The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is looking for an experienced Human Resources (HR) and Legal Compliance Officer. Under the general supervision of the Director, Administration, Management and Coordination (AMC), the HR & Legal Compliance Officer will manage ADBIโs human resources and administrative operations, oversee contracts and legal matters, and provide strategic advice to senior management. This role ensures compliance with institutional policies and supports the smooth functioning of ADBIโs research, capacity-building and outreach activities. This is a Level C (senior) or Level D professional (international) staff position, based on ADBI standards depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Responsibilities
1. Human Resources Management
- Lead and oversee the full cycle of human resource management on behalf of the Instituteโs senior management and the Director, AMC, including strategic planning and operational execution of staff management activities.
- Coordinate end-to-end recruitment processes, including drafting and reviewing Terms of Reference (TORs), managing advertisements, engaging candidates during selection, and supporting decision-making and offer stages for professional staff, staff consultants, fellows, contractors, secondees, and interns; ensure smooth onboarding.
- Administer and approve term extensions for all eligible ADBI personnel.
- Manage performance and employment processes, including annual performance reviews, probationary assessments, confirmations, and separations.
- Provide expert guidance to management and staff on HR policies, benefits, and procedures; monitor and apply updates to ADB HR and rewards policies with appropriate adaptations for the Institute.
- Address and resolve HR-related issues, including performance concerns and harassment cases, ensuring compliance and fairness.
2. Contracts Management and Administrative Coordination
- Draft, review, and finalize contractual agreements with external parties and partners, including consultant contracts, commissioning letters, service orders, hotel agreements, memoranda of understanding, sponsor-funded secondments, publishing and partnership agreements.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve administrative policies, processes, systems, and forms; maintain comprehensive collections of key administrative documents.
- Serve as focal point for contributions to the Institute Special Fund, selection of ADBI Advisory Council members, and preparation of Board Papers related to contributions and Statute amendments.
- Conduct thorough review and quality assurance of project-related documentation, including activity profiles and budgets, at both inception and implementation stages.
- Maintain effective liaison with relevant counterpart departments at ADB Headquarters to ensure alignment and smooth coordination
3. Compliance and Legal Advisory:
- Provide legal guidance on the interpretation and application of the ADBI Statute, Administrative Orders, and related institutional policies; advise on general and specialized legal matters impacting the Institute.
- Advise and support resolution of contractual disputes and incidents, including issues involving staff, contractors, consultants, and partners; manage sensitive cases such as plagiarism and other compliance breaches.
- Ensure legal compliance in knowledge product dissemination, including intellectual property rights, licensing, permissions, and translation arrangements; safeguard ADBIโs interests in all publishing and distribution activities.
4. Others:
- Provide proactive support in preparing and executing bi-annual ADBI Advisory Council meetings, and contribute to the development of the Instituteโs three-year rolling work program and annual budget for Board approval, including all related board meeting preparations.
- Provide support to the Finance Officer and Accounting teams on budget management and professional staff benefits, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with institutional policies.
- Participate in the recruitment processes for agency support staff, as requested.
- Perform any additional duties or tasks as assigned by ADBI management to support the Instituteโs objectives.
Selection Criteria
- A university degree in a relevant disciplineโsuch as social sciences, law, human resources management, business administration, or related fieldsโpreferably at the postgraduate level or equivalent.
- At least 8 years of progressive experience in human resources, legal and administrative management, with a strong understanding of HR policies, rewards and benefits, and procedures, preferably within international development finance institutions or multinational organizations.
- Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to human resources and administration; as well as experience or training on legal issues such as labor, procurement and contract law, and intellectual property (including copyright).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural work environment.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Working knowledge and experience in an international and/or multilateral development organization is an asset.
Appointment Procedures
This is a fixed-term staff position based in Tokyo with an initial appointment of three years. At ADBIโs sole discretion, the term may be extended for an additional fixed period. Conversion to an open-ended or indefinite appointment is not permitted. A fixed-term appointment will automatically expire at the end of the original or any extended term without prior notice.
ADBI offers an internationally competitive compensation package based in US Dollars (paid in Japanese Yen). Salaries and expatriate benefits are generally free of tax except for citizens of some countries.
Applicants must be nationals of an ADB's member countries. International and regional experience will be taken into consideration.
Applicants are invited to apply online. Please attach a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Personal History Form.
Applications should be submitted no later than Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 5:00pm Tokyo time.
Upon submission, please wait for your application to load. Once completed, you will be redirected to a thank you page. Do not submit your application multiple times.
Women are encouraged to apply.
No telephone or e-mail submissions are accepted.
Only short-listed candidates will be notified.