Counsel/Senior Counsel
Contract
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Counsel/Senior 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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the 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, advisory services, as well as early stage engagements and pre-investment project development work to identify opportunities for private sector investments and creating markets (“Upstream”); (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 and public-private partnerships, and investments in funds, as well as platform products; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. To support IFC’s growing activities in Asia, CLED is recruiting a qualified Counsel/ Senior Counsel, to be based in Hong Kong.
Role & Responsibilities:
• Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services in Asia. Provide advice and support to investment clients in equity, debt, project and corporate financings involving multiple financiers in a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness and services, financial institutions, infrastructure, funds, and blended finance. Responsibilities in respect of Advisory services will include oversight of legal analysts preparing documentation based on standardized terms and conditions. • Work with client departments as they embark on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of Upstream projects. • Interact and communicate with colleagues in Washington and other regions, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington and other regions working on projects in Asia and to share knowledge and experience gained in Asia across regions. • Mentor and coach business colleagues in the Asia region. • Assist in designing and delivering trainings. • Advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters. • Provide general legal advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in Asia. • Build strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business in Asia (including developing subject matter expertise for specific jurisdictions in Asia), and effectively share knowledge and best practices. • Advise on the selection of outside counsel for IFC projects in Asia, manage outside counsel and legal costs.
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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the 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, advisory services, as well as early stage engagements and pre-investment project development work to identify opportunities for private sector investments and creating markets (“Upstream”); (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 and public-private partnerships, and investments in funds, as well as platform products; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. To support IFC’s growing activities in Asia, CLED is recruiting a qualified Counsel/ Senior Counsel, to be based in Hong Kong.
Role & Responsibilities:
• Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services in Asia. Provide advice and support to investment clients in equity, debt, project and corporate financings involving multiple financiers in a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness and services, financial institutions, infrastructure, funds, and blended finance. Responsibilities in respect of Advisory services will include oversight of legal analysts preparing documentation based on standardized terms and conditions. • Work with client departments as they embark on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of Upstream projects. • Interact and communicate with colleagues in Washington and other regions, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington and other regions working on projects in Asia and to share knowledge and experience gained in Asia across regions. • Mentor and coach business colleagues in the Asia region. • Assist in designing and delivering trainings. • Advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters. • Provide general legal advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in Asia. • Build strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business in Asia (including developing subject matter expertise for specific jurisdictions in Asia), and effectively share knowledge and best practices. • Advise on the selection of outside counsel for IFC projects in Asia, manage outside counsel and legal costs.
Selection Criteria
• Qualified to practice law in one or more jurisdictions. • At least 10 – 12 years of relevant experience working on transactions in an international law firm and/or international financial institution and/or development institution. • Demonstrated ability to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot, escalate, and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges. • Demonstrated ability to assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make well-reasoned decisions. • Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment, to build and maintain effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC, and to work effectively in teams. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround expectations. • Willingness to travel within and outside Hong Kong frequently and on short notice. • Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information. • Excellent communications skills and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively at senior levels. • Demonstrated 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.