Senior Legal Advisor The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.
The Senior Legal Adviser provides expert legal guidance on complex and high-impact issues central to AIIB's mission and strategic priorities. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the role serves as the lead legal authority on environmental and social matters, dispute resolution, and public international law, while supporting the Legal Department's strategic planning, operations, and internal coordination. This position represents a senior leadership role within the Legal Department, contributing substantively to the development and implementation of legal policies, institutional governance, and knowledge management.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Legal Department's focal point on all matters related to AIIB's Environmental and Social Framework, including legal interpretation and support on cross-cutting issues such as climate change, biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples, and involuntary resettlement.
- Provide legal advice to the General Counsel on operational matters, international law, and institutional policy, including matters involving the Operational Policy on International Relations and project-related complaints.
- Represent the Legal Department on issues related to dispute resolution mechanisms and support the Bank's management in handling project-related grievances.
- Advise on complex legal issues across operations and special assignments as delegated by the General Counsel, ensuring timely and strategic input into Bank transactions.
- Serve as the Legal Department's lead on Special Fund Operations and grant-related activities, offering guidance to ensure legal compliance and alignment with institutional standards.
- Act as a liaison for the Compliance, Effectiveness and Integrity Unit (CEIU), ensuring coordination and clarity on related legal matters.
- Represent the Legal Department or act on behalf of the General Counsel in key internal governance bodies, including the Screening Committee, Investment Committee, Management Meeting, and ExCom, as required.
- Support the General Counsel in internal coordination with all three units of the Legal Department and represent the department in engagements both within and outside the Bank.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Legal Department's strategic plan, including inputs on budgeting, staffing, and talent development.
- Lead training and onboarding for legal staff, particularly for new lawyers, and foster a collaborative environment of learning and excellence across the department.
- Undertake legal research and other ad hoc assignments as directed by the General Counsel.
Requirements:
- A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in a legal department of an IFI.
- In-depth knowledge of the legal and policy framework of the AIIB, especially on the Environmental and Social Framework, the Operational Policy on International Relations, and the Policy on the Project-affected People's Mechanism, as well as proven track record of providing operational advice on environmental and social policy matters.
- Proven track record of operational experience.
- Proven track record of trust and/or special funds work.
- Proven track record of successfully leading negotiations.
- Intimate familiarity with the lending instruments of the Bank.
- Proven experience in the areas of climate finance and biodiversity matters.
- Proven track record in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including Members, clients, and civil society organizations.
- Experience of managing diverse teams of different levels of seniority.
- The stature and personality needed to manage and lead staff so that the legal and other services they provide fully meet the Bank's needs.
- The ability to command the confidence of those with whom the incumbent works.
- To be qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction and fluency in the English language, both oral and written.
AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation.
Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.
Join us and help create a prosperous and sustainable Asia while growing your career in a diverse and innovative environment.
ALL CURRENT VACANCIES * Closing Date: All opportunities close at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+8) on the dates listed.
** Job Type: Recruitment of staff is conducted through a merit-based competitive selection process. AIIB shall strive to provide employment opportunities open to all suitably qualified applicants, regardless of religion, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or nationality.