Counsel, Banking Operations recruitment

Role Overview

The EBRD's Office of the General Counsel is at the core of EBRD's challenging mandate to support the transition process in the 29 emerging markets of central and eastern Europe, including the Russian Federation and central Asia, including Mongolia. It handles all legal aspects of the EBRD's lending and investment transactions, all legal aspects of the EBRD's finance operations, including its borrowings in the international capital markets, liquid asset investments and derivative transactions, provides legal advice for institutional and administrative matters, and implements a legal technical assistance programme to support the legal transition process in the region.

In addition the EBRD has been asked by its shareholders to extend its activities to the countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (in particular Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia) following the 'Arab Spring'. We are recruiting for several Counsel positions within the Banking Operations team.

Key Responsibilities Deliverables

- To work as an international transactional lawyer, advising on legal structuring options, and negotiating, and assisting in the implementation of EBRD's lending and investment operations (project finance transactions, other secured and unsecured lending operations, private equity investments, participation in private equity funds, etc); - To develop specialised expertise in the laws of various countries in which the EBRD invests and in the legal and policy issues associated with particular sectors in which the EBRD is active (e.g. agribusiness, financial institutions, natural resources, power and energy, property and tourism, and telecommunications, informatics and media);

- To help carry out the EBRD's policy mandate in the context of investment operations, e.g. with a view to ensuring compliance with international environmental standards and high standards of corporate governance and integrity; and

- To assist in fostering the development of the legal framework and environment of the EBRD current and prospective countries of operations.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.

Essential Skills, Experience Qualifications

- Have a law degree from a leading university in his or her home country and a post graduate degree from a leading university or professional experience in another country; - Be admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction and have academic qualifications or professional experience in both civil and common law;

- Fluency in Russian or Arabic or another language of the region, including a demonstrated skill to draft and negotiate in such language would be a distinct advantage;

- Relevant professional experience as a lawyer, in one of the following fields:

- Cross-border banking transactions involving the taking of security, e.g., project financing, asset financing, structured finance, leveraged buy-outs; BOT or concession financing); and/or

- Cross-border corporate or capital markets transactions (e.g., acquisitions, dispositions, mergers).

- Experience working in the EBRD current or prospective countries of operations, in particular Egypt, Jordan, Morocco Tunisia would be a distinct advantage;

- Have acquired professional experience at a top rated law firm;

- Be particularly interested in emerging markets work;

- Have an excellent command of the English language, including a demonstrated skill to draft and negotiate legal documents in English.

Competencies Personal Attributes

- Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment.

- Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences both within and outside of EBRD.

- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

- Good team player with strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

- Ability to handle pressure and work to challenging deadlines.

- Good organisational and multi-tasking skills.

- Interest in working with local counsel in EBRD's investment region to develop the Bank's knowledge of the laws of the various jurisdictions

- Attracted to the multicultural environment of EBRD as well as to the mission of the Bank