Counsel (Sovereign & Procurement)

Job Vacancy | Monday, December 9, 2024

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you looking to have a lasting impact on 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 of Counsel (Sovereign & Procurement) 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 our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. You will report to an Assistant General Counsel and will oversee National Staff and Administrative Staff.

The position title on appointment is “Counsel”.

Your Role

As a Counsel, you will support OGC in achieving its key result areas by providing legal advice and documentation support to the following activities: processing and administration of sovereign and technical assistance (TA) projects; and reviewing, revising and providing procurement advice to project counsels and OGC procurement unit to ensure compliance with procurement procedures. Work within broad policies and objectives, working directly with clients and with supervision for critical tasks.

You will:

a. Operational Support (Sovereign Operations)

• Support the processing, negotiation, and administration of ADB projects by drafting legal documents and addressing legal risks to ensure compliance and mitigate potential issues.

b. Procurement Support

• Be the main OGC focal point on procurement and related matters.
• Stay updated on ADB’s procurement policies, regulations, and related rules, and developments in public procurement and other multilateral development banks’ policies, to provide informed advice and recommendations to OGC management and staff.
• Review draft bidding documents for ADB’s sovereign operations, focusing on contract conditions and proposals for awarding procurement contracts. Ensure compliance with ADB’s procurement policies, and provide advice and recommendations to OGC management and guidance to the OGC staff. This includes evaluating complex and customized procurement documentation.
• Provide legal analysis and advice concerning contractual disputes arising in connection with ADB’s sovereign operations, including proposals to terminate contracts, and provide advice and recommendations to OGC management and staff.
• Participate in programs, including cross-departmental working groups, to review proposals to revise ADB’s procurement policies, regulations and other rules and requirements

c. Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, sharing and knowledge building.

d. Staff Supervision

• Lead and support reporting staff by managing their performance, providing clear guidance and feedback, and fostering their ongoing learning and development

Qualifications

You will need:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB’s member countries. Alternatively, university degree in Law combined with specialized professional experience, including public procurement, in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• At least 8 years of relevant legal experience with practical experience in the formulation and implementation of development projects, preparation and negotiation of international financing agreements, and public procurement in multilateral development and financing institutions.
• Can present and defend legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
• Meet the core competency requirements of the position.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 4.

Benefits

ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB’s standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Paid leave (including parental)
• Medical and health benefits
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development
• Retirement plan
• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (for international staff)

Additional Information

ADB will be rolling out a new job grading structure on 1 January 2025, which may result in a change of the position grade and title with no change in the terms of reference. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept all changes resulting from the new job grading structure.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 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 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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