from internal and external parties; and managing data and knowledge resources, reporting and recording keeping for the LPR Program.
• Guide the LPR Team to ensure engagement and communication with ADB client departments, DMC clients, development partners, regional bodies and institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the efficient delivery of LPR Teams support services to LPR counsels and other ADB staff, and the provision of internal trainings.
• Manage the budget and resource allocation for the LPR Team, ensuring efficient allocation and use of resources, including staffing and training requirements.
• Provide regular briefings to OGC Management on the management and administration of the LPR Program portfolio and other related activities.
• Maintain close working relationships with other Assistant General Counsels for more integrated approach to better serve internal and external clients.
• Inform and provide recommendations to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on significant developments, emerging opportunities and challenges in the area of law and policy reform.
• Promote the LPR Program through multiple platforms, speaking engagements, and participation at relevant forums.
• Knowledge Management
• Lead and oversee OGCs knowledge management activities, including OGCs knowledge management strategy and plan; participate in ADB-wide knowledge management activities; and coordinate internal OGC resources for the effective implementation of OGCs knowledge management needs.
• Provide leadership in policy and operational matters, taking the lead in contributing innovative approaches to policy and operational issues, including formulating, writing and reviewing policy papers, legal research on international law issues, and dissemination of policy and best practices.
• OGC Management Support
• Provide inputs to OGCs work program, and help coordinate and monitoring of budget, staffing, and training requirements of OGC.
• Assume and discharge the supervisory responsibilities of the concerned Assistant General Counsel during the latters absence.
• Support the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel with special projects.
• Dispute Management
• Lead in providing legal advice in the resolution of disputes arising from ADB-financed projects, including the implementation of the accountability mechanism, for both the consultation and compliance review phases.
• External and Internal Relations and Staff Supervision
• Manage client relationships to ensure service quality and integrity of ADB operations; contribute to high‑level meetings, committees, and task forces under the Assistant General Counsels portfolio;
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams by ensuring high-quality outputs, managing and monitoring performance, providing mentoring for growth, and overseeing recruitment for OGC positions.
• Juris Doctorate or Masters degree, or equivalent, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADBs member countries. Specialized experience in management, finance and/or law and policy reform, preferably in international financial institutions, legal departments, law firms or similar organizations; or University degree and at least 10 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 15 years of relevant legal experience with practical experience in the formulation and implementation of development projects (in particular law reform projects), preparation and negotiation of international financing agreements, and legal analysis of the status and organization of multilateral development and financing institutions.
• Proven leadership capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required to lead a team of experienced professional and creating/maintaining an environment that encourages responsible information and knowledge sharing.
• Must be able to communicate, present and defend complex legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
• Able to operate across organizational boundaries in thematic/country teams.
• International experience working in several countries.
• An understanding of the operational policies and programs of ADB or similar multilateral development banks (MDB) with hands-on knowledge or exposure to ADBs or other MDB operations is desirable.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Managerial International Staff Level 1 (M1).
  
  

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package . The salary will be based on ADBs 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 Staffs 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, ADBs medium- to long-term plans for the organizational unit, the relevance of the staffs skills to those plans, and the staffs 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 Staffs NRD. There is no limit on the number of renewals up to Staffs 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.

ADBonlyhiresnationalsofits 69 member s .

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.

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Primary Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Department: Office of the General Counsel

Staff Category: Managerial International (HQ)

Position Level: M1

Job Posting: 02-Feb-2026, 8:30:38 AM

16-Feb-2026, 8:29:00 PM

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