Counsel

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: GG contract. More about World Bank Group grade: GG contracts.

Counsel

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC Legal Department (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in (i) the delivery of IFC’s annual program of financing private sector projects in emerging markets; (ii) project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); (iii) the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity transactions; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. CLED works in close collaboration with all of IFC’s departments, including E&S departments.

CLED is recruiting a qualified Counsel, to be based in Washington, DC, to focus on advising and supporting on legal matters related to E&S matters.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The role will include but will not be limited to the following:

• Assist with advising on any revisions to and interpretations of IFC’s E&S policies, standards and procedures working in collaboration with senior CLED lawyers including the CLED Global Lead on E&S;

• Assist with advising on implementation of sensitive and/or complex issues of E&S policies and process in the context of specific projects and more broadly on a sector/industry basis;

• Provide legal advice on emerging and evolving E&S issues and track the development of legislation and international standards with respect to such issues (e.g., supply chain due diligence) working with the relevant sectoral and regional experts in CLED and E&S colleagues;

• Develop training and guidance for E&S staff on E&S issues in investment agreements and on preparing E&S disclosures and Board documentation working in collaboration with senior CLED lawyers including the CLED Global Lead on E&S;

• Assist with developing training for legal staff on addressing E&S risks in investment agreements and act as interlocutor between E&S and legal functions; participate with CLED in any improvement initiative regarding responses to E&S risks identified;

• Support E&S colleagues (in the E&S Policy and Risk Department (CES) which is responsible for oversight of IFC’s E&S Risk Management of projects) as well as Global and Regional project lawyers in CLED in developing responses to CAO cases and advise on communications with other external stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community complainants with input from Communication experts;

• Review and advise on knowledge products and tools produced for both internal and external consumption; and

• Assuming primary lawyer responsibility for a limited number of industry projects.

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC Legal Department (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in (i) the delivery of IFC’s annual program of financing private sector projects in emerging markets; (ii) project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); (iii) the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity transactions; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. CLED works in close collaboration with all of IFC’s departments, including E&S departments.

CLED is recruiting a qualified Counsel, to be based in Washington, DC, to focus on advising and supporting on legal matters related to E&S matters.

Selection Criteria

• Post-graduate/master’s degree in law: All applicants must have obtained a degree in law (J.D, L.L.M., PhD, or equivalent), and must be qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.

• 8-12 years practicing law with demonstrated work experience in corporate law, cross-border transactions and environmental and social law and compliance in emerging markets, with a well-recognized international law firm and/or an international financial institution or bilateral development institution.

• Knowledge of internationally recognized environmental and/or social standards (IFC’s Sustainability Framework or similar), international environmental law, international human rights law, and lender/investor liability required. Operational experience applying or interpreting E&S policies or standards a plus.

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely in spoken and written English is essential. Legal Drafting, Research and Communication: Proven ability to draft transactional documentation (e.g., loan agreements), briefs, policy and compliance related documents, with limited supervision. Conducts research as necessary to acquire insight and information. Is aware of the need for precision and focus on quality.

• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze and synthesize diverse information sources.

• Ability to assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make fair, well-reasoned, independent and transparent decisions taking into account divergent views of multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to deal with sensitivity in a multicultural environment and to build effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organize and prioritize deliverables, and maintain attention to detail.

• Sound judgment, willingness to take appropriate risks and make decisions and take responsibility for them including by prioritizing issues, finding practical solutions, managing critical details while focusing on the big picture.

• Willingness to travel.

• Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.

• Demonstrates commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.