Senior Counsel (Sovereign Operations & Public-Private Partnerships)

Asian Development Bank (ADB); Manila; On-site; PHP 7,538,000 - 11,307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and education allowance

Expatriate benefits

Relocation

Retirement plan

Medical and health benefits

Paid leave

Life and other insurance plans

Staff development

Job summary

Asian Development Bank seeks a Senior Counsel based in Manila to support the Office of the General Counsel in sovereign operations and PPP projects across Asia and the Pacific. You will advise on loan and TA operations, draft core project documents, and manage external counsel engagements.

The role requires a Master’s in law, 10+ years of infrastructure finance and international project experience, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or equivalent in law with bar admission in an ADB member country.
• At least 10 years of relevant legal experience in infrastructure projects and international financing.
• Proficiency in English to present and defend legal arguments.
• Experience in multicultural, international teams across multiple countries.

Responsibilities

• Provide TAS for PPP and infrastructure projects, and support loan and TA processing.
• Lead in legal advisory for sovereign operations, including due diligence, negotiations, and financing structures.
• Prepare core project and PPP agreements, bidding documents, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Supervise staff and coordinate with external counsels and internal departments.

Skills

Lawyer admission

Infrastructure development

Public-private partnership

Project finance

English proficiency

Multinational experience

Education

Master's Degree in Law

Bar admission in an ADB member country

Job description

Sovereign Operations

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 of Senior Counsel 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 the legal arrangements that facilitate ADB's operations, and create the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including through 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 an Assistant General Counsel and will oversee junior team members.

The position title on the appointment is "Senior Counsel".

Your Role

You will support OGC in achieving its main result areas, and may be required to support one or more of the following activities: (i) transaction advisory services (TAS) for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and other infrastructure projects; and (ii) providing legal advice and support for the origination, processing and administration of loan and technical assistance (TA) projects in ADB sovereign operations. You may also focus on designing and implementing TA projects under OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program and participate in knowledge-sharing activities.

You Will

• Public-Private Partnership – Transaction Advisory Services
• Provide legal support to internal clients - Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP) and external clients (e.g., government procuring entities) regarding: (i) TAS for PPP projects throughout the project cycle, from pre-feasibility analysis to commercial or financial close; and (ii) private sector development initiatives.
• Prepare bidding documents and core project agreements for PPPs and other infrastructure projects, e.g., concession agreements, PPP agreements, and land use/lease agreements.
• Engage in advocacy and capacity development for PPP arrangements and new markets development.
• Help develop policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks within ADB and its DMCs to facilitate, guide, and manage the development of PPPs and new markets.
• Advise operations departments on relevant policies, ADB strategy, and business processes for such operations.
• Assist OMDP on TA operations supporting TAS and other PPP initiatives.
• Procure, engage, and manage external international and local legal counsels supporting PPP projects and TAS mandates.
• Sovereign Operations
• Lead in providing legal advice/support for ADB's sovereign operations in Asia and the Pacific, including loan review, financing structures, legal agreements, due diligence, negotiations, procurement review, and project administration.
• Support TA projects for development, transactional support, and knowledge building following Strategy 2030 Midterm Review ( Strategy 2030 Midterm Review: An Evolution Approach for the Asian Development Bank | Asian Development Bank ).
• Contribute to ADB policy development on sovereign operations, covering financing, safeguards, financial management, and procurement.
• Law and Policy Reform
• Support OGC's Law and Policy Reform Program under Strategy 2030 in areas like climate change, gender equity, digital economy, commercial law, judicial capacity, and anti-money laundering.
• Promote policy and law development through TA projects, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building efforts at bilateral and regional levels.
• Knowledge Sharing
• Monitor global regulatory changes affecting ADB's climate-related activities.
• Participate in training, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Prepare knowledge papers and articles on legal issues and OGC priority areas.
• Staff Supervision
• Lead reporting staff with clear guidance, performance monitoring, feedback, and development opportunities.

You Will Need

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in law (or equivalent) with lawyer admission in an ADB member country; or University degree in law (or equivalent) with lawyer admission in an ADB member country and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of relevant legal experience in the formulation and implementation of infrastructure development projects (project finance or PPP experience would be ideal), preparation and negotiation of international financing agreements and/or project agreements (e.g., concession or implementation agreements, PPAs, O&M, fuel supply, EPC etc.), advising government on development and implementation of complex infrastructure projects, and legal analysis of the status and organization of multilateral development and financing institutions. Relevant legal experience in the preparation and negotiation of financing agreements in sovereign operations is desirable.
• Proficiency in English language to present and defend legal arguments, both written and verbal.
• Experience working in multicultural teams, inspiring trust, and fostering a culture of cooperation and openness, with international experience across multiple countries.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Grade 2 (TI2)

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 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

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 .

ADB seeks 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.

Primary Location: Asian Development Bank Headquarters-Philippines-Manila

Staff Category: Technical International (HQ)