Assistant General Counsel

As an Assistant General Counsel, you will take a lead role in (1) the planning, implementation, and supervision of OGC’s vision, goals, strategies and work plan, (2) oversight of the provision of legal support services by a team of lawyers in the preparation, negotiation, processing, and administration of sovereign loan and grant projects, including cofinancing and guarantees, and ensure the quality of work being supervised, (3) identifying and managing related legal risks, (4) contributing to the development of strategies and frameworks for law and policy reform in ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs), and (5) working directly with client departments and provide guidance on day-to-day operational issues and compliance with ADB policies. The Assistant General Counsel will report to the General Counsel and will supervise several International, National, and Administrative Staff.

Leadership and Strategic Management:

• Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and supervising work plans, as well as monitor the quality of output and the achievement of long term goals and OGC’s annual objectives.
• Provide leadership in professional and operational matters, taking the lead in contributing new or innovative approaches to policy and operational issues.

Division Operations Management:

• Oversee effective day-to-day operations and provide guidance on operational issues and ADB policies.
• Inform and provide recommendations to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in area of sovereign operations.
• Facilitate effective coordination and cooperation with other ADB departments and internal stakeholders.
• Undertake the performance management of the team, including coaching and motivating staff.
• Manage budget and resource allocation for the team, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources, including staffing and training requirements.

Operations Legal Support:

• Provide leadership and supervision in the preparation, negotiation, processing, and administration of sovereign loan and grant projects, including cofinancing and guarantees, particularly those involving more complex, non-routine matters with the possibility of moderate to high risks.

Law and Policy Reform;

• Contribute to the development of strategies and frameworks for legal reform in line with the overall strategy and recognized constraints for the countries and sectors concerned, as well as the mainstreaming of law and policy reforms in ADB operations.

Knowledge Management:

• Lead or contribute to the writing and review of policy papers, legal research, and dissemination of policy and best practices in a given field.
• Perform a significant role in guiding and mentoring staff, and substantively contribute to the design of professional and operational training or development activities in the field of expertise.
• Lead in the design and oversee staff training programs, and programs and policies aimed at cultivating talent and staff’s pursuit of career paths.

External and Internal Relations:

• Manage relationships between OGC and its clients to ensure client orientation in the delivery of services while maintaining integrity of ADB operations.
• Contribute to meetings with Management and Senior Staff in areas under the Assistant General Counsel’s supervision and participate in committees and task forces.

Staff Supervision:

• Create and lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of its work.
• Manage the performance of the team and its members, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to the team and its members and ensure their on-going learning and development.
• Oversee and provide support in the recruitment of OGC positions.

Qualifications:

You will need:

• Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree, or equivalent, and admission as a lawyer in one or more of ADB’s member countries. Specialized experience in management, administration and/or finance, preferably in international financial institutions, legal departments, law firms or similar organizations.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience with practical experience in the formulation and implementation of project finance transactions, preparation and negotiation of international financing agreements, and legal analysis of the status and organization of multilateral development and financing institutions. Proven leadership capabilities.
• Able to work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Able to inspire trust and confidence and to promote a strong culture of honesty, trust and openness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required to lead and manage a team of highly skilled professionals and creating/maintaining an environment that encourages responsible information and knowledge sharing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required. Must be able to communicate, present and defend complex legal arguments and issues with a high degree of competence.
• International experience working in several countries.
• An understanding of the operational policies and programs of ADB or similar multilateral development bank (MDB) with hands-on knowledge of or exposure to ADB’s or other MDB operations is desirable.

Source:  https://www.adb.org/careers/240258