Associate Lawyer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in the countries where it operates. The EBRD is headquartered in London and has a diverse workforce of over 2,000 employees, operating in more than 30 countries across Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. The bank is a leader in climate finance, having deployed over €13 billion in financing in 2022, focusing on sustainable development and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure projects, and local manufacturers.

Job Overview:
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at EBRD plays a crucial role in supporting the bank's mandate by handling all legal aspects of its lending and investment transactions. The OGC provides legal advice on institutional and administrative matters and supports policy development through its legal transition program. The Associate Programme within OGC is designed for outstanding lawyers who will contribute their country, language, and academic knowledge to facilitate the bank's operations. Associates will be involved in various teams, including Banking Operations, Corporate, Corporate Recovery, and Legal Transition, each focusing on different legal aspects of the bank's work. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that emphasizes sustainability and market-oriented economic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Associates will be assigned to specific teams within the Office of the General Counsel, where they will be responsible for:

• Banking Operations: Handling legal aspects of the bank's lending and investment operations, ensuring compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Corporate: Managing legal matters related to the bank's corporate administration, including contracting, procurement, human resources, and donor funding.
• Corporate Recovery: Addressing legal issues related to the management of impaired assets, ensuring effective recovery strategies are in place.
• Legal Transition: Supporting the bank's policy development in its countries of operations through the Legal Transition Program, which involves conducting assessments, providing technical assistance, and developing laws and policies essential for a vibrant market-oriented economy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree from a leading university and have at least three years of prior work experience as a lawyer, either in private practice or within an in-house legal team. Familiarity with the areas of practice relevant to the bank's operations is essential, including conducting legal research, drafting, and negotiating legal documentation. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, the ability to manage multiple activities under time constraints, and a strong understanding of priorities. Additionally, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with a client-focused approach, are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A law degree from a recognized and reputable university is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles and practices, particularly those relevant to banking, corporate law, and international finance.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience as a lawyer. This experience can be gained through roles in private law firms or in-house legal departments, where candidates have developed expertise in legal research, documentation, and negotiation. Familiarity with the legal frameworks and practices in the jurisdictions where EBRD operates will be advantageous.

Languages:
A strong command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the EBRD's operational regions is considered a valuable asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a fixed-term contract of three years, commencing around 1 September 202

• The interview process is scheduled to take place between January and March 202
• The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office approximately 50% of their time. The bank values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, ensuring an inclusive workplace.