Counsel (Operational Business Risk and Compliance)
Job Vacancy | Wednesday, March 11, 2026
| Reference Number | 260247 |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | TI1 |
| Department | Office of the General Counsel |
| Division | Office of the General Counsel |
| Location | Asian Development Bank Headquarters |
| Date Posted | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 |
| Closing Date | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT) |
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 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 appropriately. It prepares or reviews documents that create and define the legal rights or obligations of ADB, including financing and investment contracts.
The position is with OGC's Operational Business Risk and Compliance Unit (OBRCU) which has responsibility for identifying, managing and mitigating certain operational business risks, including: (i) the proper handling of material non-public information (MNPI) related to ADB's private sector clients; (ii) operational conflicts of interest; (iii) the observance of appropriate standards of business conduct when engaged in activities related to financial services; and (iv) adhering to ADB's client confidentiality obligations while also discharging its various public disclosure and reporting obligations, consistent with the requirements of ADB policies including the Access to Information Policy (2018). In these areas, OBRCU also has responsibility for formulating and implementing ADB's policies and for conducting internal training.
You will be assigned 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 work with OGC's Unit Head, Operational Business Risk and Compliance. You will also oversee Junior team members.
The position title on appointment is "Counsel".
Your Role
You will support OGC in achieving its key result areas by contributing to OBRCU's delivery of its operational support, policy and procedure formulation, internal training and capacity building and knowledge management activities. You may also participate in OGC's Law and Policy Reform program alongside the Counsel's core responsibilities.
You will:
a. Operational Support
- Lead in providing advice and transaction support on a range of operational business risk and compliance matters pertaining to the processing and administration of ADB's nonsovereign and sovereign operations and ADB's transaction advisory services work, including:
- Identify, mitigate and manage potential conflict of interests arising from ADB operations, including ethical "wall", disclosure and consent related matters.
- Analyze Material Nonpublic Information (MNPI) = risk and assisting ADB to implement its requirements and procedures about MNPI and its handling;
- Conduct ADB's operations when mobilizing and/or administering private sector capital and adherence to applicable financial services regulatory and best practice standards, as applicable to ADB as a multilateral development bank; and
- Advice on compliance with ADB's obligations of confidentiality to its clients while also following its public disclosure and reporting obligations according to its policies, procedures and reporting obligations to contributors
- You will lead due diligence and analysis and advise internal clients in the areas outlined above, instructing and collaborating with retained external counsel.
- Resolve complex issues and mitigate legal risk for ADB.
b. Formulation and Implementation of Procedures
- Develop, draft, review ADB's policies, procedures and guidelines in the operational and business risk areas outlined above.
- Liaise and collaborate with colleagues across ADB concerning the above.
c. Knowledge Development & Management and Staff Supervision
- You will monitor regulatory developments and international best practices relevant to OBRCU, including through liaison with comparator multilateral development banks and development finance institutions; develop and maintain key knowledge resources; and design internal training on operational business risk and compliance.
- Your work also involves supervising reporting staff by providing clear direction, regular performance feedback, and ongoing support to ensure their learning and professional development.
Qualifications
You will need:
- A University degree in Law or other field relevant to the role; preferably at post-graduate level or its equivalent.
- Admission to practice as a lawyer in an ADB member country, or alternatively a professional qualification relevant to to the position may be considered in lieu thereof.
- At least 6 years of relevant post-qualification legal or compliance experience, advising on financial services regulation or operational business risk and compliance matters in a financial services setting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to present and defend legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
- Ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-skilled teams.
- International experience working in several countries, including ADB developing member countries.
- We prefer experience working in an in-house counsel role or financial services regulatory compliance role.
- Experience working with multilateral or development finance institutions is an advantage.
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level 1.
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 position is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise previously sourced from the external workforce. The role seeks seasoned experts with substantial field experience capable of leading policy dialogue, and projects focused on delivering knowledge solutions. Successful applicants may occasionally undertake short-term assignments in other departments or offices, when required.
This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, 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 up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to 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.
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