Senior Legal Counsel - Administrative Affairs at the African Development Bank (AfDB)

African Development Bank (AfDB) - Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank's development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel - Administrative Affairs

Reference: ADB/17/151
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL5
Position N°: NA

The Complex

• The President, plans, supervises and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund.
• The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President; Independent Development Evaluation Department; Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department; Compliance Review and Mediation Unit; Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board; Administrative Tribunal; Office of the Auditor General; Group Risk Management Directorate;  General Counsel and Legal Services Department; Communication and External Relations Department; Staff Integrity and Ethics Office and Office of the Secretary General & General Secretariat.

The Hiring Department

• The General Counsel and Legal Services Department (PGCL) delivers legal advice and services to the statutory organs of the Bank and the Fund: Boards of the Bank and the Fund, to Senior Management, to Regional Directorates and more generally to the whole Bank. The department is also protects the interest of the Bank from legal liability and as necessary provide legal representation in cases filed against or brought by the Bank.
• The role of the Administrative Affairs Division (PGCL4) is to provide legal advice and assistance in connection with (i) litigation of any nature brought by or against the Bank (including legal action against the Bank through its own internal recourse mechanisms), (ii) all legal aspects pertaining to the Bank’s rules, regulations, procedures and processes in respect of human resources management including employment contracts, staff performance management, benefits, discipline and separation, (iii) institutional procurement, (iv) corporate legal issues arising from the interpretation and application of various Bank instruments, and (v) insurance and pension matters, (vi) cooperation with public sector or private sector entities, including Non-Government Organizations.

The Position

• The overall responsibility of Senior Legal Counsel - Administrative Affairs will be to ensure the correct interpretation of, and compliance with the various Bank’s policies, rules, regulations and procedures applicable to staff (including Staff Rules and Regulations, applicable Presidential Directives and Administrative Instructions), corporate procurement, and delegation of authority.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, Administrative Affairs (PGCL4), the Senior Legal Counsel - Administrative Affairs will provide legal advice and assistance in connection with litigation, all legal aspects pertaining to the Bank’s rules, regulations, procedures and processes in respect of human resources management, institutional procurement, corporate legal issues, insurance and pension matters, and cooperation with public sector or private sector entities, including Non-Government Organizations. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Prepare drafts of opinions on constitutional and corporate legal issues arising from the interpretation and application of the agreements establishing the Bank and the Fund;
• Advise on matters pertaining to the privileges, immunities and exemptions of the Bank and the Fund and those of officers, employees, experts and consultants of the Bank;
• Participate in the preparation and representation of the defense of the Bank in internal litigation, including internal administrative review, appeal and Administrative Tribunal proceedings and coordinate the work of external counsel in external litigation in which the Bank is a party or may have an interest;
• Advise on, negotiate, and prepare contracts for the acquisition of goods and services for the Bank including consulting and professional services, intellectual property, information technology, in accordance with the Bank’s procurement rules and financial regulations, and provide legal support and advice regarding existing contracts or new contracts to be entered into;
• Draft legal opinions and memoranda on all administrative and human resources management matters of the Bank, including the drafting, review and amendment of employment contracts and other related legal documents, as well as advise on all legal issues relating to personnel matters, including staff benefits;
• Advise on insurance matters and on administrative and policy matters concerning Staff Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits Plan, and provide legal support that may be required in respect of the Staff Retirement Plan and the Medical Benefits Plan;
• Provide legal services in the negotiation and finalization of legal instruments of co-operation between the Bank and the Fund and bilateral and multilateral partners;
• Prepare, negotiate and finalize host agreements and other instruments required to ensure the Bank’s presence in its member countries;
• Maintain existing contact with legal services of other multilateral institutions and of member states and with the legal profession in general in member states of the Bank on matters relating to the functions and activities of the Bank and Fund;
• Undertake such other assignments as required by the Division Manager - Administrative Affairs or the General Counsel.

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Hold at least a Master's or equivalent degree in Law and admission to the Bar of one of the African Development Bank member countries; or a Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the Bar of one of the African Development Bank member countries;
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in similar jobs, preferably with a reputable international law firm, a legal department of a private or public entity, or an international financial institution with proven technical competence and experiences;
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous and shifting demands, priorities and tight deadlines;
• Good skills in communication and negotiation as well as the ability to build partnerships with a broad range of clients and deliver results that meet the needs of the Legal Services Department’s work program;
• Good knowledge of the current trend of development and familiarity with international law, and related matters;
• Capacity to draft and negotiate agreements of all manners and form that balances the standards and norms of outside parties with the unique requirements of the Bank;
• Effective consulting and advisory skills that enable clients and help resolve their legal questions.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to work with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams;
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other;
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications; knowledge of SAP is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
9th June, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online